Best Things to Do in Panama City Beach for Couples
Panama City Beach is a loveable destination for many reasons. With stunning beaches and plenty to enjoy in and out of the water, it easily lives up to the hype of a fun-filled paradise.
While the panhandle is undoubtedly one of the best vacation spots for families, it's also an incredibly romantic place to visit with your significant other. Whether it's just the two of you or an entire group, here are our favorite date ideas for couples.
ROMANTIC PICNIC ON A PRIVATE BEACH
Does having ‘nowhere to be’ sound like an escape in and of itself? At Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort, romancing—and relaxing—is easy breezy. With access to a private beach, couples can sink their toes in the sand and unwind with a glass of wine whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Reserve beach chairs in advance, and spend a few hours soaking up the Emerald Coast together. There are three grocery stores nearby to stock up for your picnic, or you can stop by the resort’s Salty Rim Grill for a delicious light bite on your walk down.
SUNSET CRUISE AT ST. ANDREWS STATE PARK
After falling in love with our private beach, continue your date with a sunset cruise just 20 minutes away. Island Times Sailing offers daily charters from Lagoon Pontoons Marina, where guests can enjoy a serene dolphin-spotting experience.
On board, sit back and unwind on the 2-hour sail around the Gulf of Mexico while the local crew fills you in on the area’s history. If you’re feeling parched, head into the galley for the catamaran’s signature Rum Punch, a colorful drink that pairs perfectly with your sunset journey.
SKYWHEEL AT PIER PARK
What’s a better way to elevate the romance than with a bird's eye view of the boats on the water? Pier Park offers countless things to do in Panama City Beach for couples within a few miles of our vacation rentals. Here, you can shop, dine and play with an intimate gondola ride waiting at the end of your date night. The Skywheel is a can’t-miss attraction, taking its riders up 187 feet, and back around for a panoramic view of the coast.
To make the most of the night reserve a table at Saltwater Grill, located less than 15 minutes from Pier Park. This local gem serves up the freshest seafood, crafted from locally sourced ingredients. As you dine, enjoy stunning views of a 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Most of the year, reservations aren’t needed, so feel free to drop in anytime you’re craving a taste of the ocean during your stay at Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort.
ADVENTURE TOURS AT SHELL ISLAND
If you love chasing thrills and tropical adventures, there are plenty of ways to explore Panama City Beach with your partner. Panhandle Helicopter provides air tours lasting up to 25 minutes, offering an aerial view of the marine life swimming in the Shell Island reefs. For the full experience, book a snorkeling tour to explore the area underwater later in your trip. The Shell Island shuttle will give you access to the 7-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island.
COASTAL COOKING & ART CLASSES
If you want to get creative during your night out, look no further than the Crushed Glass Art Studio. Welcoming novice to advanced artists alike, each class lasts around 1 hour and welcomes you to DIY a glass masterpiece on canvas or a custom charcuterie board.
If you’re more into snacking than crafting, consider booking a Gulf Coast cooking class to enjoy some tasty creations instead. The Twisted Fork offers date night classes and private lessons.
SEASONAL EVENTS
For a one-of-a-kind experience during your trip, time your visit around a seasonal event. Whether it’s a sophisticated wine tasting or the Jazz Festival—ranked as one of the “Top 10 in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine—there’s always something special for couples to enjoy.
PANAMA CITY BEACH VACATION HOMES
A date night doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. Our one-bedroom surf bungalows are the perfect retreat for couples, offering a full kitchen, living room, and a private porch to relax and unwind. Stay for a long weekend, and soak up everything paradise offers.
Or, as an alternative for group getaways, book one of our beach villas. With 4,000 square feet of flexible living space, you can plan a family vacation in Panama City Beach and still enjoy quality alone time with your significant other. Rise and shine with a morning coffee from the master suite's gulf-front balcony, while the kids compete in a friendly foosball game in the home's recreation room. Later, you can gather on the deck to dive into the private heated pool.
Ready to transform your next date night with a tropical escape? Explore our vacation homes in Panama City Beach!