Things to do near Gulf Crest
81 hand-checked places to eat, drink, play and explore, 15 of them within a mile of your balcony.
What is there to do near Gulf Crest?
Gulf Crest sits off Thomas Drive, close to Panama City Beach attractions, shopping, golf and fine dining. Every place below was checked against its official site or an official listing in October 2026. Check their sites for current hours and prices before you go.
The Panama City Beach directory
Sorted by straight-line distance from Gulf Crest (as the pelican flies, not driving distance). “Open now” uses posted weekly hours in Central Time and only covers the 23 places with published weekly hours.
Shell Island (St. Andrews Shell Island Adventures)
Undeveloped barrier island, boat access only
Nothing matches these filters right now.
Where should we start?
Favorite spots near Gulf Crest
St. Andrews State Park
4607 State Park Lane, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
A Florida state park on the east end of Panama City Beach with beaches, a jetty, fishing and a marina. Open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year (Florida State Parks).
Shell Island
Reached by boat from St. Andrews State Park
An undeveloped, 7-mile barrier island between St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf, reachable only by boat. The Shell Island ferry runs from the St. Andrews State Park marina; there are no restrooms, shade or food on the island, so bring what you need.
Capt. Anderson’s Marina
5550 N. Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Grand Lagoon marina known for charter fishing boats. You can book a trip or walk the docks, where captains post daily availability.
Pier Park
600 Pier Park Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Open-air shopping, dining and entertainment district across from the City Pier.
Russell-Fields City Pier
16201 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
At over 1,500 feet, one of the longest piers on the Gulf, popular for fishing, sunsets and spotting dolphins, sea turtles and pelicans (City of Panama City Beach).
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
12201 Hutchison Blvd., Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Family water park with slides, a lazy river and kids’ splash areas.
How were these places chosen?
Each listing was checked against the business’s own website or an official government or visitor-bureau page. Hours are shown only when the business publishes them, with the date we checked. There are no paid placements. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
Where can I find more Panama City Beach events?
See the Visit Panama City Beach events calendar, and our blog for seasonal guides.
What about the beach right here?
Gulf Crest has direct beach access. Check the live HD Beach Cam and beach weather and flags before you head down.
Stay in the middle of it all
Two and three bedroom Gulf-front condos off Thomas Drive, minutes from St. Andrews State Park, Grand Lagoon and Pier Park.