Discover the top 9 beachfront resorts and condo complexes in Panama City Beach, offering stunning Gulf views, direct beach access, and amenities that make every getaway unforgettable.
If Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge are known for their cozy ski lodges, and the Outer Banks for its charming cottages, Panama City Beach is all about beachfront resorts and condo complexes.
These properties offer everything beach lovers dream of: direct access to the sand, incredible Gulf views, and amenities that make every stay feel like a true getaway. Here are our favorite picks for places that deliver it all:
- Calypso Resort and Towers: Beachfront Resort with Gulf Views and Easy Pier Park Access
- Majestic Beach Towers: Family-Friendly Resort with Multiple Pools and Tennis Courts
- Tidewater Beach Resort: Beachfront Fun Steps from Pier Park
- Emerald Beach Resort: Family-Oriented Resort with Pools and a Splash Pad
- Grand Panama Beach Resort: Elegant Towers with Extensive Beachfront and Amenities
- Long Beach Resort: Relaxed Complex with Lagoon-Style Pool and Bar & Grill
- Ocean Reef: Boutique High-Rise with Private Beach Access
- Hidden Dunes: Secluded Stay Near Dining, Golf, and Fishing
- Holiday Surf and Raquet Club: Convenient Gulf-View Resort with Pool and Hot Tub
At RealJoy Vacations, we've been part of the Emerald Coast hospitality scene for years. As local experts, we know the area inside and out, and we're here to help you have the best possible experience. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast, from the best fishing charters in the region to nightlife guides; it's all there.
In this guide, we've rounded up the top beachfront resorts and condo complexes in Panama City Beach and highlighted what makes each one special.
Ready to plan your Panama City Beach vacation?
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
Beachfront Resort with Gulf Views and Easy Pier Park Access
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.
Why you will love it:
- Gulf-front location with private balconies
- Walking distance to Pier Park
- Multiple pools and a tiki bar for relaxation
2. MAJESTIC BEACH TOWERS
Family-Friendly Resort with Multiple Pools and Tennis Courts
Majestic Beach Towers 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.
Why you will love it:
- Variety of pools including lagoon and kiddie pools
- Poolside bar and on-site fitness center
- Beautiful Gulf views from your private balcony
3. TIDEWATER BEACH RESORT
Beachfront Fun Steps from Pier Park
Tidewater Beach Resort is ideal for those who want to be close to the action, just minutes from Pier Park. It 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.
Why you will love it:
- Close to shopping, dining, and entertainment
- On-site movie theater and fitness center
- Private balconies with ocean views
4. EMERALD BEACH RESORT
Family-Oriented Resort with Pools and a Splash Pad
Emerald Beach Resort is a family-friendly beachfront option featuring three pools, a splash pad for kids, and a game room. There's also a beachfront bar and grill. Spacious condos come with fully equipped kitchens and private balconies.
Why you will love it:
- Family-friendly amenities like splash pad and game room
- Beachfront bar and grill for easy meals
- Stunning Gulf views from private balconies
5. GRAND PANAMA BEACH RESORT
Elegant Towers with Extensive Beachfront and Amenities
Grand Panama Beach Resort offers two towers with fabulous Gulf views and over 650 feet of beach. Guests enjoy two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, a kiddie pool, poolside Tiki Bar, fitness center, dining, and outdoor grilling areas.
Why you will love it:
- Elegant resort with multiple pools and hot tubs
- Direct access to a wide stretch of beach
- Close to shopping, golf, and local attractions
6. LONG BEACH RESORT
Relaxed Complex with Lagoon-Style Pool and Bar & Grill
Long Beach Resort is a beachfront complex with a lagoon-style pool, two Polynesian pools, a poolside bar and grill, and community barbecue grills.
Why you will love it:
- Variety of pools to suit every mood
- Relaxed beachfront environment with sundecks
- Poolside bar and grill for casual dining
7. OCEAN REEF
Boutique High-Rise with Private Beach Access
Ocean Reef is a boutique high-rise with only 161 units, 400 feet of private beach, and extra-large balconies. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, sauna, steam room, barbecue grills, and a fitness center with Gulf views.
Why you will love it:
- Lower density and less crowded beach experience
- Expansive balconies with panoramic Gulf views
- Indoor and outdoor pools plus wellness amenities
8. HIDDEN DUNES
Secluded Stay Near Dining, Golf, and Fishing
Hidden Dunes is near gourmet dining, golf courses, deep-sea fishing, nightclubs, and amusement parks. Captain Anderson's Marina nearby offers seafood, charter fishing, and dolphin excursions.
Why you will love it:
- Close to top dining and entertainment options
- Easy access to fishing and boating activities
- Quiet location within a short drive to essentials
9. Holiday Surf and Raquet Club
Convenient Gulf-View Resort with Pool and Hot Tub
Grandview East (Holiday Surf and Raquet Club) features a pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Condos have fully equipped kitchens and private balconies with Gulf views, and it's a short drive to Pier Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
Why you will love it:
- Pool, hot tub, and on-site fitness center
- Convenient location near attractions
- Private balconies with beach and Gulf views
What to Do While You're in Panama City Beach
Beach Activities
- 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
- Explore St. Andrews State Park for hiking, wildlife, and pristine beaches
- Take a boat tour to Shell Island for beautiful beaches and marine life
- Go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or St. Andrew Bay
- Bike the scenic trails at Conservation Park
Family-Friendly Attractions
- Visit Gulf World Marine Park for marine life shows and dolphin interactions
- Cool off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark with slides, pools, and a lazy river
- Play mini-golf at themed courses
- Explore WonderWorks, the "amusement park for the mind"
- Ride the SkyWheel at Pier Park for panoramic views
Shopping and Dining
- Browse the shops and restaurants at Pier Park
- Sample fresh seafood at local favorites like Schooners or Pineapple Willy's
- Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Gulf
- Visit local farmers' markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods
Nightlife and Entertainment
- Catch live music at beachfront bars and restaurants
- Enjoy family-friendly evenings at Pier Park with events and entertainment
- Take a sunset catamaran sail
Cultural Experiences
- Visit the Man in the Sea Museum for diving history
- Explore the Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida
- Attend festivals like the Seabreeze Jazz Festival or Pirates of the High Seas Fest
Emerald Coast: A Beachfront Haven Like No Other
With so much to explore, and endless natural beauty to experience the best Florida has to offer, the Emerald Coast will definitely fulfill your craving for a fun-filled vacation.
At RealJoy Vacations, we go the extra mile to make your Emerald Coast getaway truly extraordinary. Your accommodation should match the beauty and magic of this Florida treasure, and our goal is to provide a 5-star coastal living experience during your stay.