Hyatt Place Panama City Beach/Beachfront

Pier Park is the Emerald Coast’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment complex, attracting millions annually. The vibrant, coastal-themed center boasts more than 1 million square feet of open-air lifestyle shopping and features more than 120 stores. Retailers include department stores like Target, Dillard’s and JCPenney plus favorites like American Eagle Outfitters and Crocs. Locally-owned shops including Shimmering Seas Jewelry & Gifts and Hy’s Toggery are also part of the landscape. Entertainment options vary from catching a flick at the Grand IMAX movie theater to enjoying live entertainment at Angry Tuna Seafood Company. After a day of shopping and playing, mall visitors can refuel at one of the many eateries. Sit-down options include the Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, Pompano Joe’s, Margaritaville, Longhorn Steakhouse and more. Shoppers who are short on time can grab quick bites at Nathan’s Famous, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, PJ's Coffee or one of many other sandwich or snack shops. Often referred to as Panama City Beach's unofficial downtown, Pier Park is THE place to shop, dine and play!

The marine park is home to a variety of animal species including bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, tropical birds, stingrays and African penguins. It is home to the rare rough-toothed dolphins in long-term human care in North America. Gulf World is an educational facility and is the most significant contributor to Gulf World Marine Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine mammals and sea turtles.

Man has been exploring the earth’s underwater environments for thousands of years, and yet it appears that the more we learn, the less we know. Early diving efforts involved numerous imaginative devices, including breathing tubes and leather sacks, inflated animal skins, and just breath-holding while carrying heavy rocks. Though primitive, such actions indicate man’s ancient desire to explore the ocean depths. This desire spawned generations of research and experimentation to find safe ways to work in and learn from the sea. Despite generations of exploration, the ocean is still a mystery. And yet, with its wealth of untapped resources, it has become increasingly clear that one key to man’s future lies beneath the sea. We are here to bring you the most recent news and updates on the progress of underwater scientific and technological endeavors, the discovery of artifacts, and man’s impact on the earth’s aquatic environments.

The Zoom Flume waterslide was the genesis of Shipwreck Island Waterpark when it opened in 1976. Over the next five years, The Raging Rapids and bumper boats were added. Beginning in 1983 the Zoom Flume and Rapids were merged into a unique tropical themed waterpark filled with attractions for family members of all ages. Our food and beverage quality, selection, and pricing is so good, many season pass holders just stop by for lunch, even when they aren’t coming to enjoy the park. The fifteen-acre park features lush landscaping, a professionally trained aquatics staff, and is one of the most hospitable attractions in all of North Florida.