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Best Free Things to Do in Panama City Beach

By rey | Updated: 09/05/2025 | Reading Time: 7 min

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Honey, let me tell you: Panama City Beach is one of those places that can steal your heart and your wallet if you’re not careful. Between renting beach chairs, chasing down the latest attractions, and grabbing a bite here and there, your bank account might start hollerin' before you’ve even dipped a toe in that beautiful turquoise water.

But here’s a little secret from someone who’s been around these parts for a good little while: some of the very best things to do here don’t cost a single penny. Yes ma’am, you heard me right; free as a summer breeze!

I’ve spent a couple years walking these sands and sitting under the pavilions swapping stories with neighbors, and today I’m going to let you in on my favorite free treasures in PCB. Whether you’re here with a car full of kids, sneaking away for a couples trip, or just looking for some good old-fashioned Gulf Coast peace and quiet, there’s something here for you, and the whole family, too!

So grab your sandals, pack a little cooler (you know I keep mine with some homemade lemonade and fresh sliced fruit), and let’s take a little tour of Panama City Beach, without even opening your wallet!

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Beaches, Trails & Parks (Activities 1-4)

1. Find the Quiet Beach Spots Locals Love

Now, everybody and their cousin knows about Pier Park (and bless it, it’s nice), BUT if you want to avoid fighting for a patch of sand, head to the higher-numbered beach access points.

• Access Point 79 – Family-friendly with gentle waves
• Access Point 84 – Parking may be scarce, but the quiet beauty and unspoiled view is usually worth it
• Access Point 95 – The sunsets here will stop you in your tracks

Pro tip, honey: higher numbers mean fewer crowds. Just bring your own chair and snacks, because you won’t find vendors or restrooms out here, though that’s part of the charm.

2. Walk the Trails & Do a Little Bird Watching

If you’ve never strolled Gayle’s Trails, you’re missing out on one of the most peaceful corners of the city. With 3.5 miles of trails located within Frank Brown Park, there are over 30 miles of trails that connect to PCB Conservation Park! The trails wind through marshes where you might see a heron standing like it’s posing for a picture. Not to mention the ducks, various birds, and butterflies - depending on what time of year you come! You can even head north and across West Bay Bridge, if you're feeling more adventurous and have the time to spare.

And if you’re craving shade, head directly to Conservation Park. The pine trees there smell like summer itself, and the quiet will do wonders for your soul. There are restrooms and it's open dawn to dusk, 7 days a week. Hikers, bikers, and nature lovers of all kinds flock here to enjoy the 2900+ acres. Catch the right season, and you can even enjoy a guided Audubon bird walk or other various recreational programs - all free! Bonus: you can bring your furbabies and other furry friends as long as they stay leashed and limited to 2 per person. Pack water and maybe a little snack; it’s 100% the kind of place that makes you want to sit, explore, and stay awhile!

3. Relax at Frank Brown Park

I call this place the town’s hidden backyard. The picnic pavilions are first-come, first-served (unless they've been paid for and have a reserved sign), so claim one early if you’re planning to settle in. There’s multiple playground areas for the kids, including 2 covered areas separated by age, and larger uncovered sandy playground plus climbing and rope slider situation, a basketball court, tennis courts, and even a large enclosure with huge foam building blocks! Best of all, there's also baseball and soccer fields with lots of wide-open grass to just play around or lay back and watch the clouds go by.

4. Free Thursday Concerts at Aaron Bessant Park

During the summer (usually June to August), you can bring a blanket, a basket of snacks, and enjoy free music under the stars every Thursday night from around 7p to 9p. The air smells like salt and popcorn, kids are running around barefoot, and folks are just happy to be there.

Even on quiet days, the park is a sweet spot to sit with a book or people-watch.

Markets, Fishing, & Sightseeing (Activities 5-7)

5. Stroll the Farmers Markets

Now, these aren’t just any markets: they’re where the community really gathers. You’ll hear live music, meet local artisans, and if you’re lucky, get free samples of kettle corn or jam.

• Market at St. Andrews – Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM. This one is my personal favorite: more than 30 vendors, and the waterfront breeze is divine.
• Panama City Farmers Market – Saturdays, 8 AM–1 PM. More laid-back, perfect for a slow morning with coffee in hand.
• 30A Farmers Market – Thursdays, 9 AM–1 PM. A bit of a drive, but the cheese selection alone is worth the trip.

6. Cast a Line for Dinner

Did you know you can do a little surf fishing right from the beach?! Just grab a Florida saltwater license if you’re over 16. Nothing like cooking your own catch that night.

If you’ve got kids, Frank Brown Park’s freshwater pond is a great place to start. No license needed for the little ones, and the look on their face when they catch their first fish? Pure gold. It’s got the sweetest little fishing pond that’s stocked regularly. From sunrise to sunset you'll always see someone out fishing! I've heard a few swear by sunrise being when the fish are biting best, but I reckon any time you can get out there would be a great time to get a lil' fishing in!

7. Window Shop & Watch the Sunset at Pier Park

Here’s my trick: show up around 6 PM, stroll the shops without spending a dime, then grab a bench and watch one of the prettiest sunsets you’ll ever see.

From karaoke, live music from any of the multiple restaurants or bars, and sometimes even street musicians, there's plenty to listen to, and the people-watching then is even better than most TV shows, I'd say.

Kid & Pet-Friendly Fun (Activities 8-9)

8. Splash Pad Fun at Cain Griffin Park

If I were traveling with lots of little ones, wasn't quite up for the beach, and didn't mind a lil' drive across the bridge, this is where I'd take them when the heat got to be too much. The water jets shoot up from the ground, and the sound of kids giggling just fills the air.

There's a public restroom, dogs are allowed, and there are covered picnic tables where you can sit back and sip something cold while they happily run themselves tired. There's also a shaded playground, baseball fields, tennis courts, fenced basketball courts, and a good bit of parking (as long as it's not a baseball game night)!

9. Dog Beach & Parks

Let your pup run wild at Dog Beach, right across from Pier Park. Nothing warms my heart like seeing the dogs splashing around with their lil' tails wagging.

For a little more space, the fenced dog park at Frank Brown Park has separate sections for big and small dogs, as well as a lil' fenced dog run right lakeside across from the larger dog park areas. Just a lil' heads up though: there's scheduled maintenance from 6a to 12p every Wednesday, so plan accordingly!

Unique Local Activities (Activities 10-13)

10. Explore Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure (Without Spending)

Even if you don’t buy a ticket, walking through here is a hoot. The decorations are so fun, you’ll find yourself taking pictures just to show the folks back home.

11. Karaoke at Shuckums Oyster Pub

Opening at 5p every evening, the Beach Pavilion at Shuckums is one of the best places to be! Karaoke starts at 6p daily, but Thursday nights especially are for singing your heart out, no matter what kinda' voice you have. There’s no cover: just grab a drink and join in! Even the shy ones end up smilin' and clappin' by the end of the night.

12. Richard Seltzer Park Beach Access

This beach access has outdoor showers, restrooms, and even a little lending library of beach toys. My favorite thing is watching the kids share! They pass those buckets and shovels like it’s a neighborhood co-op.

This spot is perfect for sunset photos, too: fewer people, plenty of charm, and the most comforting breeze this side of the Gulf!

13. Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar at Zen Garden

For the price of a drink or small plate, this health food restaurant has a lovely botanical outdoor setting section in the backyard! Tucked away behind the business, there's a Zen Garden with a pond, lil' waterfalls, trees, and even koi fish and a few turtles. There's even kid-friendly menu options with a lil' art station and games for the kiddies out back. You can even bring your furry friends to the outdoor seating area.

Neighborly Itinerary Ideas

• Family Half-Day Plan: Start with breakfast at Market at St. Andrews (or grab a few snacks from Publix on non-market days) → let the kids splash at Cain Griffin Park → finish with Pier Park stroll, beach, and sunset.

• Date Night Idea: Pack a picnic for Access Point 95 → see if Aaron Bessant Park has a concert (or take a nice stroll over the trails across West Bay Bridge if you visit outside the summer concert season) → end the evening at Shuckums for karaoke or Swampy Jack's Wongo Adventure

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Key Takeaways

Panama City Beach has so many ways to make memories without spending a dime. From quiet beach spots where you can hear the waves kiss the shore, to farmers markets full of local flavor, it’s all about slowing down and soaking it all in.

And suga', sometimes the best souvenir isn’t a t-shirt but a sunset you’ll never forget.

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