Panama City has over 27 miles of beaches made up of some of the most brilliant white sand in the world. These beaches are a gateway into a wonderful selection of sea activities including snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. There are also numerous state parks and nature preserves including St. Andrews State Park and Gulf World Marine Park. These parks offer tours and educational resources about the habitat surrounding Panama City. Several tour operations feature glass-bottom boats.

Beyond the beaches, Panama City offers plenty of entertaining things to do. Several world-class golf courses can be found here, in addition to more than a dozen miniature golf versions. The Ocean Opry Show mixes the city life with the water life. That mix of city and gulf is also evident at the Museum of Man in the Sea. Several amusement parks compete visitors' time, as do numerous entertainment complexes. Nightlife in Panama City offers abundant clubs, discos, bars, and other hotspots.