Fall in Love with Panama City Beach | Your 2025 Fall Guide
Panama City Beach FALL WITH
Your 2025 Fall Guide
Fall along the Gulf Coast is a season like no other. The crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and the community comes alive with festivals, concerts, and coastal adventures. From local restaurants serving up seasonal flavors to hidden trails perfect for exploring, autumn is one of the best times to experience all that our area has to offer. This guide is your go-to resource for fall events, dining, activities, and new spots to check out around town. We’ve also included a few favorite weekend trip ideas for when you’re craving a quick getaway. Whether you’re a longtime local, a frequent visitor, or simply dreaming of life on the coast, there’s something here for you. And if thoughts of making Panama City Beach your home are on your mind, we’d love to help you explore the possibilities.
Fall EVENTS
Schooner’s Lobster Fest
October 16–19, 2025 | Schooner’s, Panama City
Fall means seafood season on the Gulf, and Schooners’ Lobster Fest is a buttery, sun-drenched tribute to it all. Watch live music roll across the beach while you crack into fresh lobster and forget how many napkins you’ve gone through.
Thunder Beach Fall Motorcycle Rally
October 22–26, 2025 | Panama City Beach
Engines rumble, leather shines, and the Gulf breeze mixes with the smell of barbecue during this beloved fall rally. Thousands of bikers cruise through Panama City Beach for concerts, vendors, and pure coastal energy.
Pier Park “Boo by the Beach”
October 31, 2025 | Pier Park, Panama City Beach
Pier Park turns into a Halloween wonderland where palm trees replace pumpkin patches and trick-or-treaters wander from shop to shop in costume. With music, decorations, and candy galore, it’s the kind of coastal Halloween that keeps things festive, not frightening.
Haunted Sunset Cruise
October 31, 2025 | St. Andrews State Park, Panama City
As the sun dips below the Gulf, this eerie boat ride sets sail with ghost stories and just enough sea mist to make you wonder what’s real. It’s equal parts chill and thrill—a perfect Halloween night out on the water for those who prefer their scares with a sunset view.
Fall EVENTS
IRONMAN Florida & IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast
November 1, 2025 | Panama City Beach
When most of us are reaching for candy, these athletes are chasing glory through the waters and roads of Panama City Beach. It’s an awe-inspiring reminder of endurance and grit framed by golden fall light on the Gulf.
Emerald Coast Cruizin’
November 6–8, 2025 | Aaron Bessant Park, Panama City Beach
Classic cars, hot rods, and shiny chrome take over Aaron Bessant Park for a week of nostalgia and live music. The weather’s cool, the engines are loud, and it’s basically a love letter to mid-century Americana by the sea.
Panama City Songwriters Festival
November 7–8, 2025 | Panama City
Downtown Panama City hums with acoustic sets and storytelling as songwriters from across the country share their craft. The fall air, waterfront views, and intimate venues make it the perfect weekend for music lovers.
Beach Home for the Holidays
November 28–29, 2025 | Aaron Bessant Park, Panama City Beach
Aaron Bessant Park transforms into a cozy coastal wonderland with holiday concerts, fireworks, and visits from Santa. It’s the perfect bridge between fall and Christmas—warm cocoa, chilly air, and twinkling lights by the Gulf.
Restaurant RECOMMENDATIONS
Hunt & Gather Raw Bar & Pub
Panama City Beach
Creative, farm-to-table meets seafood with a twist — think wild game, fresh Gulf oysters, and vegetables sourced locally. Fridays and Saturdays are especially nice for chefs’ specials; it’s relaxed but special.
Runaway Island
Panama City Beach
Casual waterfront eatery with fresh local seafood and great outdoor dining for fall evenings. The view + Gulf breeze + seasonal menu items = perfect combo for a guide.
Barefoot Hideaway Grill
Panama City Beach
Beachside setting, comfort food, fried seafood platters; it’s rustic, fun, and ideal for nights when you want casual but memorable dining. The open-air deck makes autumn dinners especially charming.
The Pour
Panama City Beach
This nonprofit café roasts local beans (via Amavida) and channels fall vibes with creative lattes and cozy baked goods; evening hours sometimes include live music.
