The Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort offers guests something many places to stay in Panama City Beach do not… Entertainment.
Also known as the “FUN Place!” guests staying at the Sandpiper Beacon find that they never have to leave during their stay.
Sure, Panama City Beach is home to some incredible attractions and things to do.
But if the cost of your stay already includes so many fun things to do, then there’s significant value in staying on-site and taking advantage!
Many families choose to stay at the Sandpiper Beacon for this very reason. Having things to do for the entire family, from toddlers to teens is very appealing.
Plus, when you consider the expense of visiting many attractions each day, with a group of three or more people, the costs can quickly add up.
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On-Site Amenities
- 2 Story Turbo Waterslide
- Wild Rapids Inflatable Waterslide (Seasonal)
- Tropical Waterslide
- Kiddie Slide & Kiddie Pool
- Fun Foam Pit
- Indoor Lazy River Ride
- Beachside hot Tub
- 6-Hole Mini Golf Course
- Beachside Tiki Bar
- Beachside Children’s Playground
- Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Shop
- Gift Shop
- Beachside Deli
- Seafood & Pizza Restaurant
Planned Entertainment
- Live Polynesian Fire Dancing & Hula Show (Seasonal)
- Live Music & Bands (Seasonal)
- Daily family games and contests (with awesome prizes)
- Scavenger hunts
- Family Craft Hour
- Family Karaoke
- Foam Party
- Hula Lessons on the beach
- Sunset S’mores
- Xbox Contests
- Beachside Bingo
- Water Balloon Toss
Kid’s Activities
Places to stay in Panama City Beach that actually offer fun things to do for Kids are very few and far between. The Sandpiper Beacon has LOTS to keep the kiddos (and teenagers) entertained for hours!
Knowing that the kids are happy, and safe gives you the chance to relax, unwind and actually enjoy your vacation too!
You can add hours (even days) to your actual “vacation time” by staying somewhere that has lots of on-site entertainment for you to enjoy.
It takes a lot of time away from your vacation deciding where you’re going to go, packing up your things from the beach, going up to the room, all taking a shower, getting changed, and driving somewhere.
You’ve probably never timed that before, but depending how organized everyone is (and how well kids follow instructions) it can be over an hour very easily.
So add these up day after day, and you’ll see how you can get more actual time relaxing and being on vacation, when your biggest decision is do you want to float around the lazy river ride, or take part in the scavenger hunt!
So find out how you can add lots of extra time to your vacation, and get “more smiles per hour” by taking a look at all the things to do at the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort.
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California Cycles
Ready to see Panama City Beach as it was intended? Do it on a scooter or motorcycle rented from California Cycles. Since 1986, California Cycles is a family owned company offering a variety of scooters and motorcycle rentals throughout Panama City Beach.
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Located in the heart of the city, this is perfect for spring breakers, families and even senior citizens. They cater birthday parties and weddings as well. Feel the wind in your hair and the warm breeze on your skin as you enjoy a wide range of scooter rentals, mopeds, spiders and fun cars. Seeing Panama City Beach on a scooter or motorcycle is really the only way to go and provides a memorable experience you’ll never forget. Whether you’re renting a scooter, moped, Scootcoupe, Can-Am Spyder or sport bike, you can do it in style with the wind in your hair enjoying the best of Panama City Beach. There’s even Harley Davidson rentals!
California Cycles offer a variety of pricing and daily specials so make sure you call to make a reservation. All they ask is that you be 16 with a valid drivers license for trikes or mopeds. They even have double seated scooters, Sun electric cars in a variety of colors and unique scoot coupes, which is a cross between a scooter and a small car. They seek to passengers and are built by panther motors Inc. They come in two models, the P50 and the P150 and they go up to 50 miles an hour.
California Cycles offers five locations along Front Beach Rd., Thomas Drive and Jackson Boulevard. Experience the fun, thrill and excitement of traveling along the beach in your own Can-Am or Harley-Davidson motorcycle. They have experiences for the whole family so call for more information or visit the website below.
Phone: (850) 233-1391
Website: http://www.californiacycles.net/
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Wonder Works
If you’re heading down Front Beach Street and you see a building that doesn’t look quite right you’re probably at Wonder Works. Located at 9910 Front Beach Rd. in Panama City Beach Florida is one of the most unique attractions in the area. Where science and fun come together, Wonder Works is an upside down, topsy-turvy Florida attraction with over 100 exhibits, experiments and challenges for explorers of all ages.
