Best Family Resorts in Panama City Beach: Find Your Perfect Match
Panama City Beach is home to some of the most amazing family resorts along Florida’s Emerald Coast. If you’re looking for the best family resorts in Panama City Beach, you’ve come to the perfect place!
At Dolce Vita Getaways, we’ve been helping families find their ideal beachfront stays since 2006, and we know exactly what makes a resort perfect for kids and parents alike.
Let’s explore our top family-friendly resorts that make Panama City Beach a magical destination for all ages.
Table of Contents
Shores of Panama Resort
Shores of Panama Resort is great for families who want a big pool to swim in and an indoor pool for rainy days, all while being right on the beach.
This means you can splash around outside, and when it’s too hot or the weather changes, you have a cozy indoor spot to continue the fun. Plus, you don’t have to walk far to enjoy the ocean, which makes it easy for families with kids.
Family friendly highlights:
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Iconic Lagoon-Style Pool: one of the largest and most photographed pools in Panama City Beach.
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On-Site Dining & Tiki Bars: enjoy food and drinks without leaving the pool deck.
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Prime Beachfront Location: walk to restaurants, shopping, attractions, and waterfront activities in minutes.
Our review: We have seen families with younger kids love Shores because the zero entry pool areas make pool time feel easier.
Families with older children also like that everything is close by, so they can split time between the beach, pool, and quick snacks without a big plan.
Learn more about Shores of Panama Resort.
Sunbird Beach Resort
Sunbird Beach Resort is perfect for smaller families who want a simple beach experience. You can enjoy the beauty of the ocean right outside your door.
There’s also a choice of multiple pools to splash in and play around. Plus, everything is close by, so walking to the beach or nearby restaurants is super easy and fun.
Family friendly highlights:
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Low-Density Building: fewer units mean quieter beaches, shorter elevator waits, and more privacy.
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Spacious Gulf-Front Condos: large layouts, private balconies, and unobstructed views.
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Prime Front Beach Road Location: close to dining, attractions, and minutes from Pier Park.
Our review: We often recommend Sunbird to families who plan to spend most of the day on the sand and want a straightforward, budget friendly beach setup.
Families with school age kids tend to appreciate how easy it is to go from beach to pool without dealing with a huge property footprint.
Learn more Sunbird Beach Resort.
Marisol Complex
Marisol Complex is for families who want a boutique beachfront feel with less crowding and a calmer pace. Here, you can enjoy being close to the ocean without the hustle and bustle of larger resorts.
It’s the perfect place for families who like to relax, take long beach walks, or enjoy quiet sunsets together. With fewer guests around, kids can play freely and parents can unwind, making it a great choice for a peaceful family getaway.
Family friendly highlights:
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Low-Density Building: fewer units mean quieter beaches, shorter elevator waits, and more privacy.
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Spacious Gulf-Front Condos: large layouts, private balconies, and unobstructed views.
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Prime Front Beach Road Location: close to dining, attractions, and minutes from Pier Park.
Our review: We often see larger families choose Marisol when they want a quieter building and more breathing room.
If your family is happiest with slow mornings, beach walks, and less shared space traffic, this is a strong fit.
Learn more about Marisol Complex.
Laketown Wharf Resort
Laketown Wharf Resort is great for families who want lots of swimming options and fun things to do at night. It’s just across the street from the beach, so you can easily enjoy both the pools and the ocean.
Families can swim in different pools, play games, and have fun together. In the evenings, you can go out and enjoy activities without having to travel far. It’s a place where everyone can feel happy and entertained!
Family friendly highlights:
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Full Resort Experience: five pools, two-story fitness center, mini-golf, pickleball, arcade, on-site dining.
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Lake & Gulf Views: enjoy peaceful lake mornings and Gulf sunsets from your private balcony.
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Walkable to Everything: restaurants, shops, cafés, entertainment, and the beach are all steps away.
Our review: We have seen families with older children and teens do really well here because there is more to do after beach time ends.
Larger families also like Laketown Wharf because you can keep everyone entertained without constantly driving to attractions.
Learn more about Laketown Wharf Resort.
Calypso Beach Resort
Calypso Beach Resort is a great choice for families who want to walk easily everywhere. It is super close to Pier Park, which has lots of fun shops and places to eat. Plus, you get to enjoy the beach right at your doorstep.
