This guide is part of our Panama Tour guide to Coronado. Looking for a place? Browse local businesses in Coronado on Coronado Digital Directory.
If you are wondering about the best things to do in Coronado, Panama, you will be pleasantly surprised by how much this small Pacific beach town packs into its easygoing pace. About 80 to 90 kilometers west of Panama City in the district of Chame, Coronado has grown from a weekend-getaway village into a thriving hub for retirees, expats, and Panamanian families. Between championship golf, a surprisingly varied dining scene, water activities, and easy day trips into the mountains and along the coast, there is always something to fill your day.
Play a Round at Coronado Golf
Golf is one of the signature activities in Coronado, and the town is well known for its established course at the heart of the community. The Coronado Golf course is a mature, tree-lined layout that has hosted competitive play over the years and remains a major draw for visitors and residents alike. The warm, breezy climate makes for pleasant rounds much of the year, and the club atmosphere is a natural gathering point for the local community. Even if you are not an avid golfer, the manicured grounds are a scenic part of what gives Coronado its resort-town character.
Dining Out and Enjoying the Food Scene
For a town of its size, Coronado offers an impressive range of places to eat. Along the main road and within the commercial center you will find everything from casual Panamanian fondas serving fresh fish and hearty local plates to international restaurants, pizzerias, cafés, and bakeries catering to the diverse expat community. Fresh seafood is a highlight, thanks to the nearby Pacific, and coffee culture is alive and well. Dining out is also a big part of the social scene here, and many restaurants become friendly meeting spots where newcomers quickly get to know their neighbors.
Water Activities and the Outdoors
With the ocean at its doorstep, Coronado invites you outside. Popular options include:
- Surfing and bodyboarding, especially at nearby beginner-friendly breaks like El Palmar.
- Beach walks and swimming along the famous salt-and-pepper sand.
- Sport fishing charters that head out into the rich Pacific waters.
- Horseback riding on the beach, offered by local operators at certain times.
The mix of sun, surf, and open coastline is a large part of why people choose to spend their days, and their retirements, here.
Day Trips from Coronado
Coronado’s central location on the Pan-American Highway makes it an excellent base for exploring. A short drive up into the hills brings you to the cool mountain town of El Valle de Antón, set inside an ancient volcanic crater and famous for its handicraft market, waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails. Along the coast you can visit the white-sand beaches of Santa Clara and Farallón, or head to the fishing and market towns nearby to buy fresh produce and seafood. Panama City itself is close enough for a day trip when you want big-city shopping, museums, or the Panama Canal.
Shopping and Everyday Errands
Coronado is well equipped for daily life, which is one reason so many expats settle here. The main commercial area includes a shopping center with supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, hardware stores, and specialty shops. This concentration of services means you rarely need to drive far for groceries, medicine, or household needs. You can browse local businesses on Coronado Digital Directory to find shops, services, and providers throughout the area.
Embracing Expat Life
Beyond attractions, one of the biggest draws of Coronado is the lifestyle and community. There is an active network of expats and retirees who organize social gatherings, charity events, sports groups, and clubs. Newcomers often find it easy to make friends, whether through a golf group, a beach cleanup, a language exchange, or simply a regular table at a favorite café. This blend of comfortable amenities, warm weather, and a welcoming community is exactly what makes people fall for Coronado and decide to stay.
Whether you are visiting for a long weekend or considering a permanent move, the range of things to do in Coronado means your days can be as active or as relaxed as you like, always with the Pacific never far away.