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    Home » Florida » Panama City Beach

    PCB Wheel AKA Skywheel Panama City Beach

    Modified: Dec 7, 2025 · Published: Oct 27, 2024 by Tammilee · This post may contain affiliate links

    Skywheel Panama City Beach at Pier Park is one of the must-do attractions in town! Enjoy epic views of the Gulf of Mexico as you ride in a comfortable air-conditioned gondola.

    SkyWheel lit up purple at night above the SkyWheel entrance with glass doors

    TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
    🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
    📍Tours
    🐬Save on PCB Attractions, Museums, and Waterparks!
    ✨What's New in Panama City Beach

    Skywheel Panama City Beach

    Contents show
    Skywheel Panama City Beach
    Skywheel Gondolas
    Skywheel Miniature Golf Course & Ropes Course
    Skywheel Snack Shack
    Why you will love Panama City Beach Skywheel
    SkyWheel PCB Facts
    Things to know when planning a visit to Skywheel Panama City Beach
    Restaurants and Attractions nearby
    Panama City Beach Tours
    Panama City Beach Lodging

    The Skywheel is now called the PCB Wheel after World Choice Investments company purchased the wheel in August 2025.

    I am going to confess that I was a bit nervous about riding the Skywheel in Panama City Beach. I get a bit claustrophobic at times and worried that I would freak out when the doors closed and it started to move.

    Thankfully, this did not happen, and I was able to enjoy the entire experience. The views from the SkyWheel private gondola are amazing!

    I was entranced from the moment it lifted over Pier Park, and we could see the crystal clear, pristine blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding area.

    I forgot to be worried and just savored every moment of the ride. The gondola seats were incredibly comfortable and easy to sit in.

    My husband has a few knee issues, but he could board the gondola easily and sit down comfortably.

    I know my husband loved that they had ice-cold beer available to enjoy on the ride. He enjoyed an ice-cold 30A beer and said it was fantastic.

    We can't wait to ride the SkyWheel again at Sunset. It was so much fun that we are talking about getting season tickets so we can ride it every time we visit PCB.

    SkyWheel Gondola

    Bench seating inside a SkyWheel gondola

    Skywheel Gondolas

    The SkyWheel gondolas can fit up to 6 adults with seating on benches. The climate-controlled gondolas have air conditioning and heating depending on the time of year you visit.

    There is a light if needed and an emergency call button if someone needs to get off the ride quickly.

    Guests always have a private car, so you don't have to worry about sharing a gondola with strangers. The employees make sure you are seated with people that you know.

    Blue gondola with clear floor on the Panama City Beach SkyWheel next to a white gondola

    VIP Experience

    When you look at the SkyWheel, you will notice one blue pod that is unique from the others. This is the VIP gondola. Check out the floor...you can see through it.

    A VIP flight ticket allows you to skip the line and get ready for your luxury experience. This special gondola has four leather bucket seats, comes with a photo package to take home with you, and each guest gets a drink to take onboard.

    Bue and white ropes course in front of a mini golf course

    Skywheel Miniature Golf Course & Ropes Course

    Right next to the SkyWheel is a fun 18-hole mini golf course suitable for all ages. The 18-hole miniature golf course is filled with fun holes everyone will love trying to win.

    Next to the mini golf 18-hole course is the Skytrail ropes course. You can climb your way through 20 different elements on this 45-foot-tall aerial attraction.

     

    large connect four game next to tables with umbrellas and a snack shop

    Skywheel Snack Shack

    The snack shop is located next to the entrance to the SkyWheel. There are tables and chairs available next to the snack shop along with fun outdoor games.

    The giant Connect Four game was fantastic.

    View looking out over Pier Park and the Gulf of Mexico

    Why you will love Panama City Beach Skywheel

    • Beautiful Views of the Gulf of Mexico
    • Plus size friendly and easy to ride
    • Special events throughout the year
    • Air-conditioned observation wheels
    • A unique experience that gives you a whole new perspective of PCB
    Panama City Beach skywheel with stairs leading up to the ticket entrance on a sunny day

    SkyWheel PCB Facts

    • The SkyWheel is 187 feet tall.
    • The SkyWheel opened on September 7, 2018
    • Each gondola can hold up to 1,300 pounds.
    John and tammilee in the skywheel gondola with Gulf of Mexico in the background

     

    Things to know when planning a visit to Skywheel Panama City Beach

    Skywheel Panama City Beach Tickets - You can purchase Skywheel Tickets online here or at the box office. The box right above this also allows you to pick the date you are looking at and check pricing.

