Sunset Dining Panama City Beach FL: 10 Places to Savor the Magic Hour
If you’ve ever wondered where to find the most spectacular sunset dining in Panama City Beach, FL, you’re in for a treat!
Panama City Beach isn’t just about sugar-white sands and emerald waters; it’s a haven for food lovers seeking panoramic sunset views with their meals. From romantic dinner spots to family-friendly oceanfront dining, this list has it all. Let’s dive into the best sunset restaurants Panama City Beach has to offer!
1. Runaway Island
14521 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
When it comes to sunset dining experiences in Panama City Beach, Runaway Island is a crowd favorite. This two-story beachfront restaurant offers incredible views of the Gulf, best enjoyed with a plate of their famous Gulf shrimp.
Whether you’re seated on the outdoor deck or inside by the massive windows, you’ll have an unobstructed view of the horizon. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic sunset dining Panama City Beach evening or a casual outing with friends.
2. The Grand Marlin of Panama City Beach
5323 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
For upscale vibes and top-notch cuisine, The Grand Marlin is a must-visit for Panama City Beach waterfront dining. With a menu that boasts fresh, locally sourced seafood, their Parmesan-crusted Grouper is a game changer.
Pair it with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy the sunset over the marina. This spot blends elegance with natural beauty, making it a top choice for romantic dinner spots Panama City Beach.
3. Schooners
5121 Gulf Dr, Panama City, FL 32408
Known as the “Last Local Beach Club,” Schooners is an iconic spot for sunset dining Panama City Beach, FL. This lively beachfront restaurant offers laid-back vibes, live music, and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
Grab their Blackened Mahi sandwich and a tropical cocktail to toast to the day’s end. It’s no wonder Schooners is a favorite for oceanfront dining Panama City Beach lovers.
4. Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant
15201 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
If a tiki hut-style restaurant with sunset views sounds like your dream, Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant delivers. Famous for its breezy, casual vibe, this is one of the best sunset restaurants Panama City Beach offers for a fun night out. Their tropical drinks are the perfect companion to dishes like the Coconut Shrimp or Grilled Grouper.
Since Sharky’s does not take reservations, arriving early is the best way to avoid long wait times, especially during peak dinner hours. Families should plan to dine before sunset if they want to secure a table with an ocean view. If there’s a wait, kids can burn off energy at the beachfront play area, which is conveniently located next to the dining deck.
Bonus: Sharky’s expansive deck puts you front and center for the golden hour magic.
5. Pineapple Willy’s
9875 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
For sunset dining experiences Panama City Beach visitors rave about, Pineapple Willy’s is a can’t-miss. This laid-back hotspot is perfect for families and casual diners looking for a classic PCB experience.
The signature ribs paired with their famous frozen drinks make for a delicious combo, especially when enjoyed on their pier overlooking the Gulf. Sunset and BBQ? Yes, please!
Seating on the pier offers stunning Gulf views, but it can be breezy in the evening, so bringing a light jacket for kids is a good idea. Parents should also be prepared for a louder environment, as the restaurant is often packed with live music and an energetic crowd. If dining with little ones who are sensitive to noise, an earlier lunch visit may be a better option.
6. Firefly
535 Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Looking for something a little more intimate? Firefly’s cozy yet elegant atmosphere makes it one of the most romantic dinner spots Panama City Beach has to offer.
While it’s not directly oceanfront, its menu and ambiance make up for it in spades. Enjoy dishes like Lobster Thermidor while soaking in the twilight hues through their softly lit interiors. Perfect for date night or special occasions!
The restaurant’s soft lighting and elegant decor create a refined but comfortable setting. Bringing a quiet activity like coloring books or small toys can help keep younger kids entertained while waiting for food. Since the menu leans toward gourmet seafood and steak dishes, parents should check online beforehand to see if the options fit their child’s preferences.
7. Harpoon Harry’s
12627 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
For a fun and casual Panama City Beach dinner with a view, Harpoon Harry’s hits the mark. This beachfront spot is all about good food and good vibes.
Order a plate of their fresh Grouper Fingers or the Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms and settle in for one of the best restaurants with sunset views Panama City Beach has to offer. Their outdoor seating area is just steps from the sand, making it an unbeatable spot for soaking in the beauty of the Gulf.
