Fun At Pier Park In Panama City Beach

Are you all prepped for an adventure that blends fun, shopping, dining, and breathtaking views of the Gulf Of Mexico? Not too soon after you arrive, it'll be time to head off to Pier Park in Panama City Beach, where fun meets relaxation is the treat of the day or evening. Trust me. As your informal guide, I am more than eager to share all about what I've experienced here. Let's dive in!

Known by us locals as the unofficial downtown of Panama City Beach, Pier Park bustles with life every day of the year. 19 million visitors annually come to this one million square foot open-air shopping center to shop, eat, and have a great time.

When I lived back in the Pacific NW, there was an open-air shopping center called Lloyd Center that I visited often in my younger days. It was so much fun and put some great memories in my brain bone that I fondly recall to this day. When I discovered Pier Park soon after moving here to the Panhandle of Florida, it brought all that giddiness flooding back.

So, what's there to do at Pier Park in Panama City Beach?

Well, to begin with, it offers over 125 retail stores. You'll find a mixture of popular retail giants, eclectic boutiques, and souvenir stores. This makes Pier Park not only an essential stop for fashion divas but also for those hunting for some unique memorabilia to take back home. It has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Do you love shopping at famous brand stores? Pier Park has you covered! You can expect to explore stores like Target, Dillard's, Forever 21, Marshalls, Old Navy, and many more. Each store offers a plethora (I think I sprained my tongue!) of items ranging from fashionable attire, beauty products, household items, to toys for your kiddos. Of course, you can find these mainstream stores almost anywhere, but I just wanted to make you aware that they are here if you want them. I much prefer the quirky, local shops.

Pier Park also hosts an array of those kind of unique shops that make it stand out. You'll stumble upon specialty stores such as Kilwins Ice Cream & Fudge of PCB - a place that smells like heaven for the sweet-toothed, and certainly a spot you simply can't afford to miss if you enjoy the old-fashioned gooey creamy stuff. Included in the bunch is Coastal Casuals, Just Beachy Gifts and Decor, Beef Jerky Experience, and Beach Hut. I enjoy places that I can't find elsewhere.

An often overlooked but interesting part of Pier Park is its beautiful landscaping. It's all very clean and well kept. You'll find patches of serene greenery where you can sit, relax, and soak in the atmosphere. For people watchers, it's all sure to satisfy. Sometimes, being old, I just need to take a load off and take a break.

SkyWheel at Pier Park

Pier Park shopping

Hungry? Time to eat at the Pier Park restaurants...

After a long satisfying day of retail therapy, your stomach might start grumbling and crying for some attention. Okey doke! You can appease your hunger at Pier Park's ample eateries that offer yummy cuisines from around this big, blue planet.

Are you craving Mexican food? Then head straight to San Marcos Mexican Grill. This restaurant serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in a bright, cheery setting. Or, maybe something simple but surprisingly good. That would be Nathan's Famous. Before Nathan's, I thought all hot dogs tasted alike. They made a liar out of me!

The always popular Dick’s Last Resort is an interesting place to eat and enjoy a little bit of silliness. Notorious for its intentionally sassy staff, you'll enjoy some good food and a hearty laugh. Sometimes, you just need to cut loose. Am I right?

Would you prefer some seafood? I mean, you are at the beach, right? Panama City Beach is renowned for the freshest of seafood. I think you'll really love the Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House. Here you'll experience a taste of the freshest catch straight from the Gulf of Mexico, including Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Back Porch Mahi, Oysters On The Half-Shell, and Amberjack (a rich and buttery-tasting fish).

One place you have to stop at in Pier Park is Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. It's a lively place with fun surroundings and good food. If nothing else, just to say you've been there. Have your camera at the ready. RIP, Jimmy. We miss you.

One thing that makes the dining experience at Pier Park in Panama City Beach really special is the abundance of al fresco dining options. Many eateries here have outdoor seating where you can enjoy your lunch or dinner while taking in the scenic beach views. There is simply nothing as wonderful as a nice meal, a refreshing drink, while catching the breeze off the ocean and a lovely sunset.

Fun things to do at Pier Park...

Apart from shopping and eating, Pier Park in Panama City Beach offers a string of fun things to do. One of the attractions is the Grand IMAX Theater, where you can catch the latest movie releases in an amazingly immersive way. An attraction that is simply too big to miss is the SkyWheel, a giant ferris wheel that will take you roughly 20 stories up (180 ft to be exact). You'll catch quite the breathtaking view, with the ocean only a short distance down the way. You spotted that manatee way over there, didn't you? He's waving back! 😁

As the sun starts to set, why not head to the pier itself? It's a lovely place to watch the sky change colors as the sun dips down into the horizon. Head across the street from Pier Park and you'll find the 1,500 ft Russell-Fields Pier. This is a terrific place to walk out onto or bring your poles for some great fishing. You'll find a lot of fellow fishermen there to swap big fish stories with.

If you're wanting a tad bit of exercise, Pier Park is an excellent spot for a casual jog or a brisk walk. The pedestrian-friendly walkways and ocean view make for a tranquil, motivational backdrop. It's the perfect place for stretching those muscles.

At Beach Access Point 56, on the other side of the street from Pier Park's main entrance, you'll find the entrance to Dog Beach. If you brought Fido along, he's going to love it! Read more about Dog Beach right here.

I probably don't need to point this out, but an evening at the beach as the sun dips low and the lights come on is a really special time to be here. It's the perfect time to come and enjoy the nightlife at Pier Park.

Wrapping things up...

As we wind things down, the sense of community that Pier Park generates is electric. With numerous events hosted here, including the Mardi Gras And Music Festival, the Pirates Of The High Seas Festival (ARRRG, Matey!), and the New Year's Eve ball drop and fireworks, there's always something going on to keep you and your family engaged.

From shopping fanatics to food lovers, film buffs to us beach lovers, Pier Park is truly the place where everyone finds some joy and excitement. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your flip-flops and your sun hat, and immerse yourself in the excitement and fun that is Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida! 😎

Once you decide that Panama City and Panama City Beach are great places to call home permanantly, you'll find that Pier Park will quickly turn into a very happy and comfortable place to visit, over and over again.

After you partake (or maybe you're a local already), I and others would love to hear about your adventures at Pier Park. What did you do? Where did you shop and eat? How was it all? Make someone's vacation better by sharing all about it below.

Fore more information about Pier Park, visit their web site.