Our favorite local activities:
Russell-Fields Pier (City Pier)
Just steps from Calypso and Pier Park, this 1,500-foot pier is one of our absolute favorite places to take a sunset stroll. The kids love leaning over the rails to look down at the emerald water—we've spotted sea turtles and stingrays swimming right beneath us more than once! It's also an incredible spot if you enjoy fishing; you can cast a line right out over the deep Gulf waters without needing your own boat. It's an easy, budget-friendly way to soak up the open-air coastal views. Learn more here.
Camp Helen State Park
Whenever we want to escape the hustle and bustle of the commercial strip, we head just a few minutes west of Pier Park to Camp Helen. It sits right between the Gulf and a massive coastal dune lake, offering a quiet, uncrowded slice of old Florida. Our family loves wandering the shaded oak-scrub trails, hunting for unique shells on the untouched beach, and just enjoying the peaceful, natural quiet. Learn more here.
Shell Island
If you want a true island adventure, take a short boat shuttle out to Shell Island. This completely undeveloped, 7-mile stretch of barrier island feels like stepping back in time. It's our go-to spot for finding incredible seashells and snorkeling in crystal-clear water. The highlight for the kids every single time is seeing wild bottlenose dolphins swimming right alongside the boat on the way over! Learn more here.
ZooWorld - a MUST for our family every time we come to PCB!
ZooWorld is a fantastic change of pace when you want a break from the sand. Unlike traditional zoos where you just look from afar, this tropical garden park is all about hands-on encounters. The kids are obsessed with the opportunities to hand-feed and get up-close with exotic animals and birds. It’s compact, incredibly engaging, and makes for a super fun morning out. Learn more here
Dave & Buster's
When you need a break from the outdoor heat—or a fun rainy-day backup plan—Dave & Buster's right by Calypso in Pier Park is a total lifesaver for families. It’s packed with high-energy arcade games that keep the kids entertained for hours, and the casual food and massive screens make it easy for everyone to grab a bite and unwind. Pro tip for making it a great deal: Sundays and Wednesdays feature half-off games, and you can sometimes find a coupon in the local PCB visitor maps for a "buy $20, get $20 free" deal. Just keep in mind you can't stack them—if you use a coupon, you'll want to buy it a day prior and save it for a non-half-price day! Learn more here.
WonderWorks
If your kids love hands-on science and a little bit of wonder, WonderWorks is an absolute must-visit. Housed inside an upside-down building right near the beach, it’s packed with interactive exhibits, mind-bending illusions, and challenges that completely captivate them. It's one of our family's favorite spots to spend a few hours laughing and exploring together. Learn more here.
Exploring Scenic 30A
Have you discovered 30A yet? Just a short drive away, Scenic Highway 30A winds past the most charming, picturesque coastal beach towns like Seaside and Rosemary Beach. It’s famous for its stunning architecture, relaxed vibe, and beautiful coastal dune lakes. Unlike the busier strips, it’s a wonderful place to just park, grab an ice cream, sit on a lawn, and soak in the views without a rigid schedule. You can check out a map of the route here and find more visitor tips here!