Things To Do
in Panama City
Panama City is a vibrant coastal city located in the southern part of the United States. It is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The city offers a wide range of water activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and boating.
Visitors can also explore the historic downtown area with its charming shops and restaurants.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by strolling through the Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City. Enjoy the colonial architecture and grab a coffee at a local café.
Visit the Panama Canal Museum to learn about the canal's history and its impact on the region. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many rooftop restaurants with stunning views.
End your day with a walk along the Cinta Costera, a waterfront park that offers beautiful city views. Consider dining at a seafood restaurant to sample local cuisine.
Head to the Amador Causeway for breathtaking views of the city skyline. Rent a bike to explore the scenic paths and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze.
Visit the Biomuseo, a biodiversity museum, to learn about Panama’s natural heritage. Grab lunch at a nearby café featuring local dishes.
Enjoy dinner at a canal-side restaurant and watch the boats passing by. After dinner, take a sunset walk along the causeway.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational activities
- A warm climate year-round
- Growing community with various cultural and entertainment options
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other U.S. cities
- Proximity to several state parks and natural attractions
- Limited job market with a focus on tourism and service industries
- Hurricane risk during the Atlantic hurricane season
- Traffic congestion and limited public transportation options
- Some areas may have higher crime rates
- Limited access to shopping and dining compared to larger cities
Best Activities in Panama City
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing at this beautiful state park located on a peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico.
Take a boat trip to this uninhabited barrier island, perfect for shelling, snorkeling, and dolphin watching.
Relax on the white sandy beaches, go parasailing, jet skiing, or take a dolphin tour in the Gulf of Mexico.
Tours
Uncover the best of Panama City with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Panama City
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of Panama City from the rooftop, perfect for capturing the city skyline.
Provides stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, with opportunities for photographing the coastline and wildlife.
Food in Panama City
Panama City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local dish featuring fresh grouper fillets served on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce. Best enjoyed at Hunt's Oyster Bar or the Fishale Taphouse & Grill.
Must-Try!
A classic Florida dessert made with tangy key lime juice and a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. Visit Sister Schubert's Bakery or The Grand Marlin for a delightful rendition.
This iconic sandwich consists of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. The best ones can be found at Trigo Deli or Fatty Patty's Cakes & Cafe.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Panama City better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a wide array of fresh produce, local seafood, artisanal goods, and gourmet treats at this lively market. Don't miss out on the diverse selection of food trucks offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to authentic tacos.
Discover a bustling market featuring local vendors showcasing farm-fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delectable street food like barbecue, kettle corn, and refreshing lemonade.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
1. Greetings: In Panama City, shaking hands and making direct eye contact is a common way of greeting people. It is important to show respect by using proper titles when addressing people, such as Mr., Mrs., or Professor. 2. Personal space: Americans value their personal space, so it's important to maintain a comfortable distance when interacting with others. It's also polite to ask for permission before entering someone's personal space. 3. Punctuality: Being on time is considered respectful in American culture. It's important to arrive on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings to show consideration for others' time.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Panama City with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Panama City
Ensure a smooth experience
In Panama City, United States, tipping is a common practice in service industries such as restaurants, bars, hotels, and taxis. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
Payment methods in Panama City, United States, are typically cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment apps. Most businesses accept major credit cards, but it's always advisable to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller establishments and to tip service staff.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Panama City.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May is a great time to visit Panama City, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. It's also the season for various festivals and events.
June to August brings hot and humid weather to Panama City, but it is a popular time for beach activities and water sports.
September to November can still be warm in Panama City, with the added benefit of lower accommodation prices and less crowded attractions.
December to February sees cooler temperatures in Panama City, making it a good time for exploring the city's cultural attractions and enjoying outdoor activities without the intense heat.
Panama City at Night
Hiking in Panama City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A natural area with multiple hiking trails, offering scenic views and opportunities to observe wildlife.
Features hiking trails along beautiful coastal dunes and bay areas, perfect for bird watching and enjoying nature.
A short hiking trail that provides a unique experience as it leads to a wildlife sanctuary focused on big cats.
Offers a network of trails through diverse ecosystems, and access to the river for kayaking and fishing.
Trails available for public use that showcase the natural beauty of the surrounding area, including woods and wetlands.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Panama City through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Panama City by plane.
Located approximately 18 miles northeast of Panama City, this airport serves domestic and limited international flights.
Situated about 28 miles northwest of Panama City, this airport accommodates both domestic and seasonal international flights.
Located approximately 50 miles west of Panama City, this airport serves the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area with domestic and international services.
This major airport is about 164 miles northeast of Panama City and offers extensive domestic and international flights.
Located roughly 276 miles southwest of Panama City, it is one of Florida's busiest airports with numerous domestic and international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A demographic group primarily composed of individuals with European ancestry.
A demographic group primarily composed of individuals with African ancestry.
A demographic group that includes individuals of Latin American descent.
A demographic group that includes individuals with origins in the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent.
A demographic group that includes individuals with indigenous ancestry from North America.
A demographic group that includes individuals who identify with more than one racial category.
Includes individuals who do not fit into the above categories or prefer not to specify.
The Soul of Panama City
Discover the essence of Panama City through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
American football is highly popular in Panama City, with many local high school teams and youth leagues. The area hosts various amateur and semi-professional leagues.
Panama City is notable for its fishing opportunities, both deep-sea and freshwater fishing, attracting many enthusiasts and tournaments throughout the year.
Soccer has been growing in popularity in Panama City, with local leagues and teams participating in youth and adult competitions.
Baseball is a popular sport in Panama, with many youth leagues and a strong following for minor league teams in the region.
Basketball is widely played in Panama City, with both recreational and competitive leagues available for various age groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Panama City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are quite prevalent in Panama City, with many restaurants offering creative vegetable-centric dishes and plant-based alternatives.
While vegan options may be limited in some traditional establishments, several modern eateries in Panama City cater specifically to vegan diets, offering an array of innovative and plant-based dishes.
Individuals with gluten intolerance can find a variety of gluten-free options in Panama City, including dedicated bakeries, restaurants with gluten-free menus, and health-focused cafes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Panama City with these cultural adventures.
