Panama City Beach, Florida: The Best Places to Stay

Looking for the best place to stay in Panama City Beach, Florida? Look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss the best areas in Panama City Beach, as well as the most popular beaches, lodging areas, attractions and more. We will also compare the different areas based on their pros and cons. So whether you're looking for a luxurious resort or a budget-friendly motel, we've got you covered!

photo by: Panama City News Herald

Pier Park, FL

Pier Park is one of the most popular areas in Panama City Beach. It is home to Pier Park Shopping Mall with a variety of more than 120 shops, restaurants, bars and attractions. It also features the SkyWheel, a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel with views of the Gulf of Mexico, IMAX Theaters, laser tag and arcade games and much more.

Pier Park is also within walking distance of the beach, making it a convenient place to stay. This area is also home to Frank Brown Park, which offers a variety of sports facilities, picnic pavilions, and walking trails, as well as Russell-Fields Pier, which is a great spot for fishing. 

The hotels in this area are also some of the most popular in Panama City Beach, such as the Tidewater Beach Resort, Hampton Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Club Vacations. Some great beach condo options are the Calypso Resort & Towers or the Club Wyndham. However, it can be quite crowded during peak season.

Long Beach, FL

Long Beach is another popular area in Panama City Beach. It is home to a beautiful, sandy beach that stretches for more than 27 miles. This area is centrally located and ideal for family vacations. Long Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and surfing. Here you will find great PCB attractions such as Shipwreck Island Waterpark, M.B. Miller County Pier, WonderWorks and Coconut Creek Family Fun Park. There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area. The downside to Long Beach is that it can be quite crowded during peak season. 

Long Beach is a great place to stay if you're looking for a very centrally convenient location with lots of things to do. The most popular hotels and condo towers in Long Beach are the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Resort, Majestic Beach Resort & Towers, Long Beach Resort and Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort.

Lower Grand Lagoon, FL

Lower Grand Lagoon is a great place to stay if you're looking for a more affordable option. This area is also within walking distance of the beach, making it a convenient place to stay. It is very popular due to its wide variety of beach activities and ocean adventures. 

The beaches are beautiful and there are lots of restaurants and bars in the area. At the end of Lower Grand Lagoon, you will find St. Andrews State Park, which is perfect for hiking, biking, picnicking and kayaking.  There are many boat tours and charter services available in Lower Grand Lagoon, making it a great place to stay if you're looking for an active vacation. You can choose from boat tours that can take you swimming with the dolphins or excursions to visit Shell Island, there's truly something for everyone in Lower Grand Lagoon.

The most popular hotels and beach condos in this area are the Regency Towers, Marriott's Legends Edge, Seychelles Beach Resort and the Largo Mar community. This area is also home to some budget-friendly hotels and motels as well as RV parks and camping areas within St. Andrews State Park.

Laguna Beach, FL

Laguna Beach is a great place to stay if you're looking for a more relaxed area outside the urban hustle and bustle. It is home to Camp Helen State Park, a beach and nature lover's paradise with dune lakes, hiking trails and an abundance of wildlife.  Laguna Beach also has a long stretch of beautiful and laid-back beach area, making it a convenient place to stay. 

Popular hotels and beach condos in this area include The Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort, Palmetto Inn & Suites, Landmark Holiday Beach Resort and the Horizon South community. However, there are not many restaurants or bars and while the beaches are beautiful, they can be quite crowded during peak season.

Panama City, FL

Finally, Panama City is the larger city area, away from the beach strip and popular tourist destinations. This area is still appealing to some travelers due to its historic buildings in the downtown area.  It has a lively arts and cultural scene, with many shopping and dining options. Panama City is also home to a number of hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions. 

Some popular hotels are the Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn Panama City. The downside to Panama City is that it does not have direct beach access. However, there are a number of charter services  available that can take you to the nearby beaches.

Summary

So, there you have it! These are just a few of the best places to stay in Panama City Beach, Florida. No matter what your budget or preferences are, there is sure to be a perfect place for you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!