When to Visit Panama City Beach, Florida
Like most of Florida's Gulf Coast beach towns, Panama City Beach boasts warm weather for most of the year. Summers tend to get downright hot, as the mercury rises above 90 degrees in July and August. Temperatures top out in the mid-70s and lower 80s in the spring and fall, and they dip down into the 60s during the winter months. Panama City Beach gets its fair share of rain year-round, and the summer tends to be the rainiest season.If you're a college student or love to mingle with them, spring break is the ideal time to visit Panama City Beach. If you'd rather avoid the crowds, however, book your stay in the late spring or fall. If you visit during the winter, keep in mind that crowds will be smaller and the weather will likely be pleasant and mild, but it won't be warm enough for a swim in the Gulf.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Panama City Beach, FL:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average rate patterns by star rating class in Panama City Beach, FL. Analyze these charts to calculate the cheapest time to book in Panama City Beach for any future trips.
Luxury Hotels in Panama City Beach, Florida
4 Star Average Prices: $181.77
For real luxury in Panama City Beach, set your sights on the area's resorts, which feature well-appointed rooms, multiple pools, and excellent dining options.Book a one-, two-, or three-bedroom condo at Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort by the Resort Collection, and stay right on the Gulf. Treat yourself to a massage at the spa, get a workout at the on-site fitness center, and enjoy pool time as well as the poolside bar.Stay in your very own condo on the beach at the Grand Panama Beach Resort by Emerald View Resorts. This resort boasts large rooms equipped with private balconies, DVD players, microwaves, and coffee makers. Grab a bite at one of two restaurants, swing by the outdoor pool and spa tub, and soak up the sun on the resort's gorgeous beach.Take the whole family to the Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach, where you can spread out with large rooms and great views. Catch some rays at the beach, relax at the two outdoor pools, or have a blast in the game room. With two on-site restaurants and room service, you'll never even have to leave the resort.For one of the most luxurious spa resorts in Panama City Beach, stay at the Emerald Beach Resort by the Resort Collection. Guestrooms include kitchens with full-size appliances, DVD players for extra entertainment, and separate indoor and outdoor seating areas. Relax in the spa tub and unwind with a drink at the poolside bar.
Affordable Options in Panama City Beach, Florida
3 Star Average Prices: $168.25
From basic beachfront hotels to budget properties on the edge of the city, Panama City Beach has numerous affordable hotels. Find the essentials you need at one of these vacation properties.Located just east of Panama City Beach, the Econo Lodge Panama City has cheap rooms just a few blocks to the beach. Choose from a basic double bed room or upgrade to a king room. All of the 51 guestrooms include refrigerators and microwaves, which make late night snacking a breeze. Get a healthy start in the morning with the in-room coffee maker, or sit down to the hotel's complimentary continental breakfast. Walk to the Panama City strip, or hang out by the hotel's seasonal outdoor pool.The Comfort Inn & Suites might not have beach access, but its low room rates make this hotel a great deal all the same. Choose a spacious king room, or book a larger suite with sofa bed to fit a bigger group. All of the 69 rooms include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers, so you can brew a cup of joe or whip up a snack at any time of day or night. Sunbathe by the pool or work up a sweat at the fitness center. To make this great deal even better, both self-parking and high-speed Internet access are free.Right in the center of the action, the Rodeway Inn Panama City offers affordable rooms in a great location. The basic rooms come with either two queen beds or one king bed, and all include convenient amenities like microwaves and coffee makers. Start your day with a complimentary continental breakfast, and spend your days at the nearby beach or by the hotel's outdoor pool. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi, and park for free on hotel property.For a clean room at a low nightly rate, look no further than the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City. Located on the northeast side of Panama City, this hotel also offers easy access to the beach and nearby shopping areas. Enjoy amenities like LCD TVs, in-room refrigerators and microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Relax by the pool, and don't miss the complimentary continental breakfast each morning.
