11 Top-Rated Resorts in Panama City Beach, FL

Located in the Florida Panhandle, Panama City Beach is considered one of the best places to visit for vacationers to the Sunshine State. This small city offers no end of great choices when it comes to accommodations. Some of the best places to stay are located overlooking this coastal town’s beautiful beach, which stretches for 25 miles along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico,

In addition to the big brand names, seek out some excellent family-owned and operated resorts and hotels when undertaking your vacation search. One of the best is Osprey on the Gulf, a hotel that has been run by the same family since the 1950s (it, too, boasts magnificent waterfront views).

To help you find the best property in which to spend your Florida vacation, be sure to refer often to our list of the top resorts in Panama City Beach.

1. Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point

Accommodation: Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point

One of the most popular luxury resorts in Panama City Beach, Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point consists entirely of large two-bedroom villas that can sleep up to six guests in style.

Each spacious unit comes with everything that’s needed to keep your group well-fed, too, including large kitchens with stoves, fridges, and microwaves. There’s also a master bedroom with a large private en-suite bathroom that includes a huge jetted tub and separate walk-in shower, plus a bathroom that’s accessible from the dining and living room areas and the second bedroom.

All units also come with a laundry room, as well as a large balcony (or patio for ground-floor units). A number of easy-access units are available for those with mobility issues.

Legends Edge is located inland in the same area as the Sheraton Bay Point. You’ll need to drive 15 minutes to the beach and to the main attractions. Prefer to stay put? The resort’s amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, as well as a large outdoor heated swimming pool and a nearby splash pad for kids. Other on-site features include ping pong, barbecues, picnic tables, and a store selling all the basics needed for your stay (and snack items).

Address: 4000 Marriott Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida

2. Hyatt Place Panama City Beach/Beachfront

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Panama City Beach/Beachfront

The newest arrival on the accommodation scene in town is the Hyatt Place Panama City Beach/Beachfront. This beachfront hotel is spectacular, and its luxuriously appointed rooms are complete with sectional seating that doubles as a sleeping option as well. Some rooms even have bunk beds!

Upgrade to a Gulf of Mexico beachfront room or one bedroom suite, and slide open the glass doors to your balcony to soak up the never-ending views. Other options are rooms with kitchenettes that face inland.

You and the family will find lots of aquatic things to do here, with resort pools dotted with cabanas, a lazy river, and of course, the white sands and crystal clear waters of the beach mere steps away.

Grab a bite at nearby Pier Park or just stroll on over in your flip-flops to Coconut Charlies, grab a table with a view, and settle in for a while.

The hotel is pet-friendly; two dogs per room (less than 50 pounds) are permitted for an additional charge.

3. Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach

Offering guests excellent views over the city’s beaches from each of its recently renovated 340 rooms, Holiday Inn Resort is well worth considering as a place to lay your head when visiting Panama City Beach and its local attractions. The views are equally good from the resort’s many amenities, which include a large saltwater swimming pool complete with an underwater music system and waterfall (plus a smaller one with water fountain displays).

There’s also a hot tub and a dedicated kids’ splash playground around the pool terrace area along with a wonderful lazy river. The resort also features a great on-site restaurant offering a variety of dining experiences, including patio options for those wanting to enjoy an alfresco meal. Also notable is the large and well-equipped fitness center with a sauna and steam room. There’s also a well-equipped games room.

Each of the resort’s comfortable and well-appointed accommodations come with oversized balconies, and the built-in microwaves and fridges are handy for snacks. Other in-room amenities include HD TVs. Laundry facilities are also available.

For those seeking a good value vacation, check into the availability of the resort’s all-inclusive packages.

Address: 11127 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida

4. Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront

Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront

Another relatively new accommodation option on the Panhandle, Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront is perfectly located for those wanting to get the most of their fun-in-the-sun vacation. An easy stroll to the city’s great shopping, dining, and entertainment options, the property is also close to the beach, the big draw for most tourists.

Hotel amenities include an on-site store selling basic necessities and snacks (there’s also plenty of good grocery outlets nearby), along with a good-sized outdoor heated swimming pool with a hot tub, both of which overlook the Gulf. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center. If more fun is needed, staff can arrange Jet Ski rentals and activities, including parasailing.

