Are you planning a trip to the beautiful beaches of Panama City Beach? With its white sand, crystal clear waters, and endless sunshine, it’s no wonder this Florida destination is a popular choice for vacationers. To make the most of your stay, it’s important to choose the right accommodations. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Panama City Beach, with a focus on beachfront properties that offer stunning views and easy access to the shore.

Beachfront Places to Stay in Panama City Beach

When it comes to beachfront places to stay in Panama City Beach, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the top picks:

1. Calypso Resort and Towers

Located right on the beach, Calypso Resort and Towers offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico from its spacious condos. Each unit features a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and private balcony. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, multiple pools, and a tiki bar. Plus, the resort is within walking distance of Pier Park, a popular shopping and dining destination.

2. Majestic Beach Towers

Another great beachfront option is Majestic Beach Towers. This resort boasts five pools, including a lagoon-style pool with waterfalls and a kiddie pool. There’s also a poolside bar and grill, fitness center, and tennis courts. The spacious condos feature private balconies with stunning views of the beach and Gulf.

3. Tidewater Beach Resort

Tidewater Beach Resort is a great choice for those who want to be close to the action. Located just minutes from Pier Park, this beachfront resort offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. The resort features two pools, a fitness center, and a movie theater. Each condo includes a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and private balcony with ocean views.

4. Emerald Beach Resort

For a family-friendly beachfront option, consider Emerald Beach Resort. This resort features three pools, a splash pad for kids, and a game room. There’s also a beachfront bar and grill where you can grab a bite to eat. The spacious condos include fully equipped kitchens and private balconies with stunning views of the beach.

5. Grand Panama Beach Resort

Grand Panama Beach Resort is one of the most elegant vacation complexes in Panama City Beach. There are two magnificent towers:  Tower 1 is beachfront and Tower 2 is just across from the beach. Both feature fabulous views of the Gulf of Mexico! With over 650 feet of beach, this rental resort features two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, a kiddie pool, poolside Tiki Bar, state-of-the-art fitness center, dining, outdoor grilling area, and with nearby shopping, golf, charter boats, local attractions and more, is sure to fit the needs of you, your family, and your friends!

6. Long Beach Resort 

Long Beach Resort is a beachfront complex in Panama City Beach offering a variety of fantastic amenities for you to take advantage of during your getaway on the Gulf Coast. Guests of vacation rentals can take a dip in the lagoon-style pool or lounge on the surrounding sundeck and soak up some sunshine. The resort also offers two additional Polynesian pools, a poolside bar and grill and community barbecue grills for you to enjoy.

7. Ocean Reef

Ocean Reef is a beachfront, high-rise condominium in Panama City Beach. Located on the quiet west/central end of Panama City Beach, this boutique resort only has only 161 total units! Explore the Gulf with 400 feet of private beach adjacent to undeveloped beach, making it lower density and less crowded! This beautiful resort features extra-large balconies with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy an array of amenities, including gulf-front indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, sauna, steam room, barbecue grills, a fitness center with gulf views, and a covered parking spot for one vehicle (one additional parking pass is provided for the overflow lot, first come first serve basis). Ocean Reef has everything you are looking for and more.

8. Hidden Dunes

Hidden Dunes is located just minutes from gourmet seafood dining, signature golf courses, amazing deep-sea fishing, world-famous night clubs, fabulous water and amusement parks, miniature golf, gift shops, and the world-class entertainment and events Panama City Beach is famous for. Nearby, at the corner of Thomas Dr and North Lagoon Dr is Captain Anderson’s Marina and Restaurant. You will find delicious fresh seafood, charter fishing boats, and shell and dolphin excursions. Major grocery stores and retailers are also within a 5–10-minute drive.

9. Holiday Surf and Raquet Club

Grandview East is another great beachfront option in Panama City Beach. This resort features a pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Each condo includes a fully equipped kitchen and private balcony with stunning views of the beach and Gulf. Plus, the resort is just a short drive from local attractions like Pier Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark.

What to Do While You’re in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are some additional things to do while enjoying your stay in this beautiful Florida destination:

Beach Activities

The main draw of Panama City Beach is, of course, its stunning 27-mile stretch of white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or trying out various water sports. Some popular beach activities include:

• Parasailing for a bird’s eye view of the coastline
• Jet skiing across the waves
• Paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm morning waters
• Building sandcastles with the kids
• Collecting seashells along the shore

Outdoor Adventures

For those who love nature and outdoor activities, Panama City Beach has plenty to offer beyond the beach:

• Explore St. Andrews State Park, where you can hike nature trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy pristine beaches
• Take a boat tour to Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island known for its beautiful beaches and abundant marine life
• Go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or St. Andrew Bay, either from the shore or on a deep-sea fishing charter
• Bike the scenic trails at Conservation Park, which offers over 24 miles of trails through pine forests and wetlands

Family-Friendly Attractions

Panama City Beach is a great destination for families, with numerous attractions designed to entertain visitors of all ages:

• Visit Gulf World Marine Park to see marine life shows and interact with dolphins
• Cool off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, featuring water slides, pools, and a lazy river
• Challenge your family to a round of mini-golf at one of the many themed courses in the area
• Explore the fascinating exhibits at WonderWorks, an “amusement park for the mind”
• Take a ride on the SkyWheel at Pier Park for panoramic views of the beach and city

Shopping and Dining

No vacation is complete without some retail therapy and delicious meals. Panama City Beach offers plenty of options for both:

• Browse the shops and restaurants at Pier Park, an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex
• Sample fresh seafood at local restaurants like Schooners or Pineapple Willy’s
• Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Gulf for a romantic evening
• Visit the local farmers’ market for fresh produce and artisanal goods

Nightlife and Entertainment

When the sun goes down, Panama City Beach comes alive with various entertainment options:

• Catch live music performances at beachfront bars and restaurants
• Enjoy a family-friendly evening at Pier Park, which often hosts events and live entertainment
• Take a sunset catamaran sail for a relaxing end to your day

Cultural Experiences

While Panama City Beach is known for its natural beauty, it also offers some cultural attractions:

• Visit the Man in the Sea Museum to learn about the history of diving and underwater exploration
• Explore the exhibits at the Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida
• Attend local events and festivals, such as the Seabreeze Jazz Festival or the Pirates of the High Seas Fest

Incorporating these activities into your Panama City Beach vacation creates a well-rounded and memorable experience that goes beyond just lounging on the beach. 

Vacation with RealJoy

Panama City Beach is a beautiful destination with plenty of great places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront condo with stunning views or a resort with plenty of amenities, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a memorable stay in this Florida paradise!

If you’re looking for the perfect Panama City Beach vacation rental, RealJoy offers a wide selection of high-quality properties with excellent service and amenities to ensure your stay is unforgettable.