Discover Bay: Coast, Water and Culture

Bay appeals to travelers who don’t want the coast to be the sole focus of their vacation: alongside white-sand beaches, water activities, nature experiences and culture are also highlights. When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to decide early what you want to focus on. Should your stay revolve mainly around the coast and boat trips, outdoor activities, or museums and music? The places and topics below offer concrete ideas to help you decide.

Coast and Water Activities

Bay County stretches along 27 miles of white-sand beaches on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Panama City Beach in Bay County has more than 50 sunken wrecks that can be explored by diving. Wreck diving is therefore a clearly defined activity for travelers who want to spend their time on the water actively.

Another option is the seasonal shuttle boat tours to Shell Island, which depart from the mainland at St. Andrews State Park in spring and summer. Shell Island is accessible only by boat. Since seasonal operations can change, check before your trip whether the tours are running on your travel dates. This lets you distinguish between planning around diving and a boat tour tied to the season.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Kayaking is a recreational activity available at St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve. Panama City Beach Conservation Park was established for cyclists, hikers and nature lovers. These offerings represent different ways to spend time outdoors: on the water, on foot or by bike. If you’re traveling with children and family members have different interests, you can weigh these different types of activities when planning your vacation.

Culture, History and Food

The Bay County History Museum serves as an educational resource for the public and presents exhibits and educational programs. On February 21, 2026, the museum opened the exhibition “Bayside Bounty — The Culinary Heritage of Bay County” as a Smithsonian-FOOD exhibition. Its title puts a distinctive focus on the region’s culinary heritage. Another historical point of interest is the Governor Stone, a schooner built in 1877 and designated a National Historic Landmark.

In Panama City, the Mural Trail invites visitors to discover more than 15 murals in the city’s historic districts. The Panama City Publishing Company Museum offers hands-on experiences with historic printing presses. The Native Spirit Museum and Gallery celebrates Native American culture. Together, these topics offer different ways to explore history and culture—from mural art and printing technology to cultural heritage.

Music is also part of the offering: the Panama City Symphony’s “Musically Up Close” series presents free chamber music concerts once a month in the City Hall rotunda. Concert dates can change, so check the schedule in advance if you’re planning to attend. ZooWorld in Bay County is home to more than 200 animals; the animal population may change.

Getting There and Choosing a Vacation Rental

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is about 20 minutes from Panama City Beach. Actual travel time varies with traffic, so use this as an approximate guide for your journey. When searching for a vacation rental, you can start by deciding which experiences you want to shape your trip: water and seasonal boat tours, outdoor activities, or culture and history.

Explore more destinations: Panama City, Panama City Beach, Upper Grand Lagoon, Callaway, Mexico Beach, Escambia, Charlotte, Baker County.

For the main travel overview: Florida.