15 Things to Do in Panama City Beach That Aren’t a Bar

You’re going to spend the nights where everyone spends the nights. The days are where a PCB trip gets good. Fifteen things worth your daylight, roughly in order of how often people wish they’d done them.

1. Shell Island. An undeveloped barrier island a short boat ride from the marina. Clear water, real shells, dolphins on the way. The one trip everyone should take. Full guide.
2. Dolphin tour. Pontoon or catamaran, a couple of hours, near-guaranteed sightings in March.
3. Jet skis. Rent by the half hour or hour; some operators run guided rides out to Shell Island. Book ahead in peak week.
4. Parasailing. Ten minutes in the air, the whole coastline underneath you. Weather-dependent, so book early in the week.
5. St. Andrews State Park. Calm-water lagoon for swimming, a jetty for snorkeling, and the quietest beach in town.
6. Russell-Fields Pier. Walk out, watch the surfers and the pelicans, get the photo.
7. Pier Park. Shops, restaurants, and the place to replace whatever you forgot to pack.
8. A day party. The official ones are on the Club Card calendar; they’re the bridge between beach and night.
9. Deep-sea fishing. Half-day charters go out every morning. Bring a group, split the boat.
10. Sunset from the beach. Every night. It’s free and it’s the best thing here.
11. Go-karts and mini golf. Loud, dumb, fun, and open late.
12. Kayak or paddleboard the calm side. The Grand Lagoon side is flat water even when the Gulf isn’t.
13. Brunch somewhere with a view. The hangover breakfast is a spring break institution. Our picks.
14. A rainy-day plan. March weather has off days. Here’s what to do.
15. Nothing. Beach, chair, water bottle, nap. The people who schedule every hour of spring break are the ones who crash by Wednesday.

Anything on the water sells out in Week 3. Book before you arrive.