Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Panama City?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks 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 weeks 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 week enough time in Panama City?
One week is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Panama City. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Panama City as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.
How to spend a week 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.
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.
Shopping in Panama City is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.
Panama City is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Swim with the Dolphins Boat Tour in Panama City Beach ($63)
- Sunset Cruise 1.5 Hour Lower Grand Lagoon ($65)
- Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time ($42)
After you've explored most of Panama City, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Live music is very popular in Panama City, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Panama City. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Panama City?
Two weeks provides ample opportunity in Panama City to enjoy the beaches, the nightlife, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options. We have some suggestions below for your trip. Families, couples, and students enjoy the area for its activities, too.
Panama City Beach, Florida
How to spend 2 weeks in Panama City
With 2 weeks in Panama City, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the beach town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this beach town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- 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)
- Cypress Springs Eco Adventure ($110)
- 2 Hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Capt. Zach's Adventures ($73)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Panama City, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.