Panama City Beach is a popular vacation destination for families. It offers beautiful beaches and a variety of beachfront restaurants that cater to all tastes. The area is home to many state parks, wildlife refuges, and many stunning nature trails perfect for hiking or biking. So whether you’re looking to take a leisurely walk on the beach or dive deep into nature, Panama City Beach is the perfect destination for your vacation. There are plenty of family attractions near Panama City Beach to explore. Take a family trip to the Gulf World Marine Park and experience the joy of swimming with dolphins, or enjoy the thrill of a lifetime at the world-famous Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
Panama City Beach has something for everyone, whether looking for fresh seafood, Southern comfort foods, or international flavors. If you’re looking for a place to stay, experience the convenience of staying right on the beach with our Panama City Beach rentals and condos. Let’s explore some of the best beachfront restaurants in Panama City Beach and highlight their tastiest dishes.
Harpoon Harry
Let’s start with Harpoon Harry, a restaurant offering indoor and outdoor seating. With its deck overlooking the beach, Harpoon Harry provides the perfect atmosphere, dinner with a view. One of their standout dishes is the Island Grilled Chicken Sandwich, featuring grilled pineapple and homemade island sauce. The Cajun Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Pasta served over Trottole pasta is a must-try for pasta lovers. Don’t forget to complement your meal with their famous Bahama Mama cocktail, made with light rum, coconut rum, banana liquor, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine.
Sharkys Beach
Next up is Sharkys Beach, a beachfront restaurant and tiki bar favorite among visitors and locals since 1986. Aside from offering fresh Gulf seafood, Sharkys also provides live entertainment and breathtaking views of Panama City Beach. Families will appreciate the pirate ship playground where kids can have a blast. The famous Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich features grilled chicken with a teriyaki glaze, Monterey Jack cheese, and grilled pineapple. Alternatively, try their lightly blackened Mahi Tacos with cilantro cream, shredded cabbage, cheese, and pico de gallo. Head out to their outdoor deck to enjoy the beachfront atmosphere.
Barefoot On The Beach
For a unique dining experience, check out Barefoot On The Beach. This beachfront restaurant offers a range of Southern comfort foods, fresh seafood, and local specialties. With multiple locations, including the Hide-A-Way Bar & Grill, On The Beach, the newly opened Barefoot On The Bay, and the quaint Tiki Bar, finding a spot to indulge in delicious food won’t be a problem. Fried pickles, gumbo, and peel-n’-eat shrimp are some Southern traditions you can enjoy here. Don’t miss their signature dish, the Steak Frites Barefoot, featuring seasoned and marinated 8-ounce sirloin grilled to perfection, served with chimichurri, french fries, and a vegetable medley.
Runaway Island
If you’re looking for a beachfront restaurant with live music, look no further than Runaway Island. Alongside its live performances, Runaway Island offers a diverse menu, including its famous Caribbean Chicken Dinner, featuring grilled chicken breasts topped with Polynesian and pineapple glaze. End your meal on a sweet note with its Key lime pie, served with whipped cream, raspberry sauce, and berries. This restaurant provides a great dining experience and a lively atmosphere.
Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill
For an authentic taste of Panama City Beach, visit Hook’d Pier Bar and Grill. This beachfront dining spot offers fresh seafood and an authentic taste of the city’s flavor and style. The Cajun Gumbo and Mahi-Mahi Sandwich served with fries are highly recommended. Happy hour at Hook’d Pier is from 3:00-5:00 pm daily, where you can enjoy $1 off bottle beers, draft beer pitchers, and $4 well drinks. Take advantage of their 50% off second appetizer deal during happy hour as well.
Plan Your Visit
Are you ready to plan your marine adventure in Panama City Beach? Browse our selection of Panama City Beach condos and start planning your trip today!
Bayou On The Beach
Bayou On The Beach is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the best of Louisiana cuisine. Since opening its first location in 1999, Bayou on the Beach has served authentic Cajun cuisine to its loyal patrons. Dip into their Fried Boudin Balls, made with house-made pork and rice boudin sausage filling, rolled and fried, and served with a flavor-packed Bayou remoulade sauce. Don’t miss their Bayou Blast cocktail, a tropical blend of coconut rum, apricot brandy, and a mix of tropical juices, topped with a floater of Meyer’s dark rum.
The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
Head to The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House for a longstanding local favorite. Established in 1974, this restaurant offers delicious Gulf seafood with unbeatable Gulf views. Their signature dish, the Flounder Florentine, features a flounder loaded with a crabmeat and spinach mixture, baked to perfection, and topped with a tangy lemon buerre blanc sauce. To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in the Florida Sunshine Cake, a moist orange cake with layered orange mousse covered with decadent white chocolate icing.
Margaritaville
No visit to Panama City Beach is complete without a stop at Margaritaville. Start your meal with their Appetizer Trio, which includes Hand-Battered Chicken Tenders, Caribbean Chicken Egg Rolls, and Spinach & Artichoke Dip. The Jerk Salmon is a flavorful choice for the main course, brushed with a Caribbean glaze and served with white rice and fresh sautéed spinach. End your meal with their Molten Chocolate Bundt Cake, featuring a gooey molten chocolate center, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped with a drizzle of chocolate and caramel sauce.
Stay with Pelican Walk
Make the most of your visit to Panama City Beach by staying with Pelican Walk. With our Panama City Beach condo rentals, you can enjoy breathtaking views and easy access to all the family activities near Panama City Beach. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable condo or a rental for a large family, Pelican Walk has options to suit any group size. We offer a range of rentals, from cozy 1-bedroom units to spacious 3-bedroom condos, ensuring we can meet your every need and preference. Regarding accommodations, Pelican Walk offers PCB condos for the ultimate Panama City Beach experience. Our commitment to exceptional customer service ensures that your stay with us is nothing short of magical, filled with relaxation, beachfront bliss, and endless possibilities for adventure. With so many fantastic beachfront restaurants and plenty of things to do near Panama City Beach, your vacation will surely be memorable.