Seven Stunning Spots for Panama City Beach Sunsets
We’re convinced that the World would be a better place if everybody was able to end their day watching our gorgeous Panama City Beach Sunsets.
Panama City Beach is known for having some of the most spectacular sunsets in the World.
Even though they look beautiful wherever you see them from, there are a few “secret” spots that make them even more spectacular!
1. Panhandle Helicopter
This has to be one of the best-kept secrets on Panama City Beach.
I have experienced this smooth ride for myself and believe me when I tell you; it is absolutely unforgettable.
Though most of the helicopter tours head from West to East during the daytime, when the sun begins to drop they take things in the opposite direction.
Become the star of your own movie, literally flying off into the sunset!
It’s an experience which has to be experienced to be believed. This just might be the perfect place to renew wedding vows, propose to that special person in your life, or just experience the most thrilling views of a sunset possible!
One of the advantages of being in a helicopter, is that even once the sun has dropped below the horizon, you ca fly a little higher and watch it drop all over again!
The aerial view you get of Panama City Beach from above is incredible, and the panorama-view of the sunset will take your breath away.
Owner, JR and his friendly staff will answer any questions you may have about the different tours on offer. Be sure to make reservations in advance to make sure you get a spot. No matter how young or old you are, this is an experience you won’t forget any time soon!
2. Schooners Restaurant
Dubbed ‘the last local beach club’, Schooners is a popular place for tourists to enjoy some food and watch the sun drop.
The large outdoor patio overlooking the Gulf makes for a great spot to soak it all up.
There’s no better way to enjoy a sunset than with an ice cold tropical drink in your hand, and the cool ocean breeze blowing.
Or you could order a couple of delicious appetizers to share. The BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and the famous Crab Cakes with Tropical Salsa are popular choices.
Affordable and delicious, their menu has something for everybody.
Enjoy a perfect view of world’s most beautiful sunsets.
3. Russel Fields Pier
Russel Fields Pier is located at the entry to Pier Park. It’s where the “Pier” in the name “Pier Park” comes from!
The best part of this sunset spot, is how close you are to so much… Shopping, things to do, bars and restaurants.
Offering everything from a great Restaurant (Hook’d) at the pier entrance, to plenty of local fishermen on the opposite end. Fishermen in Panama City have a distinctive southern charm you can’t help but love.
This is a fantastic place to take family pictures with a spectacular sunset backdrop… Plus, there’s a small stretch of beach immediately below the pier, where dogs are allowed (provided they are on a leash).
Be sure to visit the city pier website for the entry fees and closing times, which can change throughout the year.
Pro Tip: Set up just to the East of the pier instead of paying to walk along it. This not only saves you money, but your sunset photos will also have the pier in the shot too, making them more interesting.
4. Sea Screamer Sunset Cruises
You can enjoy Panama City Beach Sunsets from land, sea, or air! The Sea Screamer sunset cruises are a fantastic (and fun) alternative to the “norm”.
This isn’t grandmas sunset cruise (although Grandma would probably love it!)
The bright yellow, wave-hopping Sea Screamer is pretty hard to miss! If you have already visited Panama City Beach, then you might even have some photos of this iconic vessel.
As well as daily excursions to shell island, snorkel and dolphin cruises, the Sea Screamer also offers a special cruise dedicated just to watching the sunset.
Since sunset times vary throughout the year, please make sure you check their website (or call) for specifics.
5. Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
Another way to enjoy this magical time of the day is with the guys at the Sea Dragon. Yo-ho-ho and a barrel of fun!
If you have kids (4-7), taking them on this might just make you parent of the year!
Everything from the staff to the ship to the rum punch is a fantastic pirate-themed experience. It will leave your family with the happiest, pirate-themed summer memories.
Pirates, rum, and beautiful sunsets all enjoyed on a cooler than cool pirate ship!
Pro Tip: make reservations early. This boat fills up fast…
6. The Pier at St. Andrew’s State Park
This is the secret spot that local photographers don’t want you to know about.
Stop by and you’ll see at least a couple of photographers out there on any given sunset with lenses that extend longer than your arm!
Located on the far East end, his area is typically much quieter than beach access points in the middle of Panama City Beach.
Also, the pier there makes a great focal point for some interesting and unique photos that look more impressive.
You do have to pay a small entry fee (per vehicle) to drive into the state park, so you may want to spend half a day there as well to make it more worthwhile.
This spot does also come with bathrooms so you can change, lots of parking, and cool nature trials where you can see local birds and gators.
7. Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort
You may have noticed that some of the very best places to check out the sunset also have other advantages nearby.
The Sandpiper Beacon is also home to the World Famous Tiki Bar, Coconuts Restaurant, and an Ice Cream / Frozen Yogurt Bar.
The sunset is the sunset. But it’s also the experience surrounding it that makes it special.
Somehow the golden glows seem more impressive with a refreshing Long Island Iced Tea in your hand. Sink your toes in the sand for the perfect family sunset spot.
There are so many things to do at the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort, that it is easy to forget one of their best amenities is being the perfect sunset location!
Be sure to bring a camera to capture the memories forever, and wave hello to your family back at home on the live beach webcams!
