Elena Mallia 
The turquoise waters at Panama City Beach are loved by fishermen, scuba divers, and swimmers alike! Add to that the pristine beaches, great hotels, and many entertainment opportunities, and you get a super-popular vacation spot! If this sounds like the perfect destination, you’re probably looking for the where to stay in Panama City Beach!
I want to help you make a decision quickly, so I compared all the neighborhoods of Panama City Beach and came up with a list of the top 3.
To cut things short, the Lower Grand Lagoon is the best area to stay in Panama City Beach, with its amazing swim spots and plenty of entertainment options.
Besides talking about the best places to stay in Panama City Beach, I also recommend the best hotels, resorts, and Airbnbs in Panama City Beach, in each area sorted by price.
Whether you choose one of the upscale Panama City, FL, resorts or you opt for something cheap (or at least budget-friendly), you need to book ASAP. This is an extremely popular vacation spot, so accommodations sell out super fast – and you can’t risk missing out!
Let’s go!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Check out the list of the best accommodations in Panama City Beach, all located in the Lower Grand Lagoon area:
Contents
Here’s a large map of the 3 Panama City Beach neighborhoods I’ll talk about in this post:
- Lower Grand Lagoon: for first-timers
- Laguna Beach: on a budget
- Long Beach: for families
1. Lower Grand Lagoon – where to stay in PCB for the first time
Situated on the Southern tip of the peninsula, the Lower Grand Lagoon is the best place to stay in Panama City Beach if you cannot decide between the urban bustle and the peace of the ocean. The area is teeming with life so get ready to encounter the crowds of eager tourists.
The Grand Lagoon is the epicenter for entertainment, fine dining, and adventure by land or sea (sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, etc.) and is the ideal choice for getting the real feel of the city.
Taking a cruise to visit Shell Island (map), swimming on Shell Island beach, dolphin sightseeing, or enjoying an unforgettable sunset sail are just a few things to add to your bucket list! Also, this is one of the best things to do in Panama City Beach for couples!
And if you’re a fishing enthusiast, this is your chance to go on a charter fishing trip! In fact, the area has become a hub for fishing, both deep sea and inshore. Charter fishing is now a regular activity at Panama City Beach, with charter boats heading to the Gulf daily and Capt. Anderson’s Marina is one of the best providers in the area.
But if full relaxation is what you’re looking for, Lower Grand Lagoon also offers a wide choice of authentic restaurants like Schooners (map), bars, and great coastal shopping.
You can’t leave without exploring St. Andrews State Park (map), its beautiful beaches and hiking trails, and going on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise – fun for the whole family!
If you’re getting excited only to think about these activities, then you should consider extending your vacation and making a stop at Tampa, which has a lot to offer to ocean and sun lovers!
NOTE: Regardless of which neighborhood you’re staying in, I suggest exploring the entire city of Panama City Beach. To do this, you’ll need a car! So, if you didn’t drive down to PCB, you should rent a car and drive to all the main attractions.
This beachfront aparthotel has spacious and luxuriously equipped apartments featuring balconies with sea views. Guests can enjoy as many as 3 swimming pools, a sun terrace, a picnic area, and an in-house bar. Private parking is also available on-site.
Other accommodation in Lower Grand Lagoon
Offering the best condos in Panama City Beach, the aparthotel also has a pool, a sauna, and a fitness center
Enjoy great value for money in this beachfront hotel offering sea views, a pool, and a spa center
Just steps away from the beach, this condo has 1 bedroom, a living room and a dining area
Things to do in the Lower Grand Lagoon
- Go camping, hiking, or relax on the beaches at St Andrew’s State Park
- Go deep-sea fishing with Capt. Anderson’s Marina
- Go dolphins watching at sunset on this catamaran cruise!
- Enjoy a delicious seafood meal at Schooners
- Go snorkeling at Shell Island with this amazing cruise
- Explore the Lower Grand Lagoon neighborhood on a bike tour!
