The 5 Most Gorgeous Beaches You Don't Want To Skip Near Panama City, According To Tripadvisor
Panama City in northwestern Florida is often confused with the neighboring destination of Panama City Beach. As they are only 20 minutes apart, Panama City is the ultimate gateway to this iconic Spring Break spot. That said, Panama City Beach (pictured) provides visitors with a fun-filled seaside vacation. The activities are never-ending, from water adventures to attractions like Shipwreck Island Waterpark to Ripley's Believe It or Not! and the M.B. Miller County Pier.
Of course, its alluring soft white sand and year-round summer-like conditions also draw in tourists. However, visitors to both destinations might not realize that there are other beaches in and around the area. Best of all, they are just as stunning as Panama City Beach and great for avoiding the crowds.
Islands searched websites like Tripadvisor and blog posts written by local businesses and travel bloggers to bring you the most beloved beaches in the region. They include islands, hidden gems, and more. One of the most timeless things you can do in Florida is explore all of the fantastic beaches the Sunshine State has to offer. So put on your sunglasses and grab a towel and sunscreen; you won't want to miss out on these beaches.
Camp Helen State Park
Here's a place in Panama City Beach you might not be aware of: Camp Helen State Park. This scenic nature destination has a white sand beach for swimming. Camp Helen State Park is also home to Lake Powell, ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. If needed, rentals are available at the park. Fishing is allowed at Lake Powell, and there are a few different hiking trails. In other words, this is the place to go if you want a beach day and outdoor adventure.
One person on Tripadvisor wrote, "If you enjoy a day, walking along trails, with nature all around, kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico, swimming in emerald, green water, camping, listening to wildlife, as you turn in, for the evening, then you need to plan a visit."
In addition, Camp Helen State Park is a historic site. In fact, according to Florida State Parks, nine buildings in the park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, some of which predate the 1940s. Make sure to check these out during your visit. Camp Helen State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Admission ranges from $2 to $4. Note that there is no lifeguard on duty.
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is a little-known paradise located in Panama City Beach. It's rated on Tripadvisor as No. 2 of 52 things to do in Panama City — even receiving a Traveler's Choice award in 2023 — and features deep blue waters and a white sand shore. An array of activities are available, including swimming, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and more. In addition, there is a shallow lagoon swimming area available for children. Snorkel gear can be rented at the park's concession stand, and the park also offers a dolphin snorkel tour.
But that's not all. Visitors can also rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddleboards for a half or full day. All rentals and tours can be booked online. Overall, St. Andrews State Park is perfect for those wanting an adventurous beach day with family or friends. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Admission is $8 per vehicle (two or more individuals are included for this price). If you work up an appetite during your beach time, a small eatery in the park serves fast-food classics and cold drinks.
For those who want to extend their beach day, camping is available at St. Andrews State Park for $28 a night. Tents and RVs are welcome, and each site features water and electricity. You can make a reservation online. For a unique experience, book an eco-tent instead.
Shell Island
Undoubtedly one of the best islands in Florida, Shell Island is off the coast of Panama City Beach. It's a barrier island featuring seven miles of uninhabited beach and is known for being a popular swimming and snorkeling spot. With 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, it's renowned for its beauty and secluded ambiance. Picture white sand, crystal clear waters, and nothing else — not even bathrooms. Thus, if you plan on visiting Shell Island, bring your drinks, snacks, chairs, and anything else you might need for the day.
There are also no trash cans on the island, so everything you bring with you must also be brought back with you. Visitors can take a ferry from the mainland to Shell Island. One provider is the Shell Island Shuttle. It departs from Panama City Beach and takes 15 minutes to arrive to Shell Island. At the time of this publication, a roundtrip ticket is less than $30 for children and adults. You can purchase tickets online.
The Shell Island Shuttle's hours vary per season. Consider when the last boat departs from Shell Island, so you know when to wrap up your beach day. If you are interested, you can also rent snorkeling gear with the Shell Island Shuttle.
Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is a hidden treasure an hour away from Panama City. It's part of 30A, a Florida highway known for its stunning beaches. One reviewer on Tripadvisor wrote in March 2024, "Santa Rosa Beach is a beautiful, pristine beach to enjoy your time at, either solo or with others. The sand is beautiful and the ocean views are intoxicating." However, another must-visit in the area is Blue Mountain Beach.
This Santa Rosa Beach neighborhood is home to quaint local businesses, including Blue Mountain Bakery and Blue Mountain Beach Creamery, which are ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Like Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach is also beloved on Tripadvisor. Reviewers say that it's clean and comparable to the beaches of the Caribbean.
While you're in Santa Rosa Beach, make sure to stop by Grayton Beach State Park. This picturesque destination allows swimming, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Moreover, you can expect to encounter lush greenery and wildlife, including birds and gray foxes. Grayton Beach State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Admission is $5 for each vehicle with two or more individuals. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty.
Miramar Beach
Located about an hour and 20 minutes from Panama City, Miramar Beach, near Destin, Florida, has it all. This includes an immaculate coastline with white sand perfect for sunbathing after a cool ocean dip. "The beaches are beautiful white sands with water that varies from emerald green to aqua blue," one visitor wrote on Tripadvisor. Visitors and thrill seekers can enjoy parasailing, banana boat rides, and more. All of these activities can be booked online at Miramar Beach Parasail. Prices vary per season, but you can expect to pay less than $100 for each excursion at the time of this publication.
Miramar Beach is also home to Dolphin Reef, a unique artificial reef in the shape of a dolphin. This spot is ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. A local tour operator provides snorkeling tours of Dolphin Reef, which can be booked online. Likewise, kayaks, paddleboards, and other beach equipment rentals are also available online.
One popular eatery near the beach is Pompano Joe's. The restaurant has ocean views and serves Caribbean-inspired fare, seafood, and more. If you need a place to stay, head to the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. It has amenities, including four pools, complimentary kayak rentals, and more. Depending on when you make a reservation, you can find prices for less than $300 a night.
Our methodology
Using Tripadvisor, we narrowed down the top-rated beaches for readers based on top-ranking reviews. Blog posts and further research also contributed to our decision-making. We ensured the beaches were accessible to the public and less than an hour and a half from Panama City, Florida. Additionally, we chose beaches that offered plenty of activities and amenities for groups or families. These features were considered so you could effortlessly plan a vacation or day trip to these nearby Panama City beach destinations.