- Why is the Florida Panhandle a great destination?
- It's no secret that the Florida Panhandle is an incredible destination for a beach getaway, making it the perfect choice when you're in the mood for some sun and sparkling white sand.
- Where are the best places to stay and things to do in the Florida Panhandle?
- Many of the best hotels and things to do can be found around Destin and Panama City, but no matter where you stay, you'll almost certainly be greeted with a healthy dose of traditional Southern hospitality.
- What types of accommodations are available in the Florida Panhandle?
- Whether you prefer an intimate family-run bed and breakfast or a luxurious resort with all the bells and whistles, here are the best places to stay in the Florida Panhandle.
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1. Aunt Martha's Bed & Breakfast
Visit this cozy home and savor fresh breakfasts during a peaceful retirement stay.
Named after its jovial, welcoming owner, Aunt Martha's Bed & Breakfast is a wonderful place for a romantic getaway for two. The five-bedroom home is built in the style of a traditional Florida summer house, and all of the bedrooms have large windows and wonderful views of the water. All guests are also welcome to relax on the veranda, in the downstairs sunroom, or in the cozy library, which features a baby grand piano. An old-fashioned Southern breakfast is made fresh each morning, and when it comes to lunch and dinner, many of the area's best restaurants are only a short drive away.
315 Shell Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, Phone: 850-243-6702
2. Beach Club Resort & Spa
Relax by the ocean and enjoy spa treatments on a romantic weekend.
Located in the charming resort town of P Occupying two floors of the GateHouse at WaterSound Beach, the WaterSound Inn is an eleven-room boutique hotel located just a short walk away from the beach. Guests have access to the WaterSound Beach Club, which features a 7,000-square-foot infinity pool, and canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards can be rented if you want to paddle around on the Gulf. All of the units have full kitchens, but if you'd rather not cook, both indoor and outdoor dining options are easily accessible. The beach club staff can also arrange a special beach bonfire with smores and bottled water., the Beach Club Resort & Spa can be found inside a high-rise apartment building surrounded by palm trees. The units are particularly well suited to families or large groups; they range in size from three to four bedrooms, and they all feature gourmet kitchens, spacious living rooms, and private balconies. The serene on-site spa is known for its excellent massages, and the property also boasts a steam room and both indoor and outdoor pools. The staff are also happy to help arrange bike rentals, beach chairs, and dolphin watching cruises.
Beach Club Resort & Spa, 18 Via De Luna Dr, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561, Phone: 850-916-5382
3. Chateau By The Sea
Go beachfront and enjoy easy access to white sands and coastal sights.
One of the original properties on Panama City Beach, Chateau By The Sea offers simple rooms, family-friendly amenities, and easy access to the beach. Most of the rooms have queen or double beds, and all have private balconies overlooking either the ocean or the hotel pool. The poolside bar and grill serves up delicious food all day long, but if you'd rather bring in your own food, there's a spacious picnic area as well. Other amenities include a pool with a tiki bar, a beach volleyball court, and fun activities like movie nights and karaoke.
12525 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, Phone: 850-234-2174
4. Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
Explore local attractions and admire harbor views from this exciting luxury resort.
Destin's HarborWalk Village is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Florida Panhandle, and the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village is a fantastic place to base yourself while you're here. All of the village's attractions and amenities are right on your doorstep, but you can just as easily spend the entire day lounging by one of the resort pools or relaxing in the European-style spa. The resort also provides a complimentary boat shuttle service to a private beach. The suites range in size from one to four bedrooms, and all include full kitchens, living areas, and private balconies.
10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541, Phone: 844-651-9124
5. Grand Panama Beach Resort
Savor ocean views and relax poolside on a fun summer trip.
Hidden away inside a gated community with 650 feet of private beachfront, the Grand Panama Beach Resort is an all-condo resort perfect for families and groups. The individually decorated condos range in size from two to four bedrooms, and if you want an upgraded experience, you can also opt to book a three- or four-bedroom penthouse. In addition to the beach, the resort boasts two spa pools, a kiddie pool, and two outdoor pools, one of which is heated. There's also a full-service tiki bar by one of the pools, which is open on a seasonal basis.
11807 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, Phone: 850-249-1244
6. Henderson Park Inn
Enjoy sunset views and savor gourmet dining in this romantic adults-only escape.
If you're trying to plan a romantic getaway for two, the adults-only Henderson Park Inn is an excellent choice. As an all-inclusive hotel, it offers more amenities than almost any other hotel in the area, including a buffet breakfast and picnic lunch, beach chair service, and a complimentary cocktail hour at the tiki bar. Guests can also expect to be welcomed to their luxurious rooms with fresh roses, a bottle of wine, and high-quality chocolates. Dinner is not included, but guests are welcome to dine at the on-site restaurant, and the hotel can also help arrange a special meal right on the beach.