- Drift back in time to the days of pirates with the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise!
2. Laguna Beach – best place to stay in PCB on a budget
If you think that traveling to Panama City Beach on a budget is not possible, Laguna Beach will prove you wrong! Located on the Northern side of the peninsula and a 40-min drive West of Lower Grand Lagoon, Laguna Beach has a lively atmosphere and offers many cheap or even free activities to do, as well as plenty of affordable accommodations.
Here, the coast is easily accessible, where you can pass from aquatic adventures on jet skis or rides on a banana boat (for the brave) to panoramic views across the Bay County coast. If you’re lucky, you will also be able to spot the beautiful dolphins jumping out of Laguna Beach’s glistening waters, such a dreamy picture!
If you go slightly inland, you will get to the huge Conservation Park (map), where there are countless walks and hiking trails to choose from! And if you’d rather do something less active, beaches, parks, museums, and aquariums are waiting for you.
Otherwise, just a short drive down the beach, Pier Park (map) will satisfy your shopping needs with its many stores. In the end, going cheap is not as bad as it seems!
And if you’re wondering ‘where do the locals eat in Panama City Beach’ I’ll save you some trouble and direct you to Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant (map). Here, you can sit on the patio, enjoy the sea views and live music, and taste the best seafood the city has to offer!
Prefer to spend some time in nature? Head to Camp Helen State Park (map), where you can swim and fish in Powell Lake, hike and enjoy a relaxing picnic.
This is one of the best resorts in Panama City Beach, in a great location on the Gulf’s beautiful green-blue waters. With free parking available, you will reach Laguna Beach in only a 10-min drive. Spend your vacation relaxing on the beach, in the outdoor pool or hot tub, or doing some activity in the fitness center!
Other accommodation options in Laguna Beach
These Marriott suites provide access to an outdoor pool, free parking, and a 24/7 front desk
Each of the rooms and suites at this property is air-conditioned, has a private bathroom, and a flat-screen TV
A newly renovated beachfront villa that can accommodate up to 5 people, with an open floor plan and chic decorations
Things to do in Laguna Beach
- Go hiking in the huge, green Panama City Beach Conservation Park!
- Spend an afternoon shopping at Pier Park
- Go out to the Gulf World Marine Park and spend some time with the dolphins
- Walk on sandy-white beaches of the Laguna Beach Bay County coast
- Make the drive out and play mini-golf at the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
- Treat yourself to a meal at Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant
- Have a picnic at Camp Helen State Park
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3. Long Beach – best neighborhood for families
Centrally located between Laguna Beach and the Lower Grand Lagoon (about a 15-min drive from each), Long Beach is the perfect neighborhood if you’re looking for a family getaway. Its laid-back atmosphere and many cool attractions appeal to everyone – from youngest to oldest!
As the name suggests, Long Beach will bless you with breathtaking shorelines where you can get some well-deserved relaxation or take long, therapeutic walks breathing some fresh sea breeze (one of my favorite things ever!).
Pat a sloth, hold a kangaroo, kiss a giraffe, snuggle a lemur… Every member of the family will love visiting the ZooWorld Zoological Park! This zoo hosts more than 260 species of rare animals and you can also learn about their conservation programs!
If you want to make your kid happy, bring them to get some adrenaline at the Shipwreck Island Waterpark. You’ll find kiddy areas, brave rides, and even family slides with fun for the whole family!
If in your holiday there’s still space for some cultural activities, then you cannot miss Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum. Here, you’ll find crazy exhibitions and weird artifacts, a maze, and a moving theater – the kind of alternative art that would blow my mind!
Other great spots to visit with kids are the WonderWorks amusement park and the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park – you’ll have plenty to do during your stay here! And if you’re looking for some cool restaurants, I recommend The Wicked Wheel (map), featuring classic cars and motorcycles and delicious Southern-inspired cuisine.