2 Star Average Prices: $149.51
Best Hotel Discounts in Panama City Beach, Florida
Hotels in Panama City Beach offer discounts for seniors, safe drivers, and members of the military. At the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City and the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Panama City Beach, FL, government employees and members of the military can expect discounts of as much as 40 percent.At Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Panama Beach FL and the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, seniors and AARP members can score room rates at a five to 10 percent discount. At the Comfort Suites and other local hotels, AAA members receive discounts around five percent.
Best Value Options in Panama City Beach, Florida
If you can't decide between a luxury hotel and a budget option, take a closer look at some of the mid-range options. These hotels offer some of the best value in Panama City Beach.Only a few blocks from the beach, the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Panama City Beach, FL is a short drive to local attractions like WonderWorks and Ripley's Believe It or Not. Choose from a variety of rooms to meet your group's needs, like king rooms, queen rooms, and even business rooms. All rooms include conveniences like refrigerators and microwaves and the 32-inch LCD TVs and free Wi-Fi make relaxation easy. Start your day with the hotel's complimentary continental breakfast, and enjoy a stay that offers serious value.For one of the best values in the city, stay right on the waterfront at the Days Inn Panama City Beach. You'll be steps from the sand and just minutes away from the M.B. Miller County Pier and the Gulf World Marine Park. Take your pick from two-bed queen rooms, larger three-bed queen rooms, and studio-style rooms with kitchenettes. Chill soft drinks or adult beverages in the handy in-room refrigerators, and share your beach photos via the hotel's free Wi-Fi. Relax on your private patio or balcony, or grab a drink at the poolside bar.Get a great value on the beach at Beach Tower by the Sea, a highly-rated budget hotel. Stay in one of the beachside queen kitchenettes, which allow you to eat in thanks to in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Use the hotel's complimentary Internet access to show off your beach photos, and plan a picnic in the outdoor eating area. Hang out by the outdoor pool, or spend the day relaxing on a sun lounger right on the beach.On the west side of Panama City Beach, book your stay at the Beachcomber by the Sea, a beach hotel with two and a half stars. Enjoy a sparkling clean outdoor pool area, a relaxing sauna, and easy beach access. Stretch out in one of the 96 spacious guestrooms, make a meal in the kitchen area, and kick back on your private balcony. If you want to explore the rest of the Gulf area, this hotel is ideally located for day trips and coastal drives.
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Panama City Beach, Florida
If you're like most Panama Beach visitors, you'll want to make the sand your first destination. Head straight for the area's impressive 20-mile stretch of white sand, and stake out a spot on the sparkling Gulf of Mexico. You might be content with sunbathing and splashing around, but if you're in the mood for adventure, there's plenty to keep you entertained.Find one of the many local deep sea fishing guides, and book a day trip out on the Gulf. Get a closer look at life underwater with a diving trip, or go snorkeling in the calm Gulf waters.If you'd rather stay on dry land, hit the links, take a stroll along Pier Park, or taste a vintage or two at the Panama City Beach Winery. For a leisurely day of shopping and dining, head over to Panama City and explore the boutiques, art galleries, and cafés in the St. Andrews district.Whether you're planning a spring break trip to remember or you just want a beach getaway, Panama City Beach is the place. Soak up some sun, have an adventure, and relax on the beach.
Panama City Beach, FL summarized
Once you hit the bevy of amusement parks, mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks, and motels, you know you're in Panama City Beach. Completely without any form of pretense, Panama City Beach blatantly takes pride on its white sand beaches that stretch for more than 27 miles. One of Florida's signature beaches, Panama City Beach is as commercialized as it can get. However, tourists are always at the winning end, as the restaurants, bars, and shops constantly try to undercut the competition, producing a lot of great bargains. Throughout the 100 Magic Days, which the rest of us call summer, Panama City Beach boasts of all the activities that can lure even the recesses of Spring Break. You can choose from tiring yourself at some beach sport, getting a tan, going all-out on the city's nightlife, or simply enjoying the soft waves and shores which brought you and a thousand more in the first place. Access the shipwrecks through scuba-diving, or make a splash by choosing from jet-skiing or parasailing. Such extras always determine the next trip into the city.
