The Thomas Drive area on the east end of Panama City Beach is extremely popular with thousands of tourists from around the country. This section of PCB is buzzing with excitement, both day and night. Arcades, go-karts, mini golf, shopping, amusement parks, and waterparks are just some of the fun things to do in the area.
We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best places to have fun in the Thomas Drive area. You are sure to have a blast and make some great memories when visiting these places.
Goofy Golf
12206 Front Beach Rd
You can enjoy a fun game of mini golf at this outdoor course, spread through vintage obstacles including dinosaurs, aliens, and a Spinx. Located across the street from the World’s Most Beautiful beaches, this golf course is a classic amusement park in Panama City Beach and it remains unchanged since it opened in 1959. Goofy Golf consists of two 18-hole miniature golf courses and is a great bargain at $12 per 18 holes.
Funland Arcade and Snack Bar
14510 Front Beach Rd
This iconic arcade is one of the original attractions in Panama City Beach. Located across the street from the beach, it offers over 100 updated games and original pinball machines. The snack bar serves up yummy treats, refreshing beverages, and delicious ice cream. Funland has been a favorite for locals and visitors for generations.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
12201 Hutchison Blvd
Families and water lovers of all ages can cool off with a splash at Shipwreck Island Waterpark. With 3 million gallons of water and 15 acres, the kids will love the waterslides like the Zoom Flume, White Knuckle River, and the Pirate’s Race. You can bounce around in the large wave pool or enjoy lounging in the lazy river. This premier family attraction serves cool and tasty treats and refreshing beverages for kids and adults. To purchase tickets visit Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
Alvin's Island Souvenir & Gift Shop
9401 Thomas Dr.
Alvin’s Island is a one-stop shop for beach essentials and souvenirs. You are sure to find a great selection of unique beach items for everyone. They have the latest in beach fashion, swimsuits, flip-flops, hats, accessories and much more. This shopping experience is one of a kind and fun for the entire family. There are locations of this local staple all around Panama City Beach.
Jaws Souvenir Shop
7100 Thomas Dr
This is a must-stop when you’re on vacation. You enter the store through the mouth of a giant shark. You (and especially the kids) will love exploring this fun store that has a little bit of everything. They have a huge selection of beachwear, swimwear, custom t-shirts, souvenirs, and much more. They even have live shark feedings you will want to see.
Wonderworks
9910 Front Beach Rd
This experience starts when you enter an upside-down building and step in the inversion tunnel to be turned right side up. The indoor attraction has over 100 hands-on science exhibits, laser tag, rope obstacle courses, and a 6D motion ride. This attraction will take you on a journey with severe weather simulations, light and sound zones, space discovery zones, and more. This is also a great place to go on a rainy day at the beach. To purchase tickets visit Wonderworks Panama City Beach.
Ripleys Believe It or Not
9907 Front Beach Rd
Experience the extraordinary when you enter this ship with hundreds of unbelievable but true artifacts and interactive games. Discover Titanic artifacts, including actual coal from the unsinkable ship. There is even a 7D moving movie theater and Ripleys’s mirror maze to keep you entertained for hours. To purchase tickets visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Rainforest Blacklight Golf and Arcade
9129 Front Beach Rd
Escape into Florida’s number one indoor miniature golf course and arcade. This family-friendly 18-hole blacklight miniature golf course is a fun activity for all ages. The indoor rainforest is filled with colorful scenery for a competitive game of putt-putt or enjoy the arcade. Visit Rainforest Black Light Golf & Arcade for more information.
ZooWorld
9008 Front Beach Rd
ZooWorld is home to exotic animals from all over the world. You can pet a sloth, hold a kangaroo, meet a giraffe, feed an alligator, snuggle a lemur, and play with goats. This is a great spot to experience the wild through several exhibits and up-close animal experiences. For hours and tickets visit ZooWorld.
Cobra Adventure Park
9323 Front Beach Rd
Cobra Adventure Park has several fun rides for young thrill seekers. The Max Flight Simulator is known as the roller coaster of the future. The Vertical Acceleration reaches heights of 160 ft. The adventure park includes a Cobra go-kart racing track and a pirate-themed mini golf course. There is also an arcade packed with the latest games. To start your adventure visit Cobra Adventure Park.
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
9807 Front Beach Rd
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park includes two 18-hole mini-golf courses, one sea-themed and one tropical-themed. You will enjoy the giant maze that is about the size of a football field. You can navigate the Grand Maze as a group or compete to challenge your best navigational skills. For hours and passes visit Coconut Creek Family Fun Park.
Race City
9523 Front Beach Rd
You will find an exciting time at Race City with thrill rides, fairground rides, go-kart tracks, bumper boats, a spin zone, a sky coaster ride, blacklight mini golf, and more. Unlimited armbands are available to enjoy all the outside attractions in one place. With so much to do, you will want to stay and play all day. For more information visit Race City.
Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center
8602 Thomas Dr
You will want to visit this indoor and outdoor recreational complex complete with a four-story go-kart track, a concrete road course track, two elaborate mini-golf, bumper boats, rides, and an arcade. They have a Kids Kingdom, with rides for the youngsters including a mini Ferris wheel. For pricing and hours visit Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center.
Slingshot and Vomatron
8762 Thomas Dr
For the adventurous, The Slingshot and Vomatron are some of the most exhilarating thrill rides in Panama City Beach. These attractions will take adrenaline junkies to new heights by catapulting them into the air for extreme adventures. These rides are best described as a vertical human catapult & a machine simulating rocket force. Find out for yourself by visiting Panama City Beach Slingshot.
Captain Anderson's Marina
5550 N Lagoon Dr
Panama City Beach offers several fishing charters to explore deep-sea fishing. You can find the largest selection of sport fishing adventures at Captain Anderson's Marina. Trips can be customized for different experience levels, inshore trolling or bottom fishing. A fishing license is not required and fishing equipment is provided. You can choose between shorter cruises of 5 hours or longer 12-hour cruises with options for morning, afternoon, or night charters available. Private charters are available as well. Don't forget, Captain Anderson's is a world-famous restaurant as well.
SeaScreamer Dolphin Cruise
3605 Thomas Drive
Explorers can enjoy this exciting cruise for a chance to see dolphins and wildlife. The friendly crew will take you on a two-hour adventure navigating through pristine waters and showing you places of interest such as Shell Island and Saint Andrews State Park. Beautiful scenery, coastal music, and activities for the kids will keep you entertained the entire time. Bring your camera, there will be plenty of opportunities to watch the dolphins play in the water. To book your ticket visit SeaScreamer Dolphin Cruises.
Book your stay on Thomas Drive and the East End of PCB
Panhandle Getaways provides the best selection of beachfront condos and private beach vacation homes to make the most of your stay on the east end. Some popular resorts are Summerhouse, Laketown Wharf, Bel Air Beach Condos, and Shores of Panama to name just a few. Book your vacation today, and enjoy all the fun in Panama City Beach.