Sun, Sand & Simba: A Dog-Friendly Day at Panama City Beach & Pier Park 🐾🌴🎑

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and this week, Simba the Adventure Pup and I explored the lively, sun-soaked stretch of Panama City Beach and Pier Park — one of the most vibrant spots along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

With white-sand beaches, colorful shops, outdoor patios, and plenty of dog-friendly energy, this destination was a perfect mix of chill coastal charm and upbeat adventure for us both.

πŸ“ Where We Went

Location: Panama City Beach & Pier Park – Panama City, FL
Vibes: Coastal, festive, family-friendly, and great for pups
Activity: Casual walking, exploring shops, enjoying beachside breeze
Dog-Friendly: Yes – most of Pier Park is open to leashed dogs, and there's a dog beach nearby too!

🌊 What to Expect at Pier Park

Pier Park isn’t your average shopping center — it’s a full-on outdoor coastal experience. Here’s what we loved:

✔️ Wide pedestrian-friendly walkways perfect for strollers and dog leashes
✔️ Plenty of dog-welcoming patios and stores with water bowls out front
✔️ Just steps from the beach and iconic Russell-Fields Pier
✔️ Live music, street performers, and a lighthearted, beach-town feel
✔️ Instagram-worthy backdrops at every corner

We strolled the entire complex, people-watched, checked out the pier entrance, and took in the salty breeze — all with Simba soaking up the attention and stopping at every scent.

🐢 Simba’s Top Moments

Simba absolutely thrived here. A few highlights:

🐾 Getting all the love from passersby — so many “What a good boy!”s
🐢 Sniffing every palm tree and lamppost on the way
🌊 Cooling off in the sea breeze while watching the waves
🦴 Stopping for a pup treat at a dog-friendly patio café

While the main beach isn't dog-accessible, there’s a designated dog beach west of the pier, which we’ll visit next time!

🧭 Tips for Visiting with Your Pup

πŸ• Leashed dogs are welcome in most outdoor areas of Pier Park
πŸ–️ Use the dog beach west of the pier for sand and surf play
πŸ’§ Bring water and waste bags (but many shops have dog bowls!)
☀️ Best time to go: early morning or late afternoon to avoid hot pavement
πŸ…Ώ️ Plenty of parking near Pier Park — easy access for day visitors

🚐 RV Life Tip

While you won’t find RV parking at Pier Park, there are campgrounds and RV parks nearby, just a short drive away. We parked our toad and made this a great urban beach adventure in the middle of a travel day.

πŸŽ₯ Watch the Adventure


In this video, we bring you along for the sights, sounds, and smiles of Panama City Beach & Pier Park. From sun-drenched strolls to laid-back moments by the pier, it’s a fun and relaxing stop on our journey through the Florida Panhandle.

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πŸ“² Follow us everywhere → @lifeonpawsandwheels

Why We Recommend It

✔️ Perfect for a casual day out with your pup
✔️ Dog-friendly patios, shops, and scenery
✔️ Easy access to the pier and the beach
✔️ Great combo of fun, photo ops, and Gulf Coast charm

Panama City Beach and Pier Park reminded us that you don’t always need a big hike or deep woods to have a great time. Sometimes, it’s all about soaking in the sunshine, finding new places to sniff, and sharing a snack on a patio with your best pup by your side. 🐾☀️

Thanks for tagging along — see you on the next trail (or boardwalk)!

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