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You’ll find the most mind-boggling and head scratching virtual challenges, mental experiments and physical contests to explore and learn about. This truly creates a wonderful learning experience offering a four-story interactive fun lab housed in an eye-catching upside down building cradled at the PCB point where Middle Beach, Front Beach Road and N. Thomas Dr. intersect.
Wonder Works as buildings all over the United States such as Myrtle Beach, Pigeon Forge, Orlando, Syracuse and of course, our own Panama City Beach. If you’re here with your family this is definitely an attraction not to miss. Bring the kids and enjoy some hands-on fun in the cool and air-conditioned environment of Wonder Works. Enjoy this top-secret research laboratory, learn about the Bermuda triangle, discover the world’s greatest scientists and experience hands on creative and curious fun.
Wonder Works is open from 9 AM to 12 AM daily but hours are subject to change. This attraction won the 2014 trip advisor winner as one of the most interesting and entertaining attractions in Panama City Beach. Whether you’re visiting on vacation or you live around here, you can enjoy a variety of different events and activities at the Wonder Works. There’s laser tag, group discounts, educational programs, and birthday events.
When you’re ready to head out, remember your trip with a souvenir mug or other merchandise in the gift shop and grab a quick bite in the convenient snack shack located on the fourth floor. Enjoy hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, candy and Coca-Cola products. For more information visit the website below.
Phone: (850) 249-7000
Website: www.wonderworksonline.com/panama-city-beach/
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Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum & Theater
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum & Theater has been a highlight in Panama City Beach since 1918. We all remember watching the old Ripley’s Believe It or Not show On TV, well now you can experience all the oddities up close and personal with amazing attractions, unique challenges, and unbelievable exhibit.
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Open 365 days a year Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum & Theater provides 13 themed galleries and hundreds of exhibits. Located at 9907 Front Beach Rd., you won’t be able to miss the large Titanic style boat parked alongside the road begging for a closer look.
The recently renovated third story offers over 200 new exhibits, artifacts and oddities from around the world. From interesting people to unbelievable acts, you could spend the day exploring all of the odd and unusual staff not just from Panama City Beach but also from all across the world. One of the most unique things about Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum & Theater is that it’s all 100% true. Whether you’re viewing an actual cannibal skull or the German Wolpertinger, there’s probably something new to see every single time you visit.
Kids under five are free and tickets are usually around $23 each. There’s even a 7D movie theater that puts you right in the film with bumps, dips, turns, sights, and smells of an amazing fun filled movie. Enjoy Ripley’s impossible laser race as you wind your way through the lasers without touching them.
“Some of the most wonderful things in the world will seem dull and drab unless you view them in the proper light” – Robert Ripley
Check out more of the attractions, exhibits and oddities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum & Theater in Panama City Beach Florida. There’s always something to see and experience at this unique museum.
Phone: (850) 230-6113
Website: http://www.ripleys.com/panamacitybeach/
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Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is definitely one of the best places to be on a hot summer afternoon. This amazing water park is located at 12201 Hutchinson Blvd. in Panama City Beach Florida and is ranked as one of the best attractions in the area. Open every day and until mid-August, Shipwreck Island Waterpark offers a variety of water park activities and fun for the whole family.
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This waterpark entertains millions of visitors each year and has been in operation for over three decades. With kiddie pools, daring drops, or just a relaxing lazy river, there’s something for everyone in this fantastic waterpark.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark offers 20 acres of lush landscaping, professionally trained aquatic staff at one of the most amazing attractions in all of North Florida. There’s a 500,000-gallon motion wave pool that generates 3 foot waves every 10 minutes. Have fun down the 660 foot long twisting, winding inner tube ride that’s perfect for the entire family all at once. Enjoy the Tree Top Drop which is two slides coming off a 65 foot tall platform. Get completely wet with the Pirates Plunge racing slide dueling a friend side-by-side from a 60 foot tall tower. The raging rapids offers over 300 feet of Whitewater inner tube rafting with a 50 foot splashdown at the end.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark offers a broad selection of food and beverages such as burgers, pizza, salad, funnel cakes, ice cream and frozen drinks. At the end of your adventure make sure you take home some souvenirs at the Pirates Plunder shop. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is open Saturdays for the month of May and daily from Memorial Day until mid August. From mid-August until September 1, the park is open most Saturdays and open Labor Day weekend Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Check the website for prices and more information.
