Where is the best place to stay in Panama City Beach?” The answer depends on what kind of vacation experience you’re looking for.
Panama City Beach has three distinct areas — West, Central, and East — each with its own unique vibe, amenities, and restaurant scene. In this guide, we’ll break down each section of PCB so you know what to expect, plus share some of our favorite places to eat while you’re here.
West Panama City Beach is home to Pier Park, one of the top attractions in the area, with shopping, dining, and entertainment. Surrounding it are some of the most popular beachfront condos, including:
Calypso Resort – The closest condo to Pier Park with endless entertainment/shopping/dining opportunities. Three towers all together. All towers have great views of the Gulf.
Emerald Isle Beach Resort- A well loved building in a great location for relaxing on the beach. The half-circle layouts of the balconies provide legendary coastline views of the gulf.
Carillon Beach Inn – Quiet, on the very west end of the beach, and also close to 30A. The Carillon Beach Resort is a large resort with several beach access and amenities to explore. There is a downtown area with several eateries and shops as well.
The further west you go, the more the density drops. You’ll find more single-family vacation homes and a quieter atmosphere. If you want newer high-rise condos and easy access to Pier Park, eastward of Celadon. If you prefer a more relaxed, residential vibe, keep heading west.
Some honorable mentions to our PCB West list would be Southwind and Horizon South. Check out our properties on the West End of PCB available for rent below:
Central PCB is where the energy is. Here you’ll find a mix of iconic resorts, attractions, and restaurants, including:
Laketown Wharf – Incredible value with five pools, dining, and family activities. Laketown is one of the best values on the list. The rental rates are usually more affordable, given the condo is located on the north side of South Thomas. There is so much to do at Laketown, including a large bowling alley and arcade complex, 810 Bowling and Billiards.
Shores of Panama – Famous for its lagoon-style pool and beachfront location. Many unit types to choose from.
This part of PCB is close to everything: WonderWorks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, goofy golf, and more. You’ll also find favorites like Pineapple Willy’s.
The tradeoff? The beaches can feel a bit more crowded, especially around the high-density mega-resorts. But if you want to be near all the attractions and nightlife, Central PCB is your spot. Check out our selection of properties in central PCB!
The East End has a different flavor: lower density, older condos, and more single-family homes. It’s where tourism first took root, and some legendary venues (like Spinnaker and La Vela) once drew huge crowds.
Today, the east side is a mix of charming older condos and newer developments, plus gems like St. Andrews State Park, one of the best natural spots in Florida. If you want a quieter vibe, fewer crowds, and quick access over the Hathaway Bridge into Panama City, the east end is ideal.
We manage an outstanding unit at The Commodore. It’s on the second floor and stays pretty booked out. Check it out below.
🍴 Where to Eat in Panama City Beach
No trip to PCB is complete without great food. Most vacation rentals come with a full kitchen, but it’s worth eating out at least a few times. Here are some standouts:
Juan Taco at Laketown Wharf (Central PCB) – the tacos are addictive, and it’s a local favorite.
Carousel Supermarket (West PCB) – boutique grocer with a wine shop and local gifts.
Saltwater Grill (Central PCB) – excellent seafood and a local staple.
Captain Anderson’s (East PCB) – legendary fine dining with Gulf-to-table seafood.
Firefly (Central PCB) – surprisingly upscale with steaks, seafood, and creative dishes like grilled elk. Perfect for a dressed-up dinner.
Stay West if you want Pier Park, newer condos, and family resorts like Calypso, Emerald Isle, and Carillon Beach.
Stay Central if you want to be in the heart of the action with attractions and nightlife.
Stay East if you prefer a quieter vibe near St. Andrews State Park and local eateries.
No matter where you stay, Panama City Beach has something for everyone — from sugar-white sand beaches to family fun, nightlife, and fantastic dining.
At What’s Up Beach Vacation Rentals, we manage condos and vacation homes across PCB, Destin, Miramar Beach, and Okaloosa Island. Book direct with us to save on fees and enjoy a personalized, boutique guest experience.
👉 Explore our listings here: What’s Up Beach Rentals
Whether you’re coming for family fun, a romantic getaway, or a relaxing beach escape, we’ll help you find the perfect spot.
