Updated: November 21, 2025
Panama City Beach nightlife comes alive after dark with beachfront bars, live music venues, and sunset cruises. This guide covers the top spots including tiki bars, country honky-tonks, craft beer gardens, and waterfront restaurants that keep the party going well into the night.
Panama City is well-known as a haven for retirees and families — and it definitely lives up to the hype. But guess what? There's so much more to this city.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Panama City Beach transforms into a vibrant canvas of nightlife, offering an array of experiences for those seeking excitement after dark. From beachfront bars to pulsating clubs, the nightlife scene in Panama City Beach caters to diverse tastes and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the best the city has to offer after hours, from lively beachfront establishments to hidden gems tucked away in the heart of the city.
Contents
1. The Nightlife Here is Where the Fun Truly Begins!
- Tiki Bar at Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort
- Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant
- Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
- The Little Village
- Island Time Sunset Cruise
3. Where to Stay in Panama City Beach?
About Us...
At Emerald Coast Retreat, our love for Panama City Beach is translated into our commitment to crafting unparalleled Emerald Coast vacation rentals for our guests. We offer a curated selection of properties, ranging from beachfront condos to spacious rental homes, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost convenience and comfort for your stay.
And if we may say so, we're experts in all things Panama City Beach. In our destination blog, we've covered everything from nightlife gems to where to find pickleball courts, with more posts always on the way to make your vacation even better. So stay tuned!
The nightlife here is where the fun truly begins!
Panama City Beach stands out as a fantastic music destination due to
its diverse and vibrant music scene encompassing various genres,
an array of entertainment venues that range from intimate
settings to larger concert halls, a consistent influx of
tourists especially during peak seasons, frequent music
festivals and events, a picturesque beachside atmosphere that
enhances live performances, a supportive local community
fostering a thriving music culture, and a lively nightlife that
ensures ample opportunities for live music enthusiasts to enjoy
performance by both local talent and visiting artists.
Tiki Bar at Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort
The Tiki Bar at Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort (17403 Front Beach Road) sits directly on the sand on Panama City Beach's west end. Open year-round to both resort guests and the public, this beachfront bar hosts live bands during special events like the Motorcycle Rally and offers karaoke nights seasonally. The bar features HD flat-screen TVs for sports viewing, pool tables, and daily drink specials. During summer months, the venue serves as the hub for family-friendly beach games and contests throughout the day before transitioning to evening entertainment.
Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant
Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant (15201 Front Beach Road) has been a beachfront staple since 1986. Open daily until 11 PM on weekends and 9:30 PM on weekdays, the venue features live entertainment most evenings. The restaurant sits directly on the sand under what's billed as the largest open-air palapa in the U.S.
My aunt has told me stories about this place. She's been coming since the '90s, and she told me that the palapa survived three Category 4 hurricanes.
Their signature drink, the World Famous Shark Attack, pairs well with fresh oysters prepared multiple ways. Live music typically runs most days, with the outdoor deck transforming into a lively scene as evening approaches.
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
A transplant of the iconic Nashville honky-tonk, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Panama City Beach brings the best of country music and Southern hospitality to the Gulf Coast. Enjoy live performances by talented country musicians, creating an authentic Nashville atmosphere in the heart of Florida. For a more relaxed experience, head to the rooftop patio, where you can savor a drink and take in panoramic views of the city.
Note: Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Panama City Beach is temporarily closed but will be relocating to a new beachfront location on Thomas Drive, the former site of Spinnaker Beach Club. The original Pier Park location closed in anticipation of the move, and the new, 30,000-square-foot venue is expected to open in early 2026.
The Little Village
The Little Village (2808 West 12th Street) is located in the historic St. Andrews neighborhood of Panama City. This lakeside boutique and entertainment venue sits on Ware Lake and features Finns Island Style Grub serving tacos, quesadillas, and ceviche.
Fair warning: Mosquitoes can be brutal near the water once it gets warm. I learned that lesson the first time I visited without bug spray.
The venue hosts live music almost nightly, with performances ranging from country-western and jazz to pop and electronic. Thursday nights feature game nights, and beer and wine are available for purchase. My husband and I joined game night one time, and we played with three local couples who'd been coming every Thursday for years. Seating is primarily outdoors under trees and on a deck overlooking the water.
Island Time Sunset Cruise
Island Time Sailing operates a 50-foot sailing catamaran departing from Lagoon Pontoons Marina (5201 N Lagoon Drive). Their Sunset Dolphin Cruise is a 2-hour experience that departs through Grand Lagoon, passes St. Andrew's State Park, and continues into Gulf waters to watch for dolphins during sunset.
The Coast Guard-certified vessel holds up to 78 passengers and includes two restrooms. An onboard bar serves their signature rum punch, beer, and wine, with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for $2. The cruise features tropical music, and after sunset, guests can participate in games and dancing. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
A Night to Remember
Panama City Beach's nightlife is as diverse as its sun-soaked days. Whether you're dancing the night away at a beachfront club, sipping craft cocktails at a hidden gem, or embarking on a nighttime adventure on the Gulf, the city offers an array of experiences for every nocturnal soul. As the stars glitter above and the city comes alive, the nightlife in Panama City Beach invites you to immerse yourself in the rhythm of the night, creating memories that linger long after the sun has risen.
Where to Stay in Panama City
Beach?
Nestled along the pristine shores of Panama City Beach, we take pride in curating unforgettable vacation experiences for every guest. As a premier provider of PCB vacation rentals, Emerald Coast Retreats offers a handpicked selection of properties, ranging from beachfront condos to spacious rental homes, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost convenience and comfort for your stay.
Our local team is committed to ensuring that your escape to the Emerald Coast is nothing short of extraordinary.
Prefer a Quieter Evening Scene? New Smyrna Beach takes a more relaxed approach to after-dark fun. At Great Ocean Condos, you'll find properties where you can enjoy beachfront access to laid-back bars, local breweries, and intimate live music venues along Flagler Avenue's charming strip.