This means you can spend time on the sand or at the pool without driving anywhere. It’s perfect for families who want a mix of relaxation and fun activities close by.
Family friendly highlights:
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Best Location in PCB: Directly next to Pier Park (120+ shops & restaurants)
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Direct Beach Access: Private resort walkways to the sand
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Resort Amenities: Pools, tiki-bar, hot tub, gym, and beachfront convenience.
Our review: Families who like to mix beach time with quick outings tend to love Calypso.
We have seen families with older children enjoy the independence factor here, because you can walk to so many options without loading the car every time.
Learn more about Calypso Beach Resort.
Gulf Highlands Beach Resort
Gulf Highlands Beach Resort is better for families who want a townhome style home base with resort amenities and a gated community feel. Here, families can enjoy not just the space of a townhouse, but also benefit from fun resort features like multiple pools, a beach club, and sports activities.
It makes settling in super easy and helps everyone feel right at home. Plus, being in a gated area means kids can play safely while parents relax.
Family friendly highlights:
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60-Acre Gated Community: Safe, quiet, and ideal for families.
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Incredible Amenities: 11 pools, beach club, tennis, pickleball & mini golf.
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Home-Style Comfort: Full kitchens, private parking & spacious layouts.
Our review: We have seen larger families and multigenerational trips do especially well at Gulf Highlands because the layout feels more like a neighborhood than a tower.
Families with younger kids also like the walkable community setup, especially when you want space for scooters, bikes, and easy evenings.
Learn more about Gulf Highlands Beach Resort.
Edgewater Resort
Edgewater Resort fits families who want the biggest “everything on site” resort experience in PCB. Here, you will find tons of fun for everyone. Kids can dive into the huge lagoon pool while adults enjoy the nearby spa or play a round of golf.
You can also grab a meal at one of the different restaurants without needing to go far. With so much to do right at the resort, families can relax and have everything they need at their fingertips, making it a perfect choice for a memorable family vacation.
Family friendly highlights:
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Massive Lagoon Pool: One of PCB’s biggest and most iconic pools.
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Private Beachfront: Nearly half a mile of dedicated Gulf shoreline.
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Resort Convenience: Golf course, tennis courts, restaurants, spa services, activities, and more.
Our review: If your family wants the resort to be the main event, Edgewater is usually the match.
We have seen families with mixed ages love it because everyone can find their thing, pools for kids, fitness and golf for adults, and plenty of ways to stay busy without leaving.
Learn more about Edgewater Resort.
Majestic Beach Resort
Majestic Beach Resort is perfect for families who want indoor pool options plus strong entertainment amenities, all beachfront. This means you can enjoy the sun on the beach and have fun swimming indoors when the weather isn’t great.
Kids will love the big pools and game rooms, while parents can relax knowing everything is close by. There’s something for everyone here which makes it a fantastic choice for family fun.
Family friendly highlights:
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Private Beachfront: 650 ft of sugar-white Gulf shoreline.
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Indoor + Outdoor Pools: Perfect for year-round stays.
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Full Resort Amenities: Tennis, pickleball, cinema, fitness center, Starbucks café & more.
Our review: Families who travel outside peak summer often choose Majestic because the indoor pools keep the trip fun even on cooler days.
We have seen families with older children appreciate the theater and arcade for evening time, especially when everyone wants a break from the sun.
Learn more about Majestic Beach Resort.
Grandview East Resort
Grandview East Resort fits families who want a quieter beachfront stay with a heated pool and easier beach access. This resort offers a peaceful atmosphere where families can relax without too much noise.
The heated pool is great for swimming all year long, and the simple walk to the beach makes it easy for kids to play in the sand. With fewer guests around, everyone can enjoy more space and a better experience together.
Family friendly highlights:
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Low-Density Building: Fewer units = quieter beaches & faster elevators.
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Oversized Balconies: Some of the widest Gulf-front balconies in PCB.
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Heated Beachfront Pool: Enjoy year-round swimming with a Gulf backdrop.
Our review: We often recommend Grandview East to families who want comfort and convenience without the mega resort crowd level.
We have seen families with strollers, wagons, or mobility needs really appreciate the ramp and beach mat, because it makes beach days feel simpler.
Learn more about Grandview East Resort.
