This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Visit Panama City Beach. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summer may be over – that doesn’t mean vacations have to be! With back-to-school and the change in seasons underway, trips to the beach in the fall are a very popular travel time for my family and I – for more reasons than one. What’s an obvious perk to visiting the Florida coast? You can have those beach vibes all year round. In Panama City Beach, you can have that, and more, well into the fall and winter season.

There are plenty of reasons to visit the Real. FUN. Beach. – no matter what time of year! PCB isn’t just the ideal summer vacation when there is more than enough to fill your plate during the fall and winter months. Panama City Beach should be at the top of your fall travel bucket list. I’ll tell you why and how you can plan your fun today

Why Panama City Beach

should be on your fall travel bucket list

Fall tides bring shore treasures

If you’re like me, I could walk up and down the shoreline for miles collecting shells and interesting treasures I find. From the stormy weather of the summer months, the Gulf gets churned from way out at sea. Because of this, you’re likely to find more shells, trinkets and sea glass in the fall months that get washed up along the shore.

For some of the best shell spotting, take the ferry over to Shell Island. Lounge like beach bums for the day, or explore the shoreline for varieties of seashells, sand dollars and starfish.

Panama City Beach also has a couple state parks, such as Camp Helen State Park, which are great for finding treasures along their private beaches. Spend the day exploring the grounds, canoeing or kayaking, walking the nature trails, fishing or enjoying a picnic on the beach.

Later in the year calls for better forecast

Book your beach vacation in the fall and winter months, and you’re guaranteed better weather overall by skipping the summer months of afternoon thunderstorms. Maybe I’m biased, but I also find the best sunrises and sunsets are painted in the beautiful months of fall. So don’t forget to bring your camera!

Need inspiration for some of the best photo opps? While the beach is always a given, there are other unique and fun ways to get a glimpse of some spectacular views.

Take the Panhandle Helicopter ride for amazing, aerial views of the coast and panoramic sunsets. It’s one of PCB’s best kept secrets! You’re be able to see wildlife from above in the clear, turquoise water during the day and fly off into the sunset at dusk.

Book a cruise on the Sea Screamer (once you see it, it’s hard to miss) – the big, bright yellow water cruiser! This 2-hour, family-friendly tour is one of its kind, and a hot spot for those looking to spot dolphins and enjoy an amazing sunset experience (no selfie sticks needed).

Then there is the pier at St. Andrews State Park – a photographer’s honey hole for picturesque views at sunset. You pay to get in, but that remote view is entirely worth it.

Enjoy the fun of Panama City Beach in cooler weather

The beauty of fall and early winter weather months in Florida? It stays well in the 70s and 80s during the day. The water is usually the first to get cooler, but the drop in humidity makes it the perfect time to enjoy all that Panama City Beach has to offer without the sweltering heat. Needless to say, there is still every excuse to wear a bathing suit and relax on the beach, but if you’re looking for that break from the sun and sand there is a range of other fun activities to enjoy in the area.

Spend the day, or a few hours, at Race City – with go karts, fairground rides, a roller coaster, bumper boats and even an indoor arcade and black light mini golf. It’s fun for the whole family and free to enter, so enjoy walking around or you can purchase unlimited rides with the wristband (the best bang for your buck).

Stop in for a free tasting at the Panama City Beach Winery! Need I say more? This may not be your typical winery with vineyards as your backdrop, but you won’t be disappointed when you try their tropical, unique berry and citrus infused creations. It’s an ideal place to sip up after a day at the beach and learn how they make their no added sugar and 100% fruit wines. Grab a bottle to go and enjoy on the beach at sunset – just be sure to drink responsibly!

Ever been through a Gran Maze? This thing is no joke – literally. Themed after Captain Hook, this four checkpoint challenge at Coconut Creek Fun Park is fun for all ages – if you’re daring! Complete this oversized maze individually, or work in teams as it tests your navigation skills. This is the perfect escape on a cooler day, or if you’re looking for a break from the beach.

Eat your heart out at the fall festivals

You read me right – it’s that time of year for real. FUN. Fall. Events in Panama City Beach. With the Holidays around the corner, there are events for everyone to enjoy. From the Lobster Festival And Tournament (September 17-23), the Bloody Mary And Music Festival (October 20) to the Shrimp, Crab And Oyster Festival (November 10). Indulge in the freshest Florida seafood and partake in the contests and tournaments while enjoying an array of live music.

If seafood isn’t your cup of tea – that’s okay, too! The list of festivals and events in PCB has a range of enjoyment for adults and the whole family. Get your best Pirate costume on for Pirates Of The High Seas Fest (October 5-7), where you can enjoy live music, fireworks and a Pirate parade. The Panama City Beach Oktoberfest (October 12 – 13) brings Germany to you! Enjoy the best beers and brats, activities for those of all ages, and other authentic Oktoberfest fare. From hot rods to classic cars, the Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show (November 7 – 10) is a blast from the past for families of all ages, featuring thousands of custom cars and trucks.

Plus there so many more events – from the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam to a New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop! When you’re planning to visit Panama City Beach, the key is to make it yours.

Here is the full list of Fall events in Panama City Beach: