Longer stays
On a long beach stay, pick the stretch you’ll use every day. Before booking, check the kitchen setup, parking and how far the grocery store is.
from $50/night2,260 hotels compared
13615 Front Beach Road
8.1Very Good3,368 reviews
from
$81/night on a weekly stay
compared on 6 sites
11757 Front Beach Road
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$196/night on a weekly stay
compared on 2 sites
8743 Thomas Dr
8.3Very Good6 reviews
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$138/night on a weekly stay
compared on 3 sites
17642 Front Beach Road
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$200/night on a weekly stay
compared on 2 sites
17281 Front Beach Road
8.2Very Good20 reviews
from
$215/night on a weekly stay
compared on 2 sites
Front Beach Rd 1606 T2
8.3Very Good3 reviews
from
$222/night on a weekly stay
compared on 2 sites
2,260 hotels compared
Panama City Beach follows the Gulf shore west of Panama City. Pier Park and Russell-Fields Pier are the center of the beachfront. At the east end, Thomas Drive and Grand Lagoon are closer to St. Andrews State Park and the Shell Island boats.
Near Pier Park, the Russell-Fields Pier crosses the sand to the Gulf. After the beach, the outdoor shops and restaurants are right there for the evening. Beachfront and inland hotels look close on a map, but the inland ones mean crossing Front Beach Road, so check the route before booking.
The east end centers on Thomas Drive and Grand Lagoon. Marinas run trips toward Shell Island, and St. Andrews State Park has Gulf and lagoon shoreline. Shell Island is undeveloped and reached by boat, so bring everything you need and check the operator’s schedule.
West of Pier Park, Laguna Beach and the Camp Helen State Park side of town have less shopping. Camp Helen borders Lake Powell and the Gulf. Panama City Beach Conservation Park has walking and biking trails inland. From most hotels, you’ll need a car for these western and inland stops.
Summer is hot, humid and wetter. Spring and fall are milder, good for park walks as well as the beach. Check the beach warning flags before you go in the Gulf: double red means the water is closed. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is inland, and rental cars, taxis, rideshares and shuttles run from there to the hotels.
Pier Park has shopping and restaurants across Front Beach Road from Russell-Fields Pier. Stay here for a beach day followed by an easy walk to dinner. Check whether a hotel is on the Gulf or inland from the road.
Around here: Pier Park, Russell-Fields Pier, Front Beach Road
The central Front Beach Road stretch has beachfront towers and M.B. Miller County Pier. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is inland from the shore. Stay here to be in the middle: Pier Park is to the west and Thomas Drive to the east.
Around here: M.B. Miller County Pier, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Front Beach Road
Thomas Drive runs toward St. Andrews State Park, and boats for Shell Island leave from the Grand Lagoon marinas. Pick the east end for a park or boating trip. Pier Park is a drive away.
Around here: Grand Lagoon, St. Andrews State Park, Thomas Drive
Laguna Beach sits west of Pier Park, nearer Camp Helen State Park and Lake Powell. Stay here for a quieter beach routine, with a drive back to Pier Park restaurants and shops.
Around here: Laguna Beach, Camp Helen State Park, Lake Powell
July and August are the hottest months, with frequent rain and thunderstorms. Spring and fall are milder for beach walks and park trails. Winter is mild next to much of the country, but the Gulf can be cool for swimming. In any season, the daily flag decides whether you go in.
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is inland from Panama City Beach. State Road 79 leads toward the western beach, and U.S. 98 runs through town. Rental cars, taxis, rideshares and shuttles all run from the airport. Getting between the beach and the parks is easier with a car.
12 mi from downtown
At ECP you can rent a car or take a taxi, shuttle or app-based ride. The airport’s directions to Panama City Beach use State Road 79 and State Highway 388. Your hotel address sets the last part of the route.
Pier Park, for shops and restaurants close by. Thomas Drive is nearer Grand Lagoon. The west end is quieter, but you’ll drive more.
For most plans, yes. You’ll want one for ECP, St. Andrews State Park, Camp Helen and grocery runs. If you plan to stay close to the sand, check how far your hotel is from it.
Confirm the specific room has the kitchenette, laundry access and workspace you need. Check parking rules for the whole stay.
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