Dolly Parton Adored This Florida Destination With White Sand And Emerald Water

When choosing a place to take your next vacation, there are always a few ways to go about it. You could pick the destination based on its attractions, the weather, or its dining scene. Or, if you're a fan of Dolly Parton, you can simply go to one of her favorite places: Panama City Beach, or PCB, for short. 

There are a few reasons the late country singer fell in love with the city. As she told Thrillist in 2025, it offers pristine white sands that make you feel like you're in an exotic tropical locale, not the Sunshine State. Similarly, the emerald waters next to the beach are always a treat to look at, even if you don't decide to go in. Plus, as a prime tourist destination, the city is full of attractions that can entertain visitors of all ages. That's also why Parton chose Panama City Beach as the location of her Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. Considering there are only three places where the show is available, including the Tennessee gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, near where she was born, that's high praise.

But whether you decide to have fun on the high seas or do other things during your trip, Panama City Beach is a worthwhile Florida locale. Let's uncover what you can find when you're here.

Since the sand and the waves were some of Dolly Parton's favorite elements in Panama City Beach, you can begin your visit by heading to the coast. The beach stretches for over 27 miles, and there are more than 100 public access points. As Parton told Panama City News Herald during the opening of Pirates Voyage, "Panama City Beach is such a great vacation spot and great place for families to come and visit. ... We're excited to give families something to do together and after a fun day on the beach, people can come have a good meal and be entertained."

For a mix of sand and fun activities, hang around Pier Park. This section of the city has so much to do and see that you could easily spend your entire vacation here and not get bored. Plus, as an open-air mall, you can enjoy the Florida weather as you wander through shops, restaurants, and attractions. Speaking of attractions, the main options here include the PCB Wheel, which offers incredible views of the ocean and the rest of the city, as well as the Emerald Coast Mirror Maze & Laser Craze. This place allows you to blow off some steam by shooting lasers or soft pellets, or you can test your skills in different mazes. And if you decide to get tickets to Parton's pirate dinner show, it's only a three-minute drive from the mall.

Pier Park isn't the only place to experience thrills and excitement in PCB. Farther south, you can get wet and wild at the pirate-themed Shipwreck Island water park. Or, you can tickle your brain at WonderWorks, which is full of interactive exhibits. Finally, if you prefer to see animals up close, visit ZooWorld and feed some alligators.

Panama City Beach, located in the Florida Panhandle, has a handful of nearby airports, including Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), just a 20-minute drive north, and Pensacola International Airport (PNS), which is about two hours west. If you take the scenic route from the latter, you can pass one of America's best beaches to visit in 2026: Pensacola Beach.

As we mentioned, Panama City Beach is a touristy town, so it's easy to find accommodations to fit your budget. There's a mix of chain hotels and vacation rentals, many of which either overlook or are within walking distance of the beach for added convenience. Beyond strolling and relaxing next to the water or having fun at PCB's various attractions, the other thing to do here is eat. Besides enjoying a meal at Dolly Parton's pirate-themed dinner show, there are plenty of options at Pier Park, such as Ford's Garage, where you can grab burgers, barbecue, and beer among antique Ford cars and parts. If you're more in the mood for seafood, Shuckums Oyster Pub & Seafood Grill is where you can find fresh oysters, seafood baskets, and more. Finally, your taste buds can travel to "The Big Easy," aka the vibrant Louisiana city of New Orleans, at David's New Orleans Style Sno-Balls and Cafe. This spot is great for po' boys and beignets, but make sure to leave room for an icy Sno-Ball at the end, as the shop offers a wide selection of flavors and add-ons.