FAQs about hotels in Panama City Beach
How much does a cheap hotel in Panama City Beach cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Panama City Beach can be as cheap as $149.51 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Panama City Beach cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Panama City Beach has been $168.25 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Panama City Beach cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Panama City Beach has been $181.77 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Panama City Beach?
Below are reviews of the city of Panama City Beach, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
"America's Beach Playground!"
Score
5.0 / 5
VERY pretty beaches and fun shops and restaurants down by the water. I can see why it's America's beach playground
Robert R., from 16-May-2023
"Beautiful Beach"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beach is very beautiful!
Elisavet C., from 14-May-2023
"I liked the restaurants and beaches!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I liked the restaurants and beaches!
Karen G., from 06-May-2023
"Great beaches, good shopping, excellent dining."
Score
4.0 / 5
Great beaches, plenty of good shopping places and excellent dining options.
David M., from 02-May-2023
"Seabreeze Smooth Jazz Festival is AWESOME!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Seabreeze Smooth Jazz Festival is AWESOME!
Linda H., from 26-Apr-2023
"Clean & Family Friendly"
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean and family friendly hotel.
Wendie J., from 25-Apr-2023
"Comfy bed and pleasant and clean room, nice dinner, great breakfast."
Score
5.0 / 5
Service staff people friendly. Except at McDonalds had to ask to be waited on. Staff were eating their breakfast except for drive through. Have been s
Francene M., from 24-Apr-2023
"Beautiful Beaches!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I love the beautiful beaches!
Kimberly C., from 17-Apr-2023
"Nice Beach!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The beach was nice!
Clara Q., from 16-Apr-2023
"Excellent!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Excellent!
Arthur S., from 15-Apr-2023
"The Beach & the Pool!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beach and pool area!!!
Natasha D., from 11-Apr-2023
"Great!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great!
Lamar G., from 04-Apr-2023
"Well Kept Beaches!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The traffic was light and everyone was courteous. The beaches were well kept.
Michael G., from 26-Jan-2023
"Wonderful staff, great location!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I like PCB for its uniqueness and diversity and making me feel right at home. Bringing my furbabies means the world to me and all the staff were so wonderful and the valet also went above and beyond to make my stay an enjoyable one! Love the location (in the middle of things) and next visit I will definitely stay here again! Excellent employees!
Judy L., from 25-Jan-2023
"Amazing View & Location!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The view was amazing. We also never had to drive anywhere. There were places to eat at the hotel and within walking distance.
Kristi B., from 15-Jan-2023
"Very clean and the staff very helpful."
Score
5.0 / 5
Very clean and the staff very helpful. I'm from Panama City ❤️, I know the beach well
Tanya H., from 29-Nov-2022
"Car Show & Fireworks!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Car show and the Bonus Fireworks show at Sharky's 👍
James W., from 15-Nov-2022
"Beautiful Beaches"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful beaches!
Ellie C., from 06-Nov-2022
"Clean rooms and comfortable beds."
Score
5.0 / 5
Not so crowded like Fort Walton and Destin
Mike M., from 27-Oct-2022
"Thunder Beach!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Thunder Beach!
John T., from 24-Oct-2022
"The BEACH!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The beach!!
Shawn J., from 27-Sep-2022
" Super comfortable"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beach and the area are beautiful
Felix M., from 25-Sep-2022
"Sun, Pool & Beach!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The atmosphere, sun, pool and the beach. Lots of friendly people.
Melody R., from 20-Sep-2022
"Shops, ocean, & fun things to do!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We love the shops, ocean, and fun things to do.
Susi S., from 18-Sep-2022
"The Ocean and the Shops!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We love the shops, ocean, and fun things to do.