Phone: (850) 234-0368
Website: http://shipwreckisland.com/
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Ecofina Canoe Livery
If you enjoy the outdoors, Econfina Canoe Livery offers one of the best experiences around! Take a slow, relaxing canoe trip down Econfina Creek, Florida’a most beautiful canoe trail. Take your choice of canoes, kayaks or double-seated kayaks to take a leisurely trip down Econfina Creek. Bring the whole family, a picnic lunch and make the trip at your own pace.
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You’ll paddle 
through six major fresh water springs under a canopy of shady trees, flanked by lush vegetation and unique honeycomb limestone banks. Stop at a spring for a nice swim in some of the most fresh, clear, cool water you’ve ever seen! Econfina Canoe Livery will provide you with a vessel, paddles and life-preservers. Their shuttle service will load your vessel and transport you back to your vehicle at the end of the trip. Reservations are necessary, especially on summer weekends. If you have your own vessel, you may still use the shuttle service. Econfina Canoe Livery accepts cash only. One driver’s license or picture ID is required for each vessel rented. This is a great trip for the kids however pets are not allowed.
Phone (850) 722-9032
Website www.canoeeconfinacreek.net
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Race City Go Cart Tracks & Adventure Park
Race City is located at 9523 Front Beach Rd. in Panama City Beach Florida. Race City offers go kart tracks and a complete adventure Park perfect for kids and families of all ages. If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend or while visiting Panama City Beach, you can’t miss Race City. With free admission, free parking and free Wi-Fi, there’s unlimited fun go carts, rides, attractions, games, food and more.
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The biggest adventure is the thrill rides and fairground rides which offer your favorites as well as some new crazy adventures such as the sky coaster, octopus, rubber boats and more. Enjoy a fantastic go kart track with one of the biggest selections of the fastest, tallest and steepest go kart tracks in the area. Be ready for some scary adventures in the haunted house or just spend the afternoon in the indoor arcade. Think you’re better than your family member at minigolf? Give it a go or get completely mixed up in dizzy at the spin zone. With thrill rides, mild rides, and slower paced adventures for the smaller members of your group, there’s always something amazing happening at Race City.
The indoor black like minigolf is an adventure worth talking about with exotic and tropical underwater themed decorations, ancient Aztec temple ruins, and glow-in-the-dark challenges, this minigolf will keep you occupied for quite some time.
Ready to get the wits scared out of you? Take a ride on the sky coaster flying over 60 miles an hour. This simulates the feeling of bungee jumping, hang gliding and skydiving all in one and is the only sky coaster in Panama City Beach.
And, if that doesn’t scare you, then you’ll have to visit the only haunted house in the area with spooky special effects, live actors, and blood curdling scenes.
There’s always something going on at Race City located at 9523 Front Beach Rd. in Panama City Beach Florida. Grab the kids and head out for a totally fun filled and event packed day.
Phone: (850) 234-1588
Website: racecitypcb.com
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Panhandle Helicopter
The Panhandle Helicopter Tours is an experience that you’ll not soon forget. Located in Panama City Beach, soar high over the crystal blue waters, beaches and city of Panama City and Panama City Beach. One of the most unique tours in the area, the Panhandle helicopter tours offer a wide variety of options in many time frames depending on how much time you’d like to spend in the air.
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Safety is there a number one concern and with a highly trained staff all maintained according to the highest FAA standards, the Panhandle helicopter tours offers you a great adventure with the utmost concern in safety.
The Panhandle helicopter tours offer five unique two-person minimum tours. The introduction offers a 5 mile journey at $40 per person. This is perfect for families with small children or first-time writers. You’ll fly over the Emerald Coast and get a good sense of where you’re located from above.
The miracle strip offers 10 miles at $55 per person giving you a great snapshot of both city and County peers, Shipwreck Waterpark, beach life, and dolphins, stingrays and sea turtles are all within view.
The shark run offers a 16 mile tour at $80 per person and one of the most popular tours. This is designed to give you a birds eye view of sharks, wildlife, and aquatic animals as well as a great shot of the Emerald Coast and Panama City Beach.
The Shell Island tour offers a 28 mile round-trip tour a $125 per person. You’ll fly over 24 miles of Emerald Coast including the historic St. Andrews State Park, shipping channel, grand Lagoon and Shell Island.
The seaside to her is the ultimate in helicopter rides at $150 per person covering over 35 miles staying in Seaside and along 30A. Enjoy the stunning architecture, beaches, rolling dunes and lakes that stretch across the entire typography.