2700 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541, Phone: 888-836-1105
7. Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse
Stay in colorful rooms and savor breakfast on a quiet spring getaway.
Only a ten-minute walk away from the sparkling white sand of Grayton Beach, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse is a welcoming bed and breakfast with a distinctly Old Florida feel. The guest rooms are spread across three different buildings, including a cozy private cottage, and although every room has only one bed, some also have pull-out couches or room for a roll-out cot. Some of the rooms have private or shared kitchens, and three of the rooms are pet friendly. A complimentary breakfast is served in the on-site cafe, which offers a mostly vegetarian menu and plenty of gluten-free options.
85 Defuniak St, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, Phone: 850-231-2733
8. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Visit for beachside fun and explore golf and spa attractions with family.
Sitting on a mile-long stretch of Miramar Beach, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is a full-service resort that can provide almost any kind of vacation experience you like. The spacious rooms and suites are only steps away from the water, and many have private balconies with ocean views. There are seven different restaurants on the resort property, and if you want some more variety, there's an excellent selection of dining and shopping options at the nearby Baytowne Wharf. Guests will also have access to the world-class spa, the three beautiful resort pools, and four championship golf courses in the surrounding area.
4000 Sandestin Blvd S, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, Phone: 850-267-9500
9. Lee House
Admire elegant interiors and explore nearby historic sights on a charming trip.
Nestled in the heart of Pensacola's historic district, the Lee House is a quaint boutique hotel modeled after an 1866 home that used to stand on its property. Each of the nine suites is named after a local historical figure, and they're all uniquely decorated, with some featuring objects that pay homage to the area's rich history. Some also have luxurious touches like four poster beds, whirlpool tubs, and access to a shared porch. A complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning, and guests are welcome to relax in the cozy lounge or outside on the beautiful lawn.
909 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511, Phone: 813-661-6888
10. Seagrove Guest House
Relax in coastal comfort and enjoy affordable lodging near local attractions.
Previously known as Lisbeth's Bed and Breakfast, the Seagrove Guest House is a small but welcoming adults-only guesthouse with five unique themed rooms to choose from. Each room can accommodate up to two guests, and some offer separate sitting areas or access to the veranda. A private stretch of beach is located right across the street, and beach chairs and umbrellas are available to use free of charge. Guests can also enjoy complimentary coffee in the mornings between 7 and 9 a.m., and an excellent selection of restaurants can be found in the town of Seaside, which is just down the road.
3501 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
11. Majestic Beach Resort Panama Beach Florida
Swim oceanfront and savor breezy views on an exciting family vacation.
Boasting amenities like five pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center, the Majestic Beach Resort Panama Beach Florida is a family-friendly getaway that makes it easy to settle in and stay a while. All the units are individually owned and uniquely decorated, and there's something to accommodate almost every size of group; couples or solo travelers can book one of the cozy studios, while bigger groups will want to stay in one of the suites, the largest of which can accommodate up to 10 guests. All units have full kitchens with dishwashers, and most also have laundry machines, making them perfect for longer stays.
10901 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, Phone: 866-494-3364
12. Margaritaville Beach Hotel
Soak up tropical vibes and enjoy beachside dining with couples or friends.
If you want to feel like you've stepped into a Jimmy Buffet song, consider staying at the Margaritaville Beach Hotel, a tropical paradise in Pensacola Beach. There are more than 160 luxurious rooms and suites to choose from, and outside, there's an infinity pool with a large deck. The hotel hosts a full program of kids' activities like beach bingo and craft sessions, and of course, there are also margarita-making classes for adults. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented for a fee, and on weekends, live music shows are held at the hotel beach bar.
165 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, Phone: 850-916-9755
13. Marriott's Legends Edge at Bay Point
Visit golf courses and relax in spacious suites on an easy getaway.
With its fully equipped two-bedroom villas, Marriott's Legends Edge at Bay Point is the ideal vacation spot for anyone looking for a home away from home. Every unit has a full kitchen, a furnished balcony, and separate living and dining areas, and Wi-Fi and parking are available free of charge. There are also plenty of fantastic amenities that will keep the whole family entertained, including a children's splash pad, an outdoor pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. A small convenience store is on the hotel property, and there's an excellent selection of restaurants in the nearby Panama City.
4000 Marriott Dr, Panama City, FL 32408, Phone: 850-236-4200
14. Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast
Step back in time and admire vintage charm on a quiet fall stay.
Housed inside a beautiful Queen Anne Victorian mansion, the Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast is an elegant boutique hotel with only four guest rooms. All rooms have queen beds, private bathrooms, and cable TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. A delicious homemade breakfast is served in the dining room every morning, and a special in-room breakfast by candlelight can be arranged for an additional fee. Guests are welcome to help themselves to complimentary treats and beverages throughout the day, and there's also an on-site cafe perfect for lunch or a mid-day snack.
203 W Gregory St, Pensacola, FL 32502, Phone: 850-434-2818
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