Susi S., from 17-Sep-2022
"Every corner is a brand new experience!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Convenience and friendly people everywhere! Every corner is a brand new experience!
Shelby Y., from 11-Aug-2022
"Walking the pier, shopping & fishing!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Walking on the pier and shopping :) My husband loved fishing!
Nora M., from 29-Jul-2022
"Amazing White Sand Beaches!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beaches are amazing! Clean, white sand and well-maintained.
Nicole H., from 27-Jul-2022
"The awesome seafood restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The awesome seafood restaurants!
Julie Y., from 25-Jul-2022
"It was great. We love coming here every year."
Score
5.0 / 5
It was great. We love coming here every year.
Alice G., from 21-Jul-2022
"St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island"
Score
5.0 / 5
City was clean, the gulf, fishing pier, restaurants shopping, St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island.
Toni H., from 20-Jul-2022
"Shopping!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Enjoyed the stores!
Crystal M., from 16-Jul-2022
"Fishing on the pier!"
Score
5.0 / 5
At the pier, went fishing!
Analyn A., from 15-Jul-2022
"The Beaches!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Tons of things to do. We love the variety of restaurants. Most of all the clean beaches.
Renee R., from 13-Jul-2022
"Great Beaches!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beaches are great.
Raysa S., from 08-Jul-2022
"The BEACH!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Attractions and restaurants within walking distance, and also the beach!
Danny C., from 05-Jul-2022
"Nice Beach!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beach was clean and overall nice!
Linda M., from 25-Jun-2022
"The variety of seafood restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The variety of seafood restaurants!
Julie Y., from 20-Jun-2022
"Room was comfortable and clean."
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything,the people were friendly.
Rita B., from 15-Jun-2022
"Room was comfortable and clean."
Score
4.0 / 5
Everything, the people were friendly.
Rita B., from 15-Jun-2022
"Awesome seafood restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The awesome seafood restaurants!
Julie Y., from 14-Jun-2022
"Nice & Clean "
Score
5.0 / 5
The ocean and activities surrounding our motel
Lisa B., from 06-Jun-2022
"Panama City Beach is a nice, lively place for a family vacation."
Score
5.0 / 5
Panama City Beach is a nice and lively place to spend a family vacation. The beach is beautiful and clean. There are many places to enjoy a dinner and sunset, like Sharky, Frog, Pier Park and Barefoot.
Dan T., from 26-May-2022
"Clean beaches & an amazing diner!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The diner across the street is amazing. Beaches overall are clean. Convenient Walmart location for necessities. Staff at hotel were nice.
Jennifer H., from 24-Apr-2022
"Good location."
Score
5.0 / 5
It was easy to access the stores, night life, and restaurants.
Sharon H., from 04-Apr-2022
"Friendly and laidback people and atmosphere!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Friendly and laidback people and atmosphere!
Sherry H., from 22-Mar-2022
"Loved Everything!!!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Loved everything!!!
Wayne D., from 27-Feb-2022
"Great Pet Friendly Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
We found that Panama City Beach is very pet friendly. We have two service dogs and every single place allowed our dogs. Great city.
Linda B., from 18-Feb-2022
"Near the beach and attractions!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The beach and tourism attractions!
Andreas L., from 20-Dec-2021
"Love the city!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I love the city.
Roberta H., from 28-Nov-2021
"Enjoyed our stay!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Wife and I enjoyed our stay!
Jeffrey G., from 23-Nov-2021
"Love Panama City!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love Panama City. We use to live here.
Michael D., from 22-Nov-2021
"Beach was beautiful"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beach was beautiful, but I still prefer Tybee Island
William T., from 26-Aug-2019
"Loved my stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love Panama City!!
Martha H., from 05-Aug-2019
"Great Local Restaurants "
Score
4.0 / 5
A lot of places to eat. Sports Parks were awesome.
