Bay: Coast, Nature and Culture

If you’re looking for a hotel in Bay, different travel interests may shape your choice: the coast and outdoor activities sit alongside museums, music and historical attractions. The following places and activities can help you decide which interests might suit your stay before you compare hotels.

Coast and Water Experiences

Bay County stretches along 27 miles of white-sand beaches on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Another coastal highlight is Panama City Beach in Bay County, where more than 50 sunken wrecks are available for diving. The beach and underwater exploration are two distinct reasons to include the coastal landscape in your travel plans.

Kayaking is also among the recreational activities at St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve. If you’re interested in excursions on the water, you can combine one with a visit to Shell Island, which is accessible only by boat. Seasonal shuttle boat tours to Shell Island operate from the mainland at St. Andrews State Park in spring and summer. As this is a seasonal service, it’s a good idea to check the schedule before your visit.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

There are also several ways to enjoy outdoor activities on land.

Panama City Beach Conservation Park was established for cyclists, hikers and nature lovers. At ZooWorld in Bay County, the focus is on animals: more than 200 live there. These nature-related attractions offer quite different experiences, from spending time in a protected landscape and enjoying activities on trails to visiting an animal attraction. You can consider which ones matter to your trip as a separate priority when choosing a hotel.

Museums, Music and History

Bay County History Museum serves to educate the public and presents exhibitions and educational programs. On February 21, 2026, the museum opened the exhibition “Bayside Bounty — The Culinary Heritage of Bay County” as a Smithsonian FOOD exhibition. If this topic influences your travel plans, check in advance whether the exhibition will still be on view during your visit.

In Panama City, the Panama City Publishing Company Museum offers hands-on experiences with historic printing presses. The Native Spirit Museum and Gallery celebrates Native American culture. The Panama City Mural Trail also features more than 15 murals in the historic neighborhoods of Panama City in Bay County. These cultural attractions range from the history of printing and visual art to a museum with a cultural focus.

Another historical attraction is the schooner Governor Stone. The ship was built in 1877 and is designated a National Historic Landmark. For music lovers, the Panama City Symphony’s “Musically Up Close” series offers free chamber music concerts once a month in the rotunda of City Hall. Concert dates can change, so check the current schedule if you’re planning a visit around a performance.

Getting There and Finding a Hotel

The distance between Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and Panama City Beach is a useful point of reference for your arrival: the airport is about 20 minutes from Panama City Beach. Actual travel time may vary depending on traffic.

These themes can help you decide what to prioritize on your trip to Bay: the coast, water activities, nature or culture each offer a different focus. Use these priorities when searching for hotels for your stay. For time-sensitive activities such as the seasonal shuttle boat tours and monthly concerts, check the dates in advance so your plans align with your intended visit days.

Discover more destinations:

Panama City, Panama City Beach, Upper Grand Lagoon, Callaway, Mexico Beach, Duval, Polk, Sumter

Back to the main travel overview: Florida.