Best Places to Stay Near Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach (PCB), Florida, is one of the most popular destinations on the Gulf of Mexico — famous for its 27 miles of white-sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and lively mix of family fun, nightlife, and relaxation.
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront hotel, cozy condo, or luxury resort, this guide highlights the best places to stay near Panama City Beach — for every budget, travel style, and group size.
Why Stay Near Panama City Beach?
Choosing the right stay location makes your PCB vacation easier and more enjoyable.
You’ll be minutes away from:
-
🏖️ World-class beaches
-
🐬 Dolphin tours and watersports
-
🍽️ Fresh Gulf seafood dining
-
🎢 Family attractions like Pier Park and Shipwreck Island
Most of the top hotels and resorts are located along Front Beach Road, Thomas Drive, and Panama City Beach Parkway, giving you ocean views and walkable access to everything.
Top 10 Best Places to Stay Near Panama City Beach, FL
These are the most highly rated and traveler-recommended hotels, resorts, and condos — combining beach access, great amenities, and family comfort.
🌴 1. Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach ★★★★
📍 11127 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
💰 From $250/night
Why it’s great:
This iconic beachfront resort is a family favorite thanks to its direct beach access, tropical pool deck, live entertainment, and kid-friendly activities.
Highlights:
-
Lagoon-style pool with waterfall
-
On-site dining & live music
-
Kids’ club & playground
-
Balcony rooms with Gulf views
🧭 Perfect for: Families & couples
2. Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort ★★★★★
📍 4114 Jan Cooley Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
💰 From $280/night
Why it’s great:
Set on a private bayfront property, the Sheraton offers peace and luxury away from the main crowds but still minutes from the beach.
Highlights:
-
Private beach & marina
-
Championship golf course
-
Full-service spa
-
Pet-friendly rooms
🧭 Perfect for: Couples & luxury travelers
3. Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort ★★★★
📍 11212 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
💰 From $270/night
Why it’s great:
One of PCB’s largest resorts, offering condo-style rooms, an 11,000-square-foot lagoon pool, and easy beach access.
Highlights:
-
Multiple pools & hot tubs
-
Full kitchens in suites
-
On-site restaurant & market
-
Tennis, golf, and fitness center
🧭 Perfect for: Families & groups
4. Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach-Beachfront ★★★★
📍 15505 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
💰 From $230/night
Why it’s great:
Modern, comfortable, and steps from the sand — plus walking distance to Pier Park.
Highlights:
-
Oceanfront pool
-
Free hot breakfast
-
Family suites with balconies
-
Great value for the location
🧭 Perfect for: Families & couples
5. The Pearl Hotel (Rosemary Beach) ★★★★★
📍 63 Main St, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
💰 From $550/night
Why it’s great:
For upscale travelers, The Pearl is a boutique, luxury hotel about 20 minutes from PCB — ideal for peace, elegance, and fine dining.
Highlights:
-
Rooftop pool & bar
-
Spa & private beach club access
-
High-end restaurant on-site
🧭 Perfect for: Honeymoons & luxury escapes
6. Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront ★★★★
📍 15727 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
💰 From $250/night
Why it’s great:
Opened in 2022, this modern beachfront Hyatt offers clean design, spacious rooms, and free breakfast — ideal for families.
Highlights:
-
Oceanview pool & bar
-
Complimentary breakfast
-
Walking distance to Pier Park
🧭 Perfect for: Families & couples
7. Palmetto Inn & Suites ★★★
📍 17255 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
💰 From $180/night
Why it’s great:
Locally owned and loved for decades, Palmetto Inn is a budget-friendly beachfront hotel with great service and a family vibe.
Highlights:
-
Private balconies with Gulf views
-
Outdoor & indoor pools
-
Free airport shuttle
🧭 Perfect for: Families on a budget
8. Laketown Wharf Resort by Emerald View Resorts ★★★★
📍 9902 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
💰 From $210/night
Why it’s great:
Massive condo-style resort directly across from the beach, featuring nightly fountain shows and family-friendly amenities.
Highlights:
-
5 pools + kids’ splash area
-
On-site dining & market
-
Full kitchens & balconies
🧭 Perfect for: Large families & extended stays
9. Calypso Resort & Towers ★★★★
📍 15817 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
💰 From $280/night
Why it’s great:
Beachfront luxury condos directly next to Pier Park, with the best location for entertainment and dining.
Highlights:
-
Beach access
-
Two pools & tiki bar
-
Fitness center
-
Walk to shopping & restaurants
🧭 Perfect for: Families, groups & couples
10. Tidewater Beach Resort ★★★★
📍 16819 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
💰 From $250/night
Why it’s great:
Tall, modern beachfront condos with excellent amenities and Gulf views from every balcony.
Highlights:
-
Two lagoon pools + indoor pool
-
Movie theater & game room
-
Beach service rentals
🧭 Perfect for: Families with older kids
Quick Comparison Table
| Hotel/Resort | Type | Distance to Beach | Avg. Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Resort | Beachfront Resort | On Beach | $250 | Families |
| Sheraton PCB Resort | Luxury | 5 min | $280 | Couples |
| Edgewater Resort | Condo Resort | On Beach | $270 | Families |
| Hampton Inn | Beachfront Hotel | On Beach | $230 | Families |
| The Pearl | Boutique Luxury | 20 min | $550 | Honeymooners |
| Hyatt Place | Modern Beachfront | On Beach | $250 | Families |
| Palmetto Inn | Budget | On Beach | $180 | Families |
| Laketown Wharf | Condo | Across Street | $210 | Groups |
| Calypso Resort | Condo | On Beach | $280 | Families |
| Tidewater Resort | Condo | On Beach | $250 | Families |
Areas to Stay Around Panama City Beach
Choosing the right neighborhood helps match your vacation vibe:
-
Front Beach Road: Classic beach hotels, walkable dining, nightlife.
-
Pier Park Area: Family-friendly, great for shopping and entertainment.
-
Thomas Drive: Quieter, more local atmosphere near St. Andrews State Park.
-
Rosemary Beach / 30A: Upscale coastal villages with boutique stays.
Dining Near the Top Hotels
-
Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill: Seafood with Gulf views.
-
Pineapple Willy’s: Beachfront barbecue & live music.
-
Firefly: Upscale fine dining in a romantic setting.
-
Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant: Casual, family-friendly spot.
Check the 25 Best Things to Do in Panama City Beach, Florida
Tips for Booking
-
Book early (3–6 months ahead) for summer — hotels fill quickly.
-
Visit March–May or September–October for fewer crowds and lower prices.
-
Check for resort fees (often $25–$40 per night).
-
If you need space and a kitchen, book condo resorts like Edgewater or Laketown Wharf.
-
For a romantic or luxury stay, choose The Pearl or Sheraton PCB Resort.
Final Thoughts
No matter your travel style, Panama City Beach has the perfect place to stay — from luxury beachfront resorts to family condos and affordable hotels just steps from the sand.
If you want full resort amenities and direct beach access, stay at Holiday Inn Resort or Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort.
For couples, The Pearl or Sheraton PCB Resort offers a more serene, upscale experience.
Families will love Hampton Inn or Laketown Wharf for convenience and fun.
Wherever you stay, you’re never far from what makes Panama City Beach special — white sands, turquoise water, and unforgettable sunsets.
