When looking for a beach getaway, look for rentals Panama City Beach.
The Florida Panhandle has approximately 200 miles of white powdery sand beaches. While Panama City Beach is located 112 miles west of Tallahassee, FL it is only about 130 miles east of Pensacola, FL. During the spring each year, Panama City Beach is a haven for spring breakers from around the world. However, come summer, it morphs into a family vacation spot. This might seem more like a party destination rather than the setting for romance, but the beach ambiance is a perfect venue for an intimate getaway.
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For rentals Panama City Beach we recommend the Nautical Watch Condominiums. My husband and I stayed here for a weekend last summer. We began the trip by driving to the Panhandle in our 2016 Jeep. We arrived at the condo mid-afternoon. There is nothing more enjoyable to the start of couples’ beach getaway than hitting the road in a jeep.
Top down.
Wind whipping through your hair.
Whether a couples’ getaway or a family vacation here are some useful products we recommend:
Rental Panama City Beach: condo with a view
We stayed in a second floor condo hosted by Michelle and Dawn overlooking the beach that we found through Airbnb. The bedroom had a king size bed. There was also a small kitchen so we were able to prepare our own food. The first thing we did was pack a picnic dinner then head down to the beach for a swim.
I don’t know about you, but the smell of suntan oil is an aphrodisiac. Rubbing sunscreen on each other is always a sensual experience. The beach is a great place to get away from it all and just enjoy the sounds of the waves pounding against the shore. After our picnic dinner we watched an amazing sunset.
Romantic Day at the beach
The next morning we sipped coffee on our balcony. Then we hit the beach. Beach chairs were provided for us by our hosts, although we usually travel with our own. We picked up some Tommy Bahama chairs a few years back. Of course, my husband likes the backpack straps for easy carrying. Similarly, I like that one of them has the ability to lie flat. In addition, both have cup holders and pockets for phone or keys.
We also use a Tommy Bahama beach umbrella with a sand anchor. While we have watched many umbrellas go flying away in the wind over the years, we have never had a problem with ours. This is one time when it is definitely worth spending the extra money. Another handy beach item we use is a small folding table. It is great for putting food and drinks on. We not only use it at the beach but when gathering in the yard with friends.
While not the exact beach gear we use, (our stuff is old) here are some newer versions:
If you don’t have chairs or umbrella they are a available for rent on the beach. In addition, there is plenty of space in the water for floating chairs or lounges if you want to spend a lazy day floating in the Gulf. There are also miles of smooth white sand if you want an early morning run. We chose just walking hand in hand on a long stroll.
What’s next?
We went on a second walk in the late afternoon and witnessed a fairy tale beach wedding.
Then after a long day of surf and sand we headed upstairs for a private dinner on our balcony. The balcony was the perfect setting for a light dinner of gourmet cheeses, crackers, grapes, and wine.
The next morning we headed to the beach for a swim before heading out to our next destination.
For more romantic rentals Panama City Beach I have compiled this list:
- Gulf Front Paradise: This is a small Airbnb studio right on the beach with a Jacuzzi tub in the bath. Beautiful pool and miles of private beach close to local pubs and restaurants.
- The Nest at Old Bay– Within walking distance of the beach this Airbnb 1956 bungalow is perfect for a couple. It has a small kitchen and outdoor grill. It also has an outdoor shower to rinse off after your day at the beach. The host also has a golf cart to rent for easy getting around.
- Penthouse– This VRBO penthouse is right on the beach and has 2 bedrooms with 1 1/2 baths. Beautiful interior with a full kitchen for cooking some romantic meals together.
For family rentals Panama City Beach I have found these options:
- Luxury Beachfront Resort-This 2 bedroom Airbnb condo sleeps up to 6 guests. It also has a gourmet kitchen and is newly remodeled. The resort has 3 pools, Jacuzzis, and a toddler pool in addition to children’s activities.
- Corner condo– This 2nd floor VRBO condo unit overlooks the beach and pool. Plus it sleeps up to 10 people. Further, the big kitchen saves money on meals.
Precautions during Covid-19
We didn’t have the opportunity to eat at any of the local restaurants while here due to Covid-19. The restaurants were open. But we didn’t feel comfortable being around that many people. However, Sisters of the Sea was recommended by the host. There is an outdoor bar with a pool. The pool has “live mermaids” swimming in it. Also, Schooners was within walking distance of the condo. Of course, we plan to try these out on our next visit. For further recommendations for what to do, where to eat, and where to stay, download the trip advisor app.
Also, check out these for some ideas on what to bring on your romantic weekend…
Donna Emperador is a travel and food blogger and copywriter. Donna believes in learning about different cultures while sharing good food and cocktails. She has lived in South Florida for over 20 years and enjoys spending time exploring the road to find unique places to share with readers. She can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
I wish your photos loaded to go along with the beautiful descriptions you gave about this place. But perhaps better left to the imagination. It sounds lovely.
Sorry about that. I will have to check into it. I always check everything on my cell phone and on my computer before posting, so I’m not sure why the problem, but I appreciate you letting me know.
This sounded like a perfect romantic getaway. I was unable to view the photos, I don’t know why they were never uploaded? But the description was tempting enough to visit the place.
I don’t know why the photos aren’t uploading. Someone else told me the same thing. Something must have happened during my latest update. Thank you for letting me know.
I love Panama City Beach. My entire childhood my parents for 2 weeks always book a stay at the iconic Sandpiper Beacon. We loved the white sandy beaches and the warm emerald green water! Plus there is so much to do there. Did you go through the Grand Maze? That was always one of my favorite things to do there every year!
No. I didn’t know about the maze. We went during Covid-19 so we were trying to stay to ourselves.i will have to check it out next time we go.
I haven’t been in Panama City for about 20 years and I wish your photos loaded, because I am sure things probably look different now. We were in Sarasota a few years ago and I could not recognize the town anymore – so much has changed since we were there 20 years ago.
Right now as winter sets in, I am craving the idea of sitting on a patio with coffee in Panama Beach. Private dinner on your balcony is a perfect option any time. But especially a great thing when local restaurants are closed for the pandemic. Great that you are still finding spots to get away.
Yes, I also missed the photos that should have accompanies the lovely description!
I talked to siteground and they think it is a compatibility issue between my theme and certain browsers. I am working to try and fix this. It doesn’t happen in chrome, firefox, or edge, but I know it happens in safari. I think there was an issue with the latest update. Sorry you were unable to view the photos
Looks like you had a wonderful experience. I’d love to stay in a condo with amazing views of the sea and a balcony, I’d wake up and have my coffee every morning with that view. Pretty cool that the hosts provided you with beach chairs as well.