Once known as a destination for rowdy spring breakers, Panama City Beach has worked hard in recent years to shed its party past – and it’s succeeded. Thanks to efforts like banning alcohol on the beaches in March and other measures, this Florida panhandle destination has become the ultimate seaside getaway for families.
With southern charm, delicious comfort food (hello fluffy biscuits and decadent gravy!) and turquoise waves that seriously rival the Caribbean, the number of reasons to grab the beach umbrellas and chairs and hit this destination are seemingly endless. Add to that list a host of family-friendly hotels, resorts and rentals.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite accommodations for families so you can skip straight to lounging on your oceanfront balcony and building sand castles on the soft white beaches just outside your front door.
Sheraton Bay Point Resort
This recently renovated resort boasts room flexibility that means it’s sure to meet just about any family’s needs. Suites, adjoining rooms and rollaway beds make it easy to cater to families of all sizes. You can even bring Fido along to stay and get treated to the special pet menu. Standard rooms offer pool or bay views so you can watch the kids splash right from your patio, while deluxe rooms like the golf villas take it to the next level with serious perks like a private pool, laundry and a playground.
The private Bay Beach makes relaxing at the beach as easy as exiting your room and on-site rentals for everything from Jet Skis and kayaks to pontoon boats means families can get out on the water with ease. For less salty splashing, head to the family-friendly pool near the golf villa area. While over there, don’t miss teeing up and playing a round. Sheraton Bay Point Resort features 36 holes of championship golf.
Tidewater Beach Resort
Feel right at home in the large one and two- bedroom rooms that also have spacious kitchens stocked with pots, pans, coffee makers and everything else you’d need to enjoy cooking up a family meal. Kids will love sleeping in the bunk beds and parents will relish having their own room and bathroom for some privacy.
Situated directly on one of the largest private beaches in the area, the balcony views will not disappoint. Plus, the comfy lounge chairs and umbrellas available for guests mean there’s no hassle when you want to lay out in the Florida sun or enjoy the waves. Kids will also have fun in the indoor and outdoor pools, at the onsite arcade or renting a movie for the evening from the media center. Not to mention that Tidewater’s prime location means it’s just a short walk from other Panama City Beach highlights like Pier Park and Frank Brown Recreation Center.
Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort
There’s no shortage of activities available at this resort perfect for active families. It boasts eleven pools, a shuffleboard court, tennis courts and a golf course. And the fun doesn’t even come close to ending there. The new kids’ Adventure Zone boasts amazing opportunities like Discover Scuba, where kids can get acquainted with scuba in the safety of the Lagoon Pool, learning to surf with Mr. Surf’s Beach Adventure and the Splash Pad with interactive water features.
The collection of condos has over 500 suites, all with impressive views. The units also have full kitchens and washers and dryers so you can truly make it your home for the stay. Other services and amenities families will especially love are the airport transfers, Kids’ Klub and available room service for when you want to enjoy a cozy dinner in curled up with the family enjoying a movie.
Carillon by Resortquest
These charming and colorful beachfront houses are ideal for multi-gen trips or vacations with multiple families. Kids will love the mint green, candy pink and other bright colors of the exteriors. Families will also love the community feel of the area. Downtown Carillon Beach features a central plaza where you can grab a bite, shop or just meet the neighbors while enjoying the warm night air. All of the roads in Carillon join at the central bell tower circle, which chimes on the hour.
Many of the Carillon properties are spacious two-story houses that sleep up to twelve or more guests, ensuring everyone in the family has plenty of room for relaxing. They also come with perks like free bike rentals and chairs and umbrellas for the beach, as well as the comfort of having a full kitchen at your disposal. Set on 3,900 ft of white sand beaches, it’s easy to enjoy an ocean sunset view from a large wraparound porch or eat your breakfast on a balcony while feeling the calming sea breeze. Some of the properties also offer garages so parking the car is never a problem.