Old-school seafood done well. The market plus restaurant gives fresh-catch options + upscale seafood dishes — good for showing off what the Gulf has to offer in fall.
Luna Muna Cafebar
Panama City
This bright, locally owned café is a cozy fall escape with seasonal ingredients and artisanal coffee creations. Perfect for breakfast or lunch, Luna Muna blends fresh flavors with a welcoming, laidback vibe that makes it a neighborhood favorite.
Firefly
Panama City Beach
Romantic, upscale vibe with a gorgeous lit oak tree centerpiece and fairy-light ambiance. The menu blends fresh Gulf seafood and premium steaks, plus thoughtful wine pairings.
Rodeo’s Steak Pit
Panama City
A longtime local favorite overlooking St. Andrews Bay, Rodeo’s pairs old-school charm with fresh Gulf seafood and perfectly seared steaks. Warm service, waterfront views, and a cozy, wood-paneled dining room make it an easy choice for a relaxed yet elevated evening out.
Local ADVENTURES
Visit St. Andrews State Park
Cooler days make this the best season to explore one of PCB’s gems. Hike the trails, watch the waves roll in from the jetties, or rent a kayak and paddle through the calm lagoon—all without the summer crowds.
Shell Island Escape
Hop on the shuttle or rent a pontoon to this untouched barrier island where white sand and turquoise water stretch for miles. Fall brings quiet beaches, clear skies, and plenty of dolphin sightings—basically the Gulf Coast at its most peaceful.
Go Brewery Hopping
Check out History Class Brewing (in PC proper) or Idyll Hounds just over in Santa Rosa Beach. Fall = seasonal releases, cozy taproom lighting, and maybe pretzels.
Brunch and Browse at Pier Park
Less crowded in fall, still colorful. Get brunch at Andy’s Flour Power or The Pancakery, then wander the shops like you have no mortgage.
Beach Bonfire
Cooler evenings are perfect for a permitted bonfire right on the sand—bring s’mores and blankets.
Hike or Bike Gayle’s Trails
Fall is the one time you can do this without melting. Miles of shady paths that connect Panama City Beach parks—perfect for pretending you’re athletic.
Take a Day Trip to Ecofina Creek
Just a short drive from PCB, this hidden gem is a creek system fed by natural cold springs, with clear waters perfect for kayaking or paddling. Fall brings cooler temps and vibrant marsh grasses, making it a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Weekend TripsNEARBY
Apalachicola & St. George Island, FL
2 hours east
Wander historic Apalachicola’s charming streets, enjoy fresh oysters straight from local waters, and browse unique shops. Then head over to St. George Island for serene beaches, state parks, and postcard-perfect sunsets. Bonus: stop by our St. George Island office and say hello to our friendly team!
Fairhope, AL
3 hours west
This artsy town on Mobile Bay is perfect for leisurely strolls along the pier, popping into local galleries, and sipping coffee at cozy cafés. Don’t miss the chance to pick up a handmade find at one of the boutiques.
Pensacola, FL
2 hours west
Mix a little history with your beach time—tour historic forts, check out the National Naval Aviation Museum, and soak up the sun on Pensacola’s sugar-white sand beaches. It’s a weekend that’s part culture, part coastal relaxation.
Montgomery, AL
3 hours north
Montgomery is perfect for a weekend escape, featuring the Montgomery Zoo for a family-friendly adventure. Stroll through charming downtown streets, savor Southern cuisine, enjoy a scenic Riverfront Park, and take a relaxing riverboat cruise along the Alabama River.
Jacksonville, FL
4 hours east
Explore Jacksonville’s vibrant riverfront, local breweries, and art districts, or spend the day relaxing on the beaches. It’s a fun mix of city culture and coastal charm for a memorable weekend escape.
Ways toWORK WITH ME
Life along the Gulf Coast is all about the lifestyle, the community, and the experiences that come with home. If you’ve ever thought about owning a home here—whether as a full-time residence, a vacation getaway, or an investment property—we’d love to be your resource. We help buyers find the right fit, sellers showcase their home with standout marketing, and investors navigate opportunities with confidence. Wherever you are in the process, consider us your local guides to real estate in Bay County, Florida.
