Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Panama City?

Q: Is one day enough time in Panama City?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the active beach town of Panama City, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the nightlife, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Panama City?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Panama City, Florida? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Panama City during their visit. After all, the active beach town will let you swim at the beach, grab some drinks at a bar, taste delicious cuisine, and admire the wonderful scenery.

Panama City is a beach city that is lined with sandy beaches and blue water. Many visitors stay in waterfront condos that are next to the beaches in high rise buildings. The city is family-friendly, but during spring break it fills with students who are ready to let off some steam.

Do you have one or two days to visit Panama City? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Panama City?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the active beach town of Panama City, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the nightlife, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend a day in Panama City

The beautiful beaches await you in Panama City, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

A few tour suggestions include:

Jet Ski Adventure Tour ($149)
Swim with the Dolphins Boat Tour in Panama City Beach ($63)
Sunset Cruise 1.5 Hour Lower Grand Lagoon ($65)

This beach town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Panama City?

Panama City is a small beach town that is extremely popular with tourists due to the many sights and attractions. So with a weekend, you'll probably feel rushed to swim at the beach, grab some drinks at a bar, taste delicious cuisine, and admire the wonderful scenery. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the active beach town has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 7 days to enjoy the beach and other sights. If you have a weekend or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're here.

Panama City Beach, Florida

How to spend 2 days in Panama City

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Panama City will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the beach town.

Perhaps the most famous place in Panama City is Pier Park, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Panama City, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.