Each of the Hampton Inn’s 182 standard rooms and suites comes with such features as mini-fridges and microwaves, plus desks and seating, along with large-screen HD TVs. Upgraded rooms include separate living areas and spacious balconies. Accessible units are also available.

The hotel is right next door to the Gulf World Marine Park, making a family visit to see all the aquatic creatures an easy task. Pier Park is about a mile away, an easy stroll along the beach.

Be sure to make the most of those free breakfasts included with your stay.

Address: 15505 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida

5. Osprey on the Gulf

Accommodation: Osprey on the Gulf

Owned and operated by the same family for more than 60 years, Osprey on the Gulf offers excellent views over the Gulf and is just steps away from the beach. One of the top things to do when staying in this popular beachfront resort is to explore the extensive boardwalk that connects the hotel to its neighbor, the Driftwood Lodge, owned by the same family.

Guests can also choose to lounge by one of the resort’s two heated pools or the hot tub. Other on-site fun includes beachfront volleyball, a splash play area for the kids, shuffleboard, and table tennis tables. There is also a well-stocked library, as well as picnic and barbecue areas.

The resort is close to popular area attractions, with some of the best places to visit nearby including the many public parks and piers, as well as the bustling shopping and entertainment areas of Panama City Beach. The spacious guest rooms are all tastefully furnished and decorated and come with good-sized balconies.

A number of larger suites include features such as fully-equipped kitchens and two large bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers. These roomy units can sleep up to eight guests comfortably.

Address: 15801 Front Beach Road, Panama City, Florida

6. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront

One of the newest vacation options in the area, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront is great for those seeking an affordable getaway right on the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition to the standard Holiday Inn inclusions of free breakfasts and comfortable rooms, the location also features a lazy river plus a large gradual-entry, heated outdoor swimming pool. There’s also an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub.

Guests can enjoy patio or poolside dining, grab a snack in the resort’s store, then work it all off in the 24-hour gym. There’s plenty of beach fun to be had, too, as some of the best sandy public beaches on the Gulf Coast are just steps away.

Guest rooms and suites are comfortable, clean, modern, and spacious. And they also come in a variety of different layouts suitable for everything from couples seeking romantic getaways to larger gatherings of family and friends. Standard features include microwaves and fridges, private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and walk-in showers, as well as large-screen TVs and DVD players.

Address: 12907 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida

7. Beachcomber By The Sea

Accommodation: Beachcomber By The Sea

Beachcomber By The Sea is perfectly located right on the magnificent crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Guests here are never more than just a few steps away from one of the nicest stretches of waterfront on the Panhandle.

In addition to its direct beach access and superb views, the hotel is also close to many of the most popular parks in Panama City Beach, including Frank Brown Park and Pier Park, along with great shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities.

Guests can also take advantage of discounted tickets for a variety of popular area attractions, and staff members can assist with booking fun adventures, such as fishing expeditions, boat charters, and Jet Ski rentals. In addition to its proximity to the beach, Beachcomber also has a great outdoor swimming pool, complete with a waterfall, plus a hot tub overlooking the beach.

When it comes time to rest after all that activity, choose from 96 well-appointed standard hotel rooms or upgrade to a larger suite, some of which come with small kitchens. All guest rooms come with either two queen beds or a single king bed. A number of easily accessible units are also available with grab bars and other features for those with mobility issues.

A complimentary continental breakfast is also included with your stay. Note that the entire complex is smoke and vape free.

Address: 17101 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida

8. Radisson Panama City Beach – Oceanfront

Accommodation: Radisson Panama City Beach – Oceanfront

Wonderful ocean views greet you when you check into the Radisson at Panama City Beach. Each of the 139 rooms and suites has huge balconies, where you can wake up and enjoy your morning coffee as the sun rises. Rooms are a mix of standard hotel rooms and suites, some with small kitchens. If you want to live it up a bit, book in a Business Class room or even the penthouse suite and enjoy additional perks.

