The Pines at West Bay is your gateway to beautiful beaches, picturesque parks, delectable dining, and endless family fun. From airboat rides to amusement parks and snorkeling trips to sunbathing, explore everything that this region of the Florida Emerald Coast has to offer.

Paddling is best in spring and summer

The best time to paddleboard and kayak in the West Bay and Panama City Beach region is in the late spring and early fall when the waters are relatively calm and temperatures aren’t too hot.

Check beach warning flags

You’ll see flags dotted all the way along Panama City Beach at 1-mile intervals, and it’s essential that you pay attention to them before you go into the water to swim, snorkel, or paddle. They’re color-coded to represent hazards as follows:

• Green: calm waters, low hazard
• Yellow: moderate currents, medium hazard
• Red: strong currents, high hazard
• Double red: water closed to the public
• Purple: dangerous marine life in water

Prepare for insects

Wear insect repellent or pants and long-sleeved shirts when spending time out on the water to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes and other critters.

Start early for dolphin sightings

Take an early morning or late afternoon dolphin tour for the best chances of getting great sightings, as dolphins tend to be most active at these times of the day

Arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight

If you’re flying out of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, plan to arrive at least two hours before your departure time. It’s a small airport, but it can get very busy during peak season. Prepare for long lines at security by giving yourself plenty of time.

Browse through our collection of blogs to dive deeper into the topics and activities most interesting to you and your family to prepare for your trip.