The Best Summer Events & Attractions in Panama City Beach, Florida

If you're looking for an amazing summer vacation destination, look no further than Panama City Beach, Florida! This beautiful city on the Gulf Coast is one of the premier beach destinations in the United States.

Here, you'll find miles and miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy during your stay. There is no shortage of things to do in this city, especially during the summer months. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly environment or a place to let loose and have some fun, Panama City Beach has something for everyone.

Here are some of the best summer events and attractions that Panama City Beach has to offer:

The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam

This annual music festival is the largest of its kind in Northwest Florida. It features three days of live music from some of the biggest names in country, rock, and pop.  It is held at Frank Brown Park, in a 200-acre complex that includes an amphitheater, a general admission lawn, and a VIP area.

The Gulf Coast Jam attracts tens of thousands of people to Panama City Beach each year, so if you're looking for a party atmosphere, this is the place to be!

Panama City Beach Summer Concert Series

If you're looking for a more laid-back musical experience, the Panama City Beach Summer Concert Series is the perfect event for you.  This series features live music from local and regional bands, as well as some national acts.  It takes place every Tuesday night from June to August at the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater.

The concerts are free to attend, so this is a great activity if you're on a budget. The sounds of summer music will fill the air, and you can bring your lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy it. Coolers are welcome with food for those who want an extra appetite boost!

Real. Fun. Fourth.

The Real Fun Fourth event is a weekend-long marathon of activities celebrating  Independence Day. Tune into the Fourth Of July celebrations in Panama City Beach where the city hosts two nights of spectacular firework displays and several waterfront restaurants and resorts host a variety of events and activities. Among the main highlights are the "Light Up the Bay Fireworks" event at Papa Joe's Bayside, the "Light UP the Gulf Fireworks" at the Boardwalk Beach Hotel and the "Freedom Rocks! Fireworks" at the Grand Lagoon Bridge.

There's no better way to celebrate America than with a long walk along the beach, fireworks displays that will take your breath away and views from different locations all leading up towards one event: Independence Day!

Light Up the Gulf Fireworks Show

If you're looking for a truly spectacular show, be sure to check out the Light Up the Gulf Fireworks Show. This annual event is one of the largest fireworks displays on the Gulf Coast. It takes place on the evening of July 3rd at the beach in front of the Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center.

The entire event is free, including live entertainment, contests and beach activities. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the Gulf of Mexico, and they can be seen from anywhere on the beach. It's a great way to celebrate Independence Day!

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

This 20-acre water park is one of the most popular attractions in Panama City Beach. This massive water park features over 20 rides and attractions, including slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. 

Your family will have a blast at this awesome water park. You can enjoy the Great Shipwreck, which is a 17th century sailing ship that swings you out into a blue lagoon pool from its decks with nothing but sea below and sky above! There are also other attractions like Zoom Flume - three-lane weaving mat racing slide; and Skull Island, a pirate themed family pool with a tipping bucket holding 700 gallons of fresh water. There is also a separate area just for kids.

Shipwreck Island is the perfect place to cool off on those hot summer days. Your entire family will have a blast!

Dolphin Tours

Panama City Beach is home to many bottlenose dolphins. You can see them up close by taking one of the many dolphin tours that are offered in the area. These tours take you out into the Gulf of Mexico, where you can see dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat.

Head over to Panama City Beach Marina to take one of these tours. You can choose from a variety of different tour options, such as a dolphin watching tour, a sunset cruise, or even a private charter. These tours are great for all ages and are a unique way to experience the beauty of Panama City Beach.

Gulf World Marine Park

This family-friendly attraction is home to dolphins, penguins, sharks, sea lions, and more. Gulf World Marine Park has something for everyone. The best part about going on visiting Gulf World is the unique opportunity of directly interacting with these beautiful dolphins - whether it's playing alongside them during 1 hour sessions designed just for small groups.  

Gulf World is a great place to take your family for an unforgettable experience. You can swim with dolphins, feed the penguins or even meet a real mermaid! You can get up close to other amazing sea creatures like stingrays, penguins & sea lions while you're there too! There are plenty more activities including shows throughout the day that will keep everyone entertained all weekend long.

ZooWorld Zoological Park

ZooWorld is truly a place for everyone to enjoy. It is home to more than 230 animals, including birds, reptiles, bears, tigers and lions. Enjoy your day while watching the animals in their natural habitats or getting up close and personal with some of them. You can feed the giraffes while they're on exhibit or pet kangaroos at your leisure. There's also a bird aviary where you interact with some feathered friends. 

Zoo World Park has a lush tropical landscape that stretches up to 5 acres with boardwalks and paths leading through it so visitors can feel like they are in the jungle while walking on them. There's educational shows throughout the day which show animals from all across the Earth including their habitats - a great way to learn about these amazing creatures.

Summary

As you can see, Panama City Beach is one of the premier beach destinations in the United States due to its beautiful beaches, great weather, and many attractions. These were just a few of the many events and attractions that Panama City Beach has to offer during the summer months.  So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!