A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Jacksonville vs. Panama City for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Jacksonville or Panama City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Panama City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Jacksonville travel costs.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches. See Panama City travel costs.

Jacksonville and Panama City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Panama City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Panama City are both popular with visitors, Jacksonville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jacksonville is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Panama City is known for its music, resorts, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Panama City and Jacksonville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Panama City?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Jacksonville can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Panama City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jacksonville. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City Better for Nightlife?

Both Jacksonville and Panama City have great vibes after the sun sets.

Jacksonville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

The people in Panama City know how to have a good time. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City Better for Music?

Panama City is a good destination for its music scene. However, Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Panama City both offer great beaches.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Panama City is considered a top beach destination. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Panama City?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Jacksonville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City More Beautiful?

Panama City is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City Better for Families?

Panama City is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Panama City is very family-friendly. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City Better for Couples?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Panama City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City Better for Students?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students visit Panama City. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Is Jacksonville or Panama City a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

Panama City is not a very walkable city. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Panama City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Panama City or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Panama City?

Both Jacksonville and Panama City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Jacksonville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Panama City.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Jacksonville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Panama City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Panama City than Jacksonville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Panama City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Panama City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Jacksonville. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Panama City, many people enjoy the live music and food that this active beach town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Panama City is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Panama City?

The under-rated city of Jacksonville offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Panama City, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Panama City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Panama City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Panama City, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Panama City?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Panama City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Jacksonville or Panama City?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Panama City in the Summer?

Both Panama City and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Panama City. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Panama City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun.

Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in July than Panama City. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Panama City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Panama City. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Panama City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Panama City fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Panama City. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Panama City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Panama City. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

In the winter, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Panama City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Panama City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in January than Panama City. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Panama City in the Spring?

Both Panama City and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Panama City. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Panama City. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Panama City and Jacksonville