Ocean Ritz Resort
Ocean Ritz Resort is perfect for larger families who want oversized layouts, lots of space to move around, and a low-density, quieter beachfront vibe. Here, you can enjoy time together without feeling crowded.
The big balconies let you relax while watching the beautiful sunsets, and the peaceful beach means your kids can play freely. It’s the perfect spot to make happy family memories.
Family friendly highlights:
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Low-Density Building: Only 3 units per floor, quieter hallways, peaceful beaches.
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Oversized Gulf-Front Balconies: Some of the largest in PCB, with incredible sunrise & sunset views.
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Prime Front Beach Road Location: Minutes to dining, shops, attractions, and Pier Park.
Our review: We have seen larger families pick Ocean Ritz when balcony space and roomy floor plans are a priority.
If your family loves sunset dinners at “home” and prefers a calmer building, Ocean Ritz tends to deliver that experience.
Learn more about Ocean Ritz Resort.
Tidewater Beach Resort
Tidewater Beach Resort is perfect for families who want a full service amenity package with an indoor heated pool, plus a strong rainy day plan.
You can splash and swim outside when it’s nice, then move indoors to stay warm and keep having fun when the rain starts. This way, your family can enjoy activities no matter the weather!
Family friendly highlights:
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Unmatched Gulf-Front Views: expansive Gulf views from condos and pools.
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Resort-Style Amenities: indoor & outdoor pools, spas, sauna, steam room, 4,300 sq ft fitness center, and on-site dining.
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Prime West-End Location: minutes to Pier Park, restaurants, entertainment, and attractions. private balconies, and gulf-front views from select condos and resort areas.
Our review: Families with older children often enjoy Tidewater because there is more to do beyond the beach and pool.
We have also seen shoulder season travelers pick Tidewater for the indoor heated pool, since it keeps swim time on the table even when the weather is unpredictable.
Learn more about Tidewater Beach Resort.
Which Panama City Beach Resort Feels Like Your Family?
Use this like a shortcut. Find the line that sounds most like your trip, and you’ll land on the right resort fast.
Best Times to Visit Family Resorts in PCB
Spring Break (March-April)
Warm weather and calm seas make this ideal for families. Book early as this is peak season. Our Spring Break guide has detailed planning tips.
Summer (May-August)
Perfect beach weather, but the busiest season. Pools and beaches are at their warmest. All resort amenities are typically open.
Make sure to stay informed about the hurricane season.
Fall (September-November)
Great weather with fewer crowds and better rates. Many amenities remain open while offering more space to spread out.
Winter (December-February)
Mild temperatures perfect for pools and outdoor activities. Many seasonal restaurants and attractions may have limited hours.
Wrapping Up
The best family resorts in Panama City Beach offer the perfect combination of beachfront luxury, family-friendly amenities, and convenient locations. From the lagoon-style pools at Shores of Panama to the high-rise views at Majestic Beach Resort, each property in our collection provides unique advantages for families.
Start planning your family’s dream beach vacation today!
Book direct with us and experience true Southern hospitality combined with modern luxury: that’s la dolce vita, the good life, Panama City Beach style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Dolce Vita Getaways different from other family resorts in Panama City Beach?
Dolce Vita Getaways has been locally owned and operated since 2006, with our team living right on the beach. We offer personalized service, handpicked properties, and unique amenities like starter supply packages and free beach chair service at select properties. Our guests book direct to save on platform fees while getting the best local expertise and support.
Which resort is best for families with young children?
Gulf Highlands Beach Resort and Laketown Wharf are excellent for young families. Both offer kiddie pools, ground-level access options, and plenty of safe play areas.
Do the family resorts offer activities for teenagers?
Absolutely! Majestic Beach Resort features a movie theater and game room, while Laketown Wharf has five pools with late hours and nightly fountain shows. Most resorts also offer tennis, pickleball, and fitness centers. Plus, you’re minutes from Pier Park’s arcade, mini golf, and shopping that teens love.
Are kitchens really necessary in family resort condos?
Fully equipped kitchens are a game-changer for families. You can prepare quick breakfasts, pack beach lunches, and accommodate picky eaters or dietary restrictions. It also helps manage vacation budgets and provides convenience for late-night snacks or early morning coffee.
What’s the best time to book family resort accommodations?
Book 2-3 months in advance for peak seasons like spring break and summer. For the best rates and availability, consider booking directly with us.