13 Best Hotels in The Panhandle, Florida

Back-to-nature enthusiasts love these two-bedroom, tin-roofed duplexes—each named after a different species of tree and each sleeping up to six—set among the state park's sand pines and scrub oaks, a five-minute walk from the beach via a private boardwalk. Although the cabins are basic, they do have central heat and air-conditioning and full-size kitchens. Gas fireplaces, barbecue grills, and screen porches are homey touches.

Old-world charm and lovely architecture make perfect partners at this resort in a unique “planned village community” with lots of amenities, including four swimming pools, two hot tubs, two tennis courts, a playground, and a full-service spa and salon. Rosemary Beach is 2 miles away, and it's a 6-mile drive to Panama City Beach’s Pier Park.

You can sleep at least four and as many as eight in the luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments at this high-rise resort on Panama City Beach. There are lots of on-site activities and amenities, including eleven pools; four whirlpool tubs; shuffleboard, pickleball, and tennis court; a par-3 golf course; and sunsets galore.

Even locals seek out the views at this harbor-front destination-within-a-destination that has luxurious accommodations, as well as amenities like a spa, marina, health club, and indoor/outdoor pools. Guest rooms, from suites to four bedrooms, have balconies with panoramic views. The HarborWalk Village, just steps away, offers oodles of activities and entertainment for the whole family, including shops, restaurants, water sports, thrill rides, fishing charter boats, pirate and dolphin-watching boat tours, and nightlife.

Right on the Gulf, this hotel offers incredible views at one of the beach's most affordable prices. It also offers award-winning cuisine at H20 Restaurant, buzzing nightlife at Latitudes Beach Bar, and a number of beach and family-friendly amenities, including a grab-and-go deli for taking food to the beach and two- and three-bedroom suites facing the Gulf. Off-season, you can enjoy the heated indoor pool.

Although it adheres to the Hilton standards of comfort and service, this family-friendly hotel, which has been run by the same owners for more than 30 years, is constantly refreshing its facilities and expanding its amenities. In the resort's Emerald Tower, every room is a junior suite with a separate bunk bed area, and throughout the summer there are activities and camps (for a fee) to keep kids busy. You won't get bored thanks to the breathtaking Gulf views and the six on-site restaurants that serve everything from sushi to steak. The resort's Serenity by the Sea Spa is one of the region's best.

Located directly on the beach facing the Gulf of Mexico, this family-friendly resort has enough activities to keep all ages entertained—including one of the best pools in the area.

Known for its 250-foot lazy river and cascading waterfall, this Gulf-front hotel is one of the most family-friendly on the beach. It has stylish guest rooms done in a cool and vibrant color scheme inspired by the ocean. For families, or adult travelers who are still kids at heart, the hotel offers Kidsuites with a PlayStation, as well as an indoor game room and such amenities as seasonal movies and children's activities. After sunset, the friendly staff mixes up concoctions at a four-story tiki bar.

At this family-friendly beachside resort, activity revolves around a 194,000-gallon pool (allegedly the area's largest) with a spectacular swim-through waterfall and a bar in the Grotto's rock wall. There's even a mermaid named Misty. There are several on-site dining options.

Accommodations here include high-rise condo units and low-rise townhouse villas; some are directly on the beach, and others are just a short walk (or golf-cart ride) away. Convenient to the properties are the Dunes Putting Course, a basketball court, and winding paths. There is a tunnel underneath the highway for those who might want to walk or bike to the bayside amenities.

Although Sandestin’s lakes make its four golf courses challenging, they also provide serene natural settings for its villa communities, where properties come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Many are even right on a course—perfect those who plan to spend a lot of time teeing off. Choose from villas in communities that include Baypine Cottages, The Bungalos, Crystal Cove, Crystal Lake, Laurel Grove, Magnolia Bay, Prestwick Place, Turnberry Villas, and Villa Lago.

This resort with 1,000 feet of beachfront on the quieter end of Panama City Beach has something for everyone and enough amenities and activities to keep you busy for days without ever leaving the property. Accommodations range from studios for two to beach houses that can sleep 16 people. There are multiple indoor and outdoor pools, some heated, as well as sizeable water slides and lazy rivers. It's a kid's dream, with on-site mini golf, a games arcade, and a playground. In summer, special activities include games, karaoke, sunset s'mores, and foam parties. 

Accommodations in or near The Village of Baytowne Wharf—amid the resort’s many bayside dining, shopping, nightlife, and outdoor-activity offerings—include Observation Point North and South; Market Street Inn; Pilot House; the commanding, hotel-like Grand Sandestin; and the luxury options at LaSata, Bahia, and Elation in the Grand Complex. Among the bayside attractions are the Baytowne Marina, Sandestin's Tennis Center, and the kid-friendly Jolee Island Nature Park.