Panama City Beach, Florida, attracts families from all over (mainly the Southeast), thanks to its crystal-clear ocean water, sugary white sand and multitude of attractions. Families also love the variety of accommodations available, with many hotels and resorts located right on the beach. If you’re planning a trip to Panama City Beach, consider a stay at one of these Panama City beach resorts for families, approved by our staff of experts and other family travelers.
1. Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach
One of the best family resorts in Panama City Beach is the Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach. The hotel features two pools and a large water playground known as Aqualand. Kids love attending Splash’s Kids’ Club for arts and crafts, pirate-themed lunches and parties hosted by a DJ, complete with games and prizes. Families also love taking advantage of the kids-eat-free promotion from Holiday Inn at one of the property’s two restaurants. At the end of the day, everyone can gather to enjoy a seasonal show—performed by a magician or fire dancers—or unwind with free popcorn and a dive-in movie.
2. Legacy By The Sea
There are many things families love about vacationing at Legacy By The Sea. Free continental breakfast is a huge perk, as is close proximity to Gulf World Marine Park and some of the best shopping, dining and attractions in Panama City Beach at Pier Park. Families love the variety of room options available, as well, including some with kitchenettes or full kitchens and separate bedrooms allowing families to spread out. Along with beautiful views of the Gulf is a heated pool for year-round use.
3. Palmetto Inn & Suites
For those who are flying in from the airport and don’t want to rent a car, families will love the added amenity of free shuttle service to the airport. The Legacy By The Sea is one of the best hotels in Panama City Beach, offering both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a beachside playground and two kiddie pools for families to enjoy. The hotel is within close proximity of Pier Park for shopping and dining, but also has gas grills available for use. Families take comfort in spacious suites with full kitchens. With a wide array of beach activities, including kayaking, beach volleyball and shuffleboard, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
4. Days Inn by Wyndham Panama City Beach/Ocean Front
If you’re looking for a great Panama City beach hotel on a budget, the Days Inn by Wyndham Panama City Beach is an ideal option. Free hot breakfast is served daily for hotel guests. After enjoying breakfast, guests flock to the pool deck, which touts a beautiful 6-story-high waterfall. You can also take a walk along the beach and enjoy the stunning views. Kids will be thrilled by the occasional appearance of pirates walking around, and parents will enjoy relaxing at the bar next to the waterfall. Other perks include a microwave and mini-fridge in each room.
5. Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point
Sometimes you just want to get away from the crowds and enjoy a little more luxury and some peace and quiet as a family. The Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point is situated on the picturesque bay and allows you to do just that. It’s the perfect place for the family with split interests. While some are golfing or enjoying the spa, others can be lounging by the pool, playing at the splash pad and playground, or kids can be entertained at the rec room playing board games and escaping the hot Florida sun. Families will be comfortable in a variety of different rooms and suites, including two-room and two-bathroom villas where they can spread out and enjoy each other’s company and space.
6. Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort
Waterslides, lazy rivers and pools galore are only a few of the family-friendly amenities provided by the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort. There are so many fun things to do that kids will not want to leave the resort! Miniature golf, movies on the beach and a children’s playground ensure permanent smiles. Sandpiper Beacon also has seasonal inflatables for kids to play on and kiddie pools for the little friends. Parents love that there are a variety of room types that suit the needs of every family; some come with kitchenettes and full-sized kitchens. The hotel also has an ice cream shop, family arts and craft hours and seasonal kids’ foam parties.
7. Country Inn And Suites By Carlson Panama City Beach
There are so many fun attractions located in Panama City Beach, and the Country Inn and Suites Panama City Beach puts families close to all the action at Shipwreck Island Water Park, Wonderworks and Pier Park Mall. The hotel also offers a hot complimentary breakfast buffet and a covered outdoor pool that provides shade for the sometimes overbearing sun. Rooms are comfortable and clean and offer the ability to have a one-bedroom suite for some space and privacy.
8. Beach Tower By The Sea
No one understands families more than a hotel that is family owned and operated! Families love to choose from four different room types, including a two-bedroom family suite that has a kitchenette for convenience. Families also enjoy the beautiful view that comes from their own private balcony with every room. Beside the fact that the hotel is located on one of the most gorgeous beaches in the country, the Beach Tower also has a BBQ area and picnic tables beachside, is clean and affordable, and is located close to many area attractions.
9. Beachbreak By The Sea
If you’re looking for a little more intimate setting, the Beachbreak By the Sea is a great option. A smaller setting close to attractions and dining, the Beachbreak has 97 recently renovated rooms, all with kitchens and balconies with beautiful Gulf views. The hotel offers a picnic area that’s located right on the beach with a playground for kids. Families will love the small pool that goes to about 4 feet in depth. For families looking to stay in a nice, clean hotel without all the frills and expense of bigger resorts, this is a great match.
10. Beachside Resort
There are many things that are important to families when traveling that make their vacation easier and comfortable. The Beachside Resort has all the comforts that family travelers seek. Poolside rooms with expansive views of the Gulf coast, a large open pool deck with plenty of seating, a snack bar for kids (that serves adult drinks as well) and clean and spacious rooms are a few of the family-friendly amenities offered at the Beachside Resort. Families love spending time at the pool and heading to the beach to build a sandcastle, and then spending the evening in the hot tub watching the sunset. The Beachside Resort is also close to Northwest Florida Beaches Airport, making it very accessible for families traveling by air.
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