Waterfront Dining in Panama City Beach
Tables on the Gulf, the lagoon, and the bay.
Panama City Beach has two very different kinds of water views: the open Gulf along Front Beach Road, and the sheltered marina scene around Grand Lagoon. The right one depends on whether you want sunset or boats.
This guide sorts the waterfront rooms by view, atmosphere, and how far ahead you need to book to get the table you actually want.
Featured Waterfront Restaurants
A starting set of rooms with a genuine water view — not a parking lot and a palm tree.
- Runaway Island — Gulf-Front Grill. An open-air deck directly on the sand with uninterrupted Gulf views and a reliable sunset crowd.
- Schooners — Beachfront Casual. "The Last Local Beach Club" — toes in the sand, grouper sandwiches, and a nightly cannon at sundown.
- Capt. Anderson's — Marina Dining. Grand Lagoon marina views, working boats at the dock, and a dining room that has anchored this stretch for decades.
How We Choose
Every Panama City Beach recommendation on this page is selected by our editorial team for consistency, local reputation, and the quality of the experience — not for placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Panama City Beach restaurants have the best sunset views?
West-facing decks along the Gulf and the open-water side of Grand Lagoon get the clearest sunsets. Arrive around 45 minutes before sundown to get an outdoor table.
Can you get to waterfront restaurants by boat?
Several Grand Lagoon and marina restaurants have guest docks. Call ahead — dock space is first come, first served and is often full on summer weekends.
Is waterfront dining in Panama City Beach expensive?
Water views carry a modest premium. Casual Gulf-front decks run about $20–$30 per person; marina dining rooms typically land between $40 and $70.