The outdoor seating area offers amazing Gulf views, but it can get breezy in the evening, so bringing a light sweater or jacket for kids is recommended. Since the restaurant can be busy, ordering appetizers like fried pickles or hush puppies as soon as you’re seated can help keep kids happy while waiting for the main course.
For families looking to end the night on a sweet note, Harpoon Harry’s offers delicious desserts like Key Lime Pie, which is perfect for sharing.
8. Barefoot On The Beach Bar & Grill
11073 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Barefoot On The Beach is a hidden gem for sunset dining Panama City Beach, FL enthusiasts. This casual, open-air spot offers oceanfront dining Panama City Beach fans adore.
Their Grouper Tacos and signature cocktails are perfect for enjoying while the sun dips below the horizon. It’s laid-back, affordable, and oh-so picturesque.
9. Captain Anderson’s Restaurant
5551 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, FL 32408
For a refined take on Panama City Beach waterfront dining, Captain Anderson’s Restaurant is a long-standing favorite. The dockside views make it an ideal spot for sunset dining experiences Panama City Beach visitors won’t forget.
For families dining with children, Captain Anderson’s offers a welcoming atmosphere and a dedicated children’s menu featuring kid-friendly options like grilled cheese, chicken fingers, and macaroni and cheese. Given the restaurant’s popularity, especially during peak dining hours, it’s advisable to arrive early to minimize wait times.
Their Greek-style Grouper is legendary, and the service is always impeccable. It’s perfect for those looking to blend fine dining with stunning views.
10. Pelican’s Bar & Grill
4114 Jan Cooley Dr, Panama City, FL 32408
Located at the edge of the Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort and Spa, Pelican’s is literally perched over the water. This makes it one of the most unique restaurants with sunset views Panama City Beach has to offer.
The menu features coastal favorites, including fish tacos, which are a hit among both adults and kids. While the restaurant does not have a specific children’s menu, the variety of dishes available can cater to younger palates.
You can’t go wrong with their Fish Tacos and a refreshing Mai Tai. Plus, the vibe here is unbeatable for romantic sunset dining Panama City Beach evenings or chill hangouts.
Insider Tips for Sunset Dining in PCB
Timing Is Everything: Aim to arrive about 45 minutes before sunset to snag the best seating and enjoy the full spectacle. Parents should also consider early dinners to avoid the busiest times, as restaurants tend to get more crowded right before sunset.
Reservations: Reservations can be a lifesaver for families. Many of the best sunset restaurants in Panama City Beach operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so calling ahead or checking if the restaurant accepts reservations can help avoid long waits.
Dress Code: Most spots are casual, but places like Firefly and The Grand Marlin lean upscale, so dress accordingly. Bringing a light sweater for kids is also a good idea, as ocean breezes can make outdoor seating cooler in the evening.
Try Local Dishes: Gulf Seafood is the star of the show here. Don’t miss out on specialties like Grouper, Snapper, or Shrimp dishes. Many restaurants offer kid-friendly seafood options like grilled grouper, popcorn shrimp, and fish tacos, which are mild in flavor and great for younger palates. If your child prefers simpler flavors, most places offer chicken tenders, mac and cheese, or pasta as backup options.
From upscale romantic dinner spots to lively oceanfront dining Panama City Beach favorites, there’s no shortage of options for enjoying a Panama City Beach dinner with a view.
Whether you’re sipping cocktails at Sharky’s or savoring fine dining at Captain Anderson’s, the sunsets in Panama City Beach are sure to leave you spellbound.
Grab your appetite and your camera — it’s time to dine with a view!
Sunset Dining Panama City Beach FAQs
What food is Panama City Beach known for?
Panama City Beach is known for its fresh coastal cuisine inflected with Cajun, Gulf Coast, and American Southern traditions, featuring dishes like blackened grouper, shrimp po’boys, and oysters on the half shell. Seafood is the highlight here, with restaurants serving locally caught snapper, crab, and shrimp prepared in a variety of flavorful styles.
Can you watch the sunrise on Panama City Beach?
Watching the sunrise in Panama City Beach, FL is a breathtaking sight that captivates the senses and the soul, with the soft morning light reflecting beautifully off the Gulf waters. The best spots to catch the sunrise include the east-facing shoreline near St. Andrews State Park and quieter stretches of the beach where the horizon is unobstructed.