If you’re looking for an adventure and activity that you won’t soon forget, you have to check out the Panhandle helicopter tours. There located at 15726 Front Beach Rd. in Panama City Beach. Follow the link below to make reservations or to learn more.
Phone: (850) 230-2080
Website: http://www.panhandlehelicopter.com/
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Screamer Dolphin Cruise
Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruise boasts a near-perfect score from trip advisor and is one of the best dolphin cruises on the beach. Located at 3605 Thomas Dr. in the Grand Lagoon area of the Treasure Island Marina at the east end of Panama City Beach, the Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruise is one of the most exciting ocean adventures in the area.
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This is a beautiful way to experience the water, sites and aquatic nature of Panama City Beach. Enjoy a comfortable twin turbo powered 73-foot boat, which offers a smooth ride unlike any other. Take in the beautiful scenery, crystal blue waters and tour through the shallow island near the state park jetties. Sit back and enjoy the 10-mile ride along some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and resorts. Your captain will point out the fascinating sites and points of interest as you traverse of the Emerald Coast.
Make sure you bring your camera because you won’t want to miss any amazing pictures of dolphins and other see life racing the boat or popping up to get a closer look. Your guide will probably talk about the St. Andrews Bay aquatic life by showing you crab traps and other critters the have crawled in from the deep. This hands-on, educational experience is a great way to capture all the Panama City Beach has to offer out on the water period cool refreshments and snacks are available to purchase and there’s even restrooms on board.
Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruise is available March through November and reservations are highly recommended.
In addition to the simple cruise you can also enjoy a fun to our dolphin trip crews Or a personalized snorkeling trip. For the general to our snorkeling and swimming trip you want to arrive 30 minutes ahead of departure by wearing appropriate swimwear and towels. Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruise provides snorkel gear and masks and you’ll be able to see dolphins, fascinating fee life and shall collecting. For more information visit the Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruise website and schedule your next dolphin cruise or snorkel trip today.
Phone: (850) 233-9107
Website: http://www.seascreamer.net
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Friday Fest in Panama City Beach
Since 2004, Panama City Beach holds Friday Fest the first Friday of every month from February to November. If you’re familiar with this tradition of over a decade old, you may be thinking, “it just ended last month”! However, we’re thinking more along the lines of “it’s about to start up again in just over a month!”
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Friday Fest is presented by the Downtown Improvement Board. At Friday Fest, Panama City comes alive with music, food and fun from 6pm to 10 pm on the first Friday of every month.
You can expect to see things such as over 200 car shows, over 50 vendors, and live bands that cover six blocks of Harrison Avenue. Local shops and restaurants stay open late…until the festivities die down at 10pm.
This is Bay County’s largest street festival. Whether you’re a regular, or you have never been to this fabulous festival, grab a friend and shop, eat and make merry at Friday Fest! There’s no excuse for not having a good time on Friday night when it’s Friday Fest night!
If you’d like to be a vendor at Friday Fest, the deadline for applications is the Friday BEFORE each festival and payment is required with it to hold your space. It is recommended that you get your applications in early to avoid space filling up and being turned away.
If you have a band you’d like to have play at Friday Fest, you should call 850-785-2554.
For more details and information on Friday Fest contact Panama City Downtown Improvement Board at 850-785-2554 or mainstreet@pcdib.com.
image by Brobosky Flickr
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Golf World Marine Park
The Gulf World Marine Park is located at 15412 Front Beach Rd. in Panama City Beach Florida. It open’s daily at 9:30 AM and is a unique experience to your Panama City Beach vacation.
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This unique attraction offers visitors and locals alike an up close and personal experience with marine life. The daily presentations feature Dolphins, Sea Lions, Reptiles, Tropical Birds and other animals that will amaze you. Pay one price and see all the presentations, feedings and explore the indoor and outdoor tropical gardens showcasing penguins, sea turtles, alligators and flamingos. The stingray petting pool is always a popular activity during your visit. While enjoying the wonderful animals at Gulf World Marine Park don’t forget to take the opportunity after each shows to have a memorable photo taken with one of the animals. The professional photographers will take photos that you can purchase in the state of the art photo department.
There is many ways for you to get up close and personal with our animals. You can make a reservation for any of the interactive programs. The Swim with a Dolphin program is a great opportunity to enter the million-gallon dolphin habitat and get eye to eye with these fantastic animals. The Trainer for a Day program is an all-day program behind the scenes working with our trainers caring for our animals. The Day Camps are filled with fun activities learning about different animals. The Sea Lion & Dolphin Meet-N-Greet programs allow you to interact with our animals and trainers during training sessions.