Ideally located just under a mile from the attractions of Russell Fields Pier, the hotel enjoys a prime oceanfront location. Slip on your running shoes, or go barefoot, and walk the stunningly white sands for miles in either direction. Or, if you prefer a more sedate pace, settle into a lounger by the pool and get started on that latest bestseller.

As evening settles, no need to get in the car to go anywhere. Head to the well-regarded Barefoot Hide-a-Way and secure a patio table for a bit of al fresco dining by the water.

Address: 15325 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida

9. Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort and Spa

Accommodation: Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort and Spa

Once one of the most popular luxury resort offerings on Florida’s Panhandle, the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort has recently been purchased and renamed Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort and Spa.

The resort is undergoing massive renovations and will become a timeshare facility as part of the wider Bluegreen’s network. Accommodation for non-time-share guests is, and will continue to be, available.

A highlight of a stay here is the resort’s beautiful waterfront. Here, guests can unwind and sunbathe on the resort’s lovely private beach, take in some alfresco dining in Flip Flops restaurant, or venture out on a Jet Ski or pontoon boat rental. People-powered kayaks and paddleboards are also available.

Other on-site fun includes two heated outdoor swimming pools, 36 holes of golf (lessons and equipment rental available), a full-service spa and fitness center, plus five tennis courts and a pro shop.

After all the activity (or not!), in the evening, stroll down to The Tides restaurant and enjoy a lovely dinner overlooking St. Andrews Bay.

Note the resort is off on its own and not on the main Panama City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. This has upsides and downsides. If all you want to do is enjoy the pools, hit the beach, and go golfing, you’ve found the spot. If you want to go mini golfing (putt-putt), hit Ripley’s Believe it or Not, or go for long walks on the beach at sunrise or sunset, count on a 15-minute drive to get there.

Guests can choose from a variety of well-appointed rooms and suites, too. Standard offerings come with queen or king beds, walk-in showers, mini-fridges, and lounge areas. Upgrade to one of the deluxe main-floor rooms and you’ll be spoiled with patios and direct access to the pool area.

Better still, if even more space is needed, consider upgrading to one of the charming villas located adjacent to the golf course. These spacious stand-alone units offer greater privacy, along with full kitchens and separate living rooms.

For those requiring them, accessible rooms with grab bars and roll-in showers are also available. A number of rooms are also available for those traveling with pets.

Address: 4114 Jan Cooley Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida

10. The Driftwood Lodge

Accommodation: The Driftwood Lodge

If you prefer a smaller hotel, consider The Driftwood Lodge, located right next door to the above described Osprey on the Gulf (also owned by the same family). Here, you’ll find large suites on two levels, complete with balconies. This is a family place, where you’ll typically find group cookouts going on at the outdoor kitchen while kids frolic in the pool and adults try their luck at shuffleboard.

At this older but very well-maintained property, your accommodation choices include standard rooms with sinks and a microwave right through to one-bedroom suites with full kitchens, and even the Cabana Suite with two rooms joined via a connecting door. Rooms on the first floor look out onto the pool, while those on the second floor have ocean views.

The hotel has an active social calendar, with fun things to do for all ages around St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and other notable dates.

Address: 15811 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida

11. Beachside Resort Panama City Beach

Accommodation: Beachside Resort Panama City Beach

All 147 rooms at the Beachside Resort have been completely renovated and brightened up, making for an enjoyable stay. The resort, located at the western end of Panama City Beach, is in a quiet area but still within easy driving distance of good family restaurants.

An older property, but still in good shape, Beachside Resort offers tremendous value for families. If you have a young family and just want to hit the pool and then the beach all day long and then go to bed early, this is the place for you.

Rooms are a mix of traditional hotel rooms and rooms with kitchens; many have expansive patios out front with beautiful Gulf of Mexico views. The resort has a six-story tower and a lower two-story tower.

The beach is only a few steps away across a boardwalk. Bring your own beach gear or rent from one of the vendors on the beach. Beach walkers will be in their element; the sand stretches for miles and miles in either direction.

If you are more of a poolside person, grab a lounger and settle in on the pool deck or on the upper deck for more extensive views. If you get a chill, slip into the large hot tub and warm up.

Address: 21905 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida

Map of Resorts in Panama City Beach, FL