Panama City runs close to 60 parks, marinas and rec sites on 270-plus acres, from bayfront Oaks by the Bay to Carl Gray Park's ramp. Rentals: 850-872-3199.

Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Sources: the City of Panama City’s parks and facilities listings, Facilities, Sporting Locations and park projects pages.

Panama City’s Parks, Culture and Recreation Department runs close to 60 parks, marinas and recreation facilities on more than 270 acres, the city says. Many sit on the water, on St. Andrews Bay and North Bay. Most city parks are open from dawn until dusk.

Who to call

  • Pavilion, field and facility rentals: customer service desk, 850-872-3199, or book online
  • Youth and adult sports: Sports Division, 850-740-9449, sports@panamacity.gov
  • Event alerts: text PanamaCity to 38276
  • Official page: find a park or facility

Hurricane Isaias: the city closed its recreation facilities and canceled programs for Oct. 9 and 10. Check the city’s storm update before you go.

On the water

  • Oaks by the Bay Park, 2715 W. 10th St., at the south end of Beck Avenue in St. Andrews. A 5-acre bayfront park under big oaks with a boardwalk to the bay, a gazebo, a pavilion and an observation platform. Home of the Saturday Market at St. Andrews and Thursday sunset yoga.
  • Carl Gray Park, Collegiate Drive, just north of Gulf Coast State College on North Bay. A large waterfront park with a boat ramp, covered picnic tables, a playground, swimming, restrooms and parking.
  • Millville Waterfront Park, 301 Maple Ave. Boat ramp, fishing, a playground, a walking track, picnic tables and a multipurpose field.
  • Lake Huntington Park, 3501 15th St. Boat ramp, fishing and restrooms.
  • Bob George Park, Church Avenue at First Plaza. Boat ramp, fishing and picnic shelters.
  • Asbell Park, 701 E. Caroline Blvd., beside Lake Caroline with a view of the bay; Adams Park, Bunkers Cove Road, a small shaded park overlooking the bay; and Venetian Sunset Park, 1320 Calabria Road, with a gazebo and benches on the bay.

Walking trails

  • Harvey Dee Mathis Park, 3315 Florida Ave., north of Baldwin Road. A 1 1/2-mile walking track, a playground and a seven-station covered outdoor fitness center.
  • Bay Memorial Walking Park, 810 Garden Club Drive. A lighted nature park of more than 13 acres with a 1-mile walking track, fitness stations and a disc golf course. The city is adding an obelisk and flagpoles honoring veterans ahead of Veterans Day.
  • Lannie Rowe Park, 1100 Cherry St. A boardwalk, walking track and picnic shelters.
  • Walking tracks also loop Hentz Park, 2708 W. 19th St.; Henry A. Davis Park, 1309 Roosevelt Ave.; and Oakland Terrace Park, 1900 W. 11th St.

Downtown

McKenzie Park, 17 E. Third Ct., with its main entrance on Harrison Avenue, is a shaded park with a very large gazebo that hosts concerts, weddings and art shows. It is lit at night.

Dogs, playgrounds and sports

  • Al Helms Dog Park, 1022 Balboa Ave., dawn to dusk.
  • Playgrounds at Carl Gray, Millville Waterfront, Harvey Dee Mathis, Henry A. Davis, Hentz, Truesdell (2629 W. 10th St.), Cove Lane (222 Cove Lane), Harry Edward (699 Bunkers Cove Road), Oakland Terrace and Chapman (2526 Rollins Ave.) parks.
  • Oakland Terrace Sports Complex, 1900 W. 11th St.: five pickleball courts, four tennis courts, a basketball court and five baseball and softball fields.
  • Frank Nelson Sports Complex, 4201 W. 23rd St.: soccer, flag football and multipurpose fields.
  • Daffin Park, 320 N. Kraft Ave.: a full-size football field, a baseball field and a basketball court. New football field lights are working, and baseball field lights are on the way.
  • MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 705 E. 14th Ct.: a fitness center, gym and outdoor court.

Coming soon

  • Joe Moody Harris Park, 2300 E. Ninth Ct.: a $1.33 million upgrade with a playground, basketball court, pavilions and fitness equipment. The city expected the playground plan to go to the City Commission in October.
  • Robert and Mary Cain Park (formerly Oak Grove Field), 2020 W. 17th St.: a basketball court first, with a playground, walking path and restrooms among later options.

What this means for you

  • For a long walk, head to Harvey Dee Mathis Park or Bay Memorial Walking Park.
  • For bay views and shade, Oaks by the Bay is the classic.
  • Book pavilions online ahead of weekends; the city requires a rental account first.

Related: farmers markets, things to do this month and getting around.

Frequently asked questions

What are Panama City park hours?

Most city parks are open from dawn until dusk, according to the city’s facility listings. Some, such as McKenzie Park and Oaks by the Bay Park, note that special events can run later.

Where can I walk or run in Panama City?

Harvey Dee Mathis Park has a 1 1/2-mile walking track with a covered fitness center, and Bay Memorial Walking Park has a lighted 1-mile track with fitness stations and disc golf.

Is there a dog park in Panama City?

Yes. Al Helms Dog Park is at 1022 Balboa Ave. and is open from dawn until dusk.

Where are the public boat ramps in Panama City?

The city lists boat launch ramps at Carl Gray Park on Collegiate Drive, Millville Waterfront Park at 301 Maple Ave., Lake Huntington Park, Bob George Park and the Panama City Marina.

How do I reserve a pavilion or field in Panama City?

Create an account on the city’s online rental system (secure.rec1.com/FL/PCQOL) and book there, or call the Parks, Culture and Recreation customer service desk at 850-872-3199.