Kelly S., from 16-Jul-2019
"Great Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
Panama city has a real shortage on good restaurants but surplus on bars
Ernest B., from 15-Jul-2019
"Amazing Beaches "
Score
5.0 / 5
Beach sand was awesome and white!
Kelly S., from 15-Jul-2019
"Great Stay!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Never got to experience anything. Hotel was terrible.
Mary S., from 15-Jul-2018
"Great Hotel!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The beach and the surrounding areas were excellent, what a fab stay.
Marshanda Holmes H., from 25-Jun-2018
"Great Hotel!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Panama City Beach is a great city and I have a great time every time I'm there. Pier Park is great for whatever activity you might have in mind.
Nichelle D S., from 20-Jun-2018
"Great Hotel!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The beautiful view and the resort.
Anquenetta S., from 20-May-2018
"Great hotel!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Carl Gray Park was fairly close to the hotel and nice for our family picnic overlooking the bay that allowed boating, fishing and swimming.
Veronica P., from 23-Jul-2017
"So much to do!"
Score
4.0 / 5
My group were satisfied with a lot of places and things to do for the kids. There's plenty of things to do for kids and adults. Panama has Ripley'S believe it or not. The kids enjoyed going to the arcade as well as skating and bowling. There were wonderful places to shop and different places to eat.
Sabrina P., from 10-Jul-2016
"Fun!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Dave and busters
Sheketa F., from 11-Apr-2016
"Would Return During Season"
Score
5.0 / 5
Since this was my first visit to Panama and it being out of season for most of the major restaurants and attractions being closed it is hard to evaluate. My wife and I wouldn't mind coming back again for a visit during the season.
James E. M., from 07-Jan-2016
"Worth the Trip"
Score
5.0 / 5
I like the city and the people I met were very good. We hope to get together and be back next year.
George B., from 15-Nov-2015
"Memorable Trip"
Score
4.0 / 5
We loved the beach and all the activities around the city.
Terrance T., from 30-Aug-2015
"Great Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
Pier park, scenic drive on beach, easy to get to all places, and great seafood!
Curtis L. W., from 14-Feb-2015
"Fun for All"
Score
5.0 / 5
We really enjoyed the beach and liked going to the different places for seafood, shopping and the exciting activities for kids as well.
Ken Q., from 05-Aug-2014
"Grand Time"
Score
4.0 / 5
We enjoyed the seafood & steak restaurants as well as the dolphin tour.
William B., from 30-Jul-2014
"Panama City Mall"
Score
5.0 / 5
The mall was great and enjoyed the different places to eat.
Joanne T., from 22-Jul-2014
"Overcrowded and Overrated"
Score
5.0 / 5
Dirty, too many people, a lot of green moss, and not pretty. Go to Sanibel Island.
Laura K., from 14-Jul-2014
"Panama City Beach is a great family vacation spot."
Score
5.0 / 5
Panama city beach is a wounderful place for a family vacation really lovley! Enjoyed the beach with my family!
Napoleon M., from 14-Jul-2014
"Lots of Options when Visiting Here"
Score
4.0 / 5
I always like the beach, been coming for years. I like the options for recreation with family and options for dining.
Robert H., from 27-May-2014
"Great Seafood"
Score
4.0 / 5
The city. There were lots of places to go and we really enjoyed the seafood.
Michael B., from 29-Apr-2014
"Lots to keep busy."
Score
4.0 / 5
The beach, activities, restaurants.
Sherrie M., from 28-Apr-2014
"Centralized"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything is close enough that you don't have to drive much.
Tomeka Geter G., from 11-Apr-2014
"Pier Park"
Score
4.0 / 5
I love Pier Park. It's a great place to shop, and eat. I would love it if the people on scooters had a separate lane to drive. I ate at the Marina Cantina on the pier. The food was awesome, great ambiance and great happy hour prices.
Richard B., from 28-Mar-2014
"Love the beaches"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beaches were magnificent!
Benjamin F., from 04-Nov-2013
The average traveler rating of the city of Panama City Beach, FL shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 79 reviews