Were you looking for something that suits everyone? You definitely found it! But if you really want to make a gift to your kids, the Disney capital of the world, Orlando, is only a 5 hours drive away. I think your kids would agree it’s worth a detour!
The Holiday Inn Resort is the perfect place to relax and keep your kids entertained at the children’s pool with a water playground! Spend the day at the outdoor pool or Gulf-front spa, enjoy the daily live entertainment, and have a delicious dinner at night in one of the 4 restaurants!
Other accommodation options in Long Beach
Enjoy the stunning view of the ocean from this beachside resort, offering a buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi
This 2-bedroom beachfront property is perfect for up to 6 people, with a full kitchen and a balcony
A top-rated condo providing access to several pools, hot tubs, and tennis courts, and has a spacious outdoor dining area
Things to do in Long Beach
- Take the family to the ZooWorld Zoological Park
- Challenge the kids to a round of mini-golf at Goofy Golf!
- Drive out and enjoy a fun day at Shipwreck Island Waterpark
- Check out the crazy exhibitions of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum
- Visit the WonderWorks amusement park and the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
- Enjoy a delicious meal at The Wicked Wheel
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$250 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$80 |
| 📍 Best area: | Lower Grand Lagoon |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Summit |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | WaterCrest Condos |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Seychelles Beach Resort |
FAQs about where to stay in Panama City Beach
🏙️ Which is the best area where to stay in Panama City Beach?
The Lower Grand Lagoon is the best area to stay in Panama City Beach to enjoy a variety of different activities and stay in amazing hotels like The Summit and WaterCrest Condos.
🐬 What to do in Panama City Beach, Florida?
There are plenty of things to do for travelers in Panama City Beach, from sailing, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling to hiking at St Andrew’s State Park. Otherwise, try the delicious seafood in one of the many restaurants and have fun at the arcades and amusement parks.
👨👩👧👦 Which is the best part for families where to stay in Panama City Beach?
Centrally located, Long Beach is the best part of Panama City Beach for a family getaway and to have access to kid-friendly activities and attractions. Stay at the luxurious Holiday Inn Resort or the SpringHill Suites.
📅 When is the best time to stay in a beach hotel in Panama City Beach?
The best time to stay near the beach in PCB is spring, from April to May, when there are fewer crowds and the weather is pleasant. Just make sure you don’t visit for spring break when the city is super crowded.
😊 What part of Panama City Beach is less crowded?
The West End is one of the best places to stay in Panama City Beach if you want to avoid the crowds. So, book your stay in Laguna Beach or one of the nearby neighborhoods like Sunnyside or Miramar Beach.
🏖️ Which side of Panama City Beach has the best beaches?
The best Panama City beaches are situated on the East End, namely the beach at St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island Beach on Shell Island.
🏨 What are some Panama City Beach hotels with oceanfront balcony?
The top beachfront hotels that offer rooms with a balcony and a view of the ocean are the Hyatt Place Panama City Beach and the Club Wyndham Panama City Beach. Both of these hotels offer excellent amenities and have great reviews.
Final thoughts on the best areas to stay in Panama City Beach
We’re at the end of my guide to the best area to stay in Panama City Beach! My goal was to help you discover the most unique places to stay in Panama City Beach and have an unforgettable holiday – I hope I was successful!
Still can’t make up your mind on the best hotel in Panama City Beach? Let me give you my 2 favorite hotels, both situated in the Lower Grand Lagoon:
- The Summit – this luxurious aparthotel has 3 swimming pools, a bar, and amazing views of the water
- WaterCrest Condos – a beautiful beachfront hotel in the heart of Panama City Beach, with a pool and a fitness center
All you need to do now is book your stay – and do it in advance! Hotels and resorts in Panama City Beach sell out quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on all the fun!
And if you have any questions about your upcoming trip, please leave them in the comments below. I’m more than happy to answer and help you plan your vacation!
Have an amazing trip,
Elena
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