    Address - 15700 L C Hilton Jr Dr, Panama City Beach, Fl 32413

    Located in Pier Park in PCB.

    Phone - 850-888-0020

    Hours - Sunday through Thursday, 11 am - 9 pm; Friday and Saturday 11 am - 10 pm

    Please confirm with the attractions to ensure that the hours have not changed. They do close on Christmas and Thanksgiving most years.

    Accessibility - There is a ramp leading to the boarding area and gondola entrance at the same level. Let the attendant know if you need to board on the main level. There are two other levels that take stairs to reach them.

    Plus Size Seating  - The gondolos on the SkyWheel have bench seats. They are comfortable and there is enough room to maneuver in the pod.

    The gondolas can hold a combined weight of 1,322 pounds!

    Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual

    Pets - They have special days when you can bring your dog on the SkyWheel with you!

    Parking - There is parking right next to and behind the SkyWheel. Pier Park has a large parking lot that can accommodate vehicles of all sizes.

    SkyWheel rules and regulations poster

    Restaurants and Attractions nearby

    Pier Park - Panama City Beach area's premier shopping and entertainment destination! Enjoy a vacation shopping spree after taking a ride to new heights on the SkyWheel.

    Margaritaville PCB - Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf, frosty beverages, and a cheeseburger in paradise.

    Russell Fields Pier - The views from the pier are amazing! Look for marine wildlife, including sharks and dolphins, while walking the pier.

    Senor Frogs Panama City Beach - Enjoy a great meal next to the beach.

    Andy's Flour Power Cafe & Bakery - One of our favorite places for breakfast!

    Looking out the window to a SkyWheel and the Gulf of Mexico in the distance
    Sailboat at sunset with dolphins and pelicans in front of it.

    Panama City Beach Tours

    Dolphin Cruises - Head out on the water looking for Bottlenose dolphins and other marine wildlife on these great tours. Book tours HERE

    Shell Island Tours - One of the most popular adventures in PCB! Head out to Shell Island and enjoy this tropical island. Book tours HERE

    Helicopter Tours - Check out the crystal blue water, attractions and beach from the air on a great helicopter tour. Book tours HERE

    Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Enjoy some of the world's best fishing! Book tours HERE

    Sunset Cruises - One of our favorite things to do in PCB is enjoy a sunset cruise. The sunsets over the water are truly amazing. Book tours HERE

    Click HERE to see all of the top rated tours and activities in Panama City Beach.

     

    Looking down on a heated pool, pool umbrellas, lazy river, and beach access along the Gulf of Mexico

    Panama City Beach Lodging

    If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have stayed at each of these lodging options:

    Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort - Book your Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort stay here.

    Use code GCJ for a discount on stays with a minimum of 3 nights for Surf Bungalows and 4 nights for Resort Cottages.

    Springhill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront: Enjoy epic views of the Gulf of Mexico, an unbelievable pool with a lazy river, and easy beach access.

    Marriotts Legends Edge at Bay Point: Stay in a gorgeous two-bedroom condo with a full kitchen, living room, and two bathrooms.

    Townplace Suites Pier Park - Great hotel with kitchens, and living space to enjoy on your trip.

    The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.

    We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.

    Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!

    Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!

    Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.

    More Panama City Beach

    • Hand holding a wine glass with Duplin Winery printed on it filled with white wine. Duplin Winery Building in the background.
      Duplin Winery Panama City Beach
    • Hand holding ice cream cones
      Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar -Panama City Beach
    • Beachfront dining with ocean view and outdoor seating.
      Panama City Beach Restaurants on the Water
    • egg and ham hash on a white plate with toast
      Coconuts Bar & Grill - Panama City Beach

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