Photo: Animekh Misra
Photo: Pier Park
Photo: Stuart Peters
Pier Park
★4.6(21,999 reviews)$Amusement Park
🕑 3-5 hours👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy the gentle rides and open spaces, elementary-aged kids love the arcade and amusement attractions, while tweens and teens appreciate the shopping options and more thrilling rides. Parents can shop while kids are entertained.🧡 Saved by 300+ families
About
Pier Park in Panama City Beach is a premier outdoor shopping and entertainment destination that perfectly combines retail therapy with family fun. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from nearly 22,000 reviews, this open-air complex offers families everything from amusement rides and arcade games to beach access and Gulf views, making it a one-stop destination for a full day of entertainment.
Highlights
- ✓Direct beach access with stunning Gulf of Mexico views
- ✓Classic amusement park rides and attractions for all ages
- ✓Large arcade with hundreds of games
- ✓Over 120 stores ranging from national retailers to local boutiques
- ✓Multiple kid-friendly dining options and an outdoor entertainment area
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends to snag parking close to the main entrance near the amusement area, as the lot fills up quickly during peak season
- 2.Bring sunscreen and hats - the outdoor mall has limited shade, especially during midday hours
- 3.Stop by the customer service center near the main entrance for a complimentary stroller or wheelchair if needed
- 4.Visit on weekday mornings for the smallest crowds and easiest access to popular rides
- 5.The beach access at the end of the pier is a hidden gem - bring swimsuits and towels for a quick beach break between shopping
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Monday-Thursday, 10 AM-12 PM) for the lightest crowds and comfortable temperatures. Avoid Saturday afternoons and summer holiday weekends when the mall is most packed. Late fall through early spring offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor strolling.
What to Know
Parking is free throughout the complex. The venue offers numerous dining options from quick bites to sit-down restaurants, plus restrooms and family facilities are conveniently located throughout. Stroller-friendly with wide walkways.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with extended hours during summer months. The complex hosts special events during holidays including Halloween festivities and holiday season celebrations. Spring Break (March-April) is extremely crowded. Weather is most pleasant October through May.
Follow Pier Park
Nearby Eats
Margaritaville and Hofbrau Beer Garden both offer family-friendly menus with kids' options right within Pier Park. For a quick casual bite, Five Guys and Pieology are popular with families.
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