We are planning our summer vacation and this year we are heading to Panama City Beach. I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on places to stay!!!! I hate to wish my life away but I am so ready for a vacation!!!

Klippy -

It really depends on your budget and what your priorities are. Do you want to stay right on the beach or do you mind walking a few blocks? Do you want a kitchenette so you can cook a few meals? Or, do you want to be close to restaurants?

We've made several trips to that area, and we prefer to rent a house a couple of blocks off the beach. We save money by buying groceries and eating most meals at the house. We walk across the road to the beach (a one or two block walk). And, the houses are fantastic! But, we prefer the Destin area. It is much cleaner and not as loud. A little more family oriented for us. We also try to wait until the prices drop for the first time after the summer rush. Usually the first of August or so. I usually book online. PM me if you'd like some of the booking agencies we've used.

I could probably give you an address or email address for the visitor's center, too. They could provide you with a map and hotel listings if you choose to go that route.

I wish I were going with you!

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Homeschooling Mom to Daniel (12 Years), Andrew (8 Years), Stephen (6 Years) and Emily (3 Years)

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I want to go! I miss PC Beach sooo much, I grew up on that beach every summer.
Send me some sand!
Like the previous poster said:
I wouldn't advise staying right on the beach, the cost of a hotel room literally DROPS $50+ in some places, also if you can get one with a kitchenette, that will cut down on eating out and fast food (which will keep you eating healthy and you will be more energized, fast food can make you sluggish feeling). Also, try to get a place that has a free breakfast bar or continental breakfast. I wouldn't worry about a place with a pool since you're going to have a whole ocean to swim in, but that's just IMO.

Hope this helps.

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I really like to stay right on the beach!!! There is nothing more relaxing to me than sitting on the balcony and watching the ocean but I do like having a kitchen. I know the latest time we were there they were building Condos everywhere - The only hotel I remember was the Holiday Inn Sunspree. I have been trying to find condos rented out by owners, they seem to be cheaper. Although we do eat in some I don't enjoy cooking every meal so we will be going out some for dinner - any suggestions?

Welcome to our part of the world!!! I would google condo search and rent a condo for the week from an owner. That, I have found, is usually the most economical way to go. I have not stayed at PCB in a long time.

You could also save some money by staying a place a bit from PCB. You could still stay ON the beach, but if the zip code is not PCB, it will save you a ton of money. You would still be close enough to go to the touristy places on PCB.

I would recommend looking at Mexico Beach or Port St. Joe as a start. Both are more family friendly instead of being spring break type customers. JMO