Tropical Garden Theatre has many night shows through the year. Noah Wells presents Maximum Magic this show is full of astonishing feats of magic and illusions which is sure to astound you. You can also see The Legends of Rock & Country Music starring Todd Herendeen which is a Las Vegas style show featuring Johnny Cash and Elvis this show will have you dancing in your seat! There has been shows featuring The Beatles, Beach Boys, Patsy Cline and many others. Please check the event calendar for shows and times.
Visit the website or the Facebook page for more information, times, current pricing and any unique exhibits and demonstrations currently going on.
Phone: (850) 234-5271
Website: http://www.gulfworldmarinepark.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GulfWorldMarinePark
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Panama Dunes Adventure Park
Fun in the Dunes? That’s Panama Dunes Adventure Park. Located at 12500 Front Beach Rd. in Panama City Beach Florida is the amazing Panama Dunes Adventure Park. The park is open during the peak season from 11 AM until 11 PM Monday through Saturday and from noon until 11 PM on Sunday.
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This amazing adventure Park offers dune buggies, zip lines, miniature championship golf, rope courses, delicious food and plenty more. The park includes a half-mile doing buggy track racing around the championship miniature golf course and reps obstacle course. Test your driving skills out on this fun track in their 70 hp, 800 Can-Am dune buggies.
Perhaps the zip lining is more your style. You’ll have one of the best views on the beach standing atop their 60-foot tower right before you fly over 600 feet across the park. Because they crisscross over the park, it will challenge your nerves on many different levels, however, you won’t get a view like this anywhere else.
Perhaps you want to take a challenge on the 17-tower ropes obstacle course. This 15-foot obstacle course is hanging over the air above the dune buggy track and challenges your nerves while conquering obstacles below your feet.
Maybe you’re looking for something a little tamer. Never fear; spend the day at the 18-hole miniature golf course with fun and challenging pars, full of water, hazards, and other challenges. This course is perfect for visitors of all ages.
Nearly all adventures require release and waiver forms to be signed. Doing buggy adventures are $20 per driver and $5 per passenger and you must be at least 16 years of age with a valid drivers license and 60 inches tall. The ropes course is $15 per person and you must be at least 54 inches tall, not exceeding 275 pounds. The zip line adventure is $20 for two zips per person or $30 for four that per person. All applicants must be 54 inches tall and not exceed 275 pounds. Golfing is just $9 per adult and $7 for kids 6 to 12 and kids under five are free. You can also get a day pass for $16. Visit the website for more information or to call and make reservations.
Phone: (850) 708-1115
Website: http://www.panamadunesinc.com/
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ZooWorld
Located at 9008 Front Beach Rd. in Panama City Beach Florida and is one of the only zoological and botanical conservatories in the area.
Get up close and personal with native and exotic wildlife. Enjoy exotic birds, Wolf, native gators and dozens of other unique animals indigenous to our area. With a beautiful golden and blue macaws, white Bengal tigers, African lions and leopards, giraffes, monkeys, black bears and cougars, snakes and marsupials, there’s always something to learn, see and experience at ZooWorld.
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ZooWorld is a nonprofit facility receiving donations from around the world. This family-friendly adventure offers educational guidance and unique exhibits to enhance the experience for visitors. There’s a Jungle Jack’s Playground, the Critter Crawl and Tonda’s Snack Shack perfect for gifts or a refreshing beverage.
ZooWorld features events and activities year-round including a summer Safari zoo camp where kids ages 6 to 13 enjoy hands-on animal encounters, animal husbandry, zoo themed arts and crafts and animal shows. The cost is $150 per child per week and discounts are available for multiple children.
There’s also an amazing internship available which is a three month course that can be applied to college credits and it runs year-round. From birthday parties to adopt an animal events, keeper for a day and Christmas critters, there’s always something new to see and experience at ZooWorld.
This is also one of the most affordable activities in Panama City Beach. Adults are just $16 and seniors are $12. Children 4 to 11 are $10 and children under three are free. There’s also annual passes so that you can keep up with all of the latest changes and new exhibits going on at ZooWorld. Visit the website below to find out more current activities and events happening this weekend.
Phone: (850) 230-1243
Website: http://www.zooworldpcb.net/
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