Rick Seltzer Park
A beautiful public beach with free parking, clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Perfect for a relaxing day by the Gulf.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful sunset
Rick Seltzer Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful sunset
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful public beach with free parking, clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Perfect for a relaxing day by the Gulf.
"Plenty of free parking makes it easy to visit, and the beach itself is beautiful with clear water and soft sand."
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of free parking available, but arrive early on holidays!
🌅 Sunset Views
Perfect spot for evening strolls and stunning sunset views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Sandy Shores
Main Beach Area
Enjoy soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Spectacular Sunsets
Western End of the Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Gulf.
Convenient Amenities
Near Entrance
Clean restrooms, rinse stations, and picnic areas make for a comfortable beach day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Water Quality & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of free parking available, but arrive early on holidays!
🌅 Sunset Views
Perfect spot for evening strolls and stunning sunset views.
🚿 Rinse Stations
Convenient rinse stations to wash off sand after a day at the beach.
💧 Check Water Advisories
Always check local advisories before swimming.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of free parking available, but arrive early on holidays!
🌅 Sunset Views
Perfect spot for evening strolls and stunning sunset views.
🚿 Rinse Stations
Convenient rinse stations to wash off sand after a day at the beach.
💧 Check Water Advisories
Always check local advisories before swimming.
🪑 Bring Your Own Gear
You can bring your own chairs and gear, or rent them.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly Fun
Great for a family beach day with easy water access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rick Seltzer Park for its beautiful, clear waters and soft sand, making it a top-tier public beach access point. The ample free parking and clean facilities, including restrooms and rinse stations, are frequently highlighted as major conveniences. While some wish for more nighttime lighting, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, earning it high marks for a relaxing beach day.
"Plenty of free parking makes it easy to visit, and the beach itself is beautiful with clear water and soft sand. The showers are convenient and well kept, which really adds to the experience. Out of all the public beach access points we’ve stopped at, this is easily one of the best. The only thing I’d change is adding more lighting at night, but even with that, it’s still a solid five stars."
David Hoffman
"The beach was very nice! Ample free parking in the large lot. Showers are spread out and there are beach chairs for use on the beach. Great place to watch the sunset and explore the coastline."
Kurtis Lane
"Clean restrooms, easy trip to the water. They have lawn chairs right can rent, but you are able to bring your own gear and set it up."
Nicole Weinhandl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rick Seltzer Park is located in Panama City Beach, Florida. It's easily accessible by car and offers a large, free parking lot. Many visitors mention the ample parking as a significant advantage.
Yes, Rick Seltzer Park has a large, free parking lot. However, it can get crowded on holiday weekends, so arriving early is recommended. +1
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekday evenings or early mornings. Weekends can be busy, especially during peak season.
Absolutely! With its convenient amenities like restrooms and rinse stations, it's perfect for a day trip to enjoy the beach.
Information on public transport directly to Rick Seltzer Park is limited. Driving and utilizing the ample parking is the most common method of access mentioned by visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rick Seltzer Park is a public beach access point and does not have an entrance fee. Parking is also free.
While specific operating hours aren't always listed, it's generally understood to be accessible during daylight hours for beach activities. Some community events, like sunset worship, occur in the early evening.
No tickets are required for Rick Seltzer Park as it is a public beach. You can simply show up and enjoy the facilities.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own beach gear, including chairs and umbrellas. While not explicitly stated, standard beach etiquette applies.
If a water quality advisory is issued by the Florida Department of Health, it's recommended to avoid water-related activities at Rick Seltzer Park and other affected areas.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The park offers clean restrooms, convenient rinse stations, and picnic areas. Some reviews mention beach chairs available for rent, though bringing your own is also common. +1
The beach generally has beautiful, clear water and soft sand, making it great for swimming. However, always check for any water quality advisories before entering the water. 
While some reviews mention beach chairs for rent, it's also common for visitors to bring their own gear.
Many visitors rave about the beautiful beach, clear water, soft sand, and the stunning sunsets. The ample free parking and clean facilities also receive high praise. +1
Yes, community events like sunset worship and baptisms have been noted at Rick Seltzer Park, often followed by gatherings.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers fantastic opportunities for beach photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. The clear water and white sand provide a beautiful backdrop.
Absolutely! Many visitors highlight the spectacular sunsets as a major draw, making it an ideal spot for photographers.
Expect pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and expansive ocean views. The natural beauty of the coastline is perfect for capturing vacation memories.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday mornings also provide a less crowded, more serene setting.
Regulations regarding drone usage on public beaches can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation department for current drone policies before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds, the beach itself provides ample entertainment. Remember to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are picnic areas available. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure a good spot and avoid the peak crowds, making the experience more relaxed for everyone.
🌅 Sunset Lovers & Photographers
Photographers will find this spot incredibly rewarding. The vibrant colors and the expansive ocean backdrop provide stunning opportunities for both landscape and portrait photography. The relatively calm waters and soft sand also make for beautiful foreground elements in your shots.
🚗 Budget-Conscious Travelers
To maximize savings, pack your own food and drinks for a picnic, and bring your own beach chairs and umbrellas. This allows you to fully enjoy the park's amenities without incurring rental costs, making it an excellent value for a day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Appeal of Panama City Beach Access
Beyond the natural beauty, the park's amenities contribute significantly to its popularity. Clean restrooms and rinse stations are essential for a comfortable beach experience, allowing visitors to easily clean up after a day in the sun and surf. The availability of picnic areas also makes it a great spot for families or groups to enjoy a meal with an ocean view.
Many locals and frequent visitors, like those sharing on Reddit, consider Rick Seltzer Park one of the best public beach access points. Its combination of natural beauty, convenient facilities, and free parking makes it a go-to destination for enjoying the quintessential Florida beach experience.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Rick Seltzer Park
The sunsets at Rick Seltzer Park are frequently highlighted as a must-see, painting the sky with a spectacular array of colors that create dramatic and memorable photographs. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the views are consistently breathtaking.
Beyond the grand vistas, don't forget to capture the smaller details: the gentle waves lapping the shore, the unique shells scattered on the sand, or the silhouettes of people enjoying the beach. The park's natural beauty, combined with its convenient access, makes it a photographer's delight.
Community and Events at the Beach
+1These events highlight the park's role as a gathering space for locals and visitors alike, fostering a sense of community. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful setting make it an ideal location for both spiritual and social connections.
While these events are not daily occurrences, their presence underscores the park's versatility and its importance as more than just a swimming spot. It's a place where people connect with nature, with each other, and with their community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit