Panama City Beach spans 27 miles of Gulf coastline, and the east side has a personality of its own. Thomas Drive and the stretch near St. Andrews State Park feel less packed than the Pier Park side, with easier parking, faster restaurant service, and quicker access to some of the most beloved beaches on the Emerald Coast. Our East Panama City Beach rentals provide the perfect home base for travelers on this side of PCB.
Why Stay on the East Side
The east side of PCB trades the crowds for convenience. You’re minutes from St. Andrews State Park, walking distance to Pineapple Willy’s, and a short drive to Grand Lagoon, where the fishing charters and dolphin cruises push off each morning. Traffic on South Thomas Drive moves at a slower pace than Front Beach Road, which matters when you’re loading and unloading kids and coolers. Pier Park is a 15-minute drive when you want the arcades and shopping.
Find the Right Fit for Your Group
Our East Panama City Beach rentals range from studios built for two up to three-bedroom condos that sleep 10 or more. Here’s how the options break down.
Studios & Small Units
Studios and one-bedroom units work well for couples or solo travelers who want a beach base without the extra square footage. Most include a queen or king bed, a full kitchen or kitchenette, a private balcony with Gulf or pool views, and access to the same resort amenities as the larger units.
Family-Sized Rentals
Two- and three-bedroom units typically include bunk configurations for kids, sleeper sofas, full kitchens, and separate living spaces, so a group of six to 10 isn’t tripping over each other. Many of our family units come with an in-unit washer/dryer, which cuts down on packing.
Shores of Panama Condos & Resort Access
The bulk of our east side inventory is located within the Shores of Panama Resort, a 23-story beachfront tower on South Thomas Drive. Home to the largest lagoon-style pool in the area, plus two poolside tiki bars, an indoor heated pool, and a 24-hour fitness center, you won’t regret your stay here. Every unit sits directly on the sand with a private Gulf-view balcony and full kitchen.
Testimonials
What Our Guests Are Saying
Christina Tyson on 07/11/2023
Shores of Panama 328
The condo was beautiful and equipped with everything needed for a great beach stay. The room being located on the 3rd floor made it convenient for times we just chose to take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevators which at times can be overcrowded.
Jennifer Thornton on 07/08/2023
Shores of Panama 630
Unit 630 is an excellent choice. It has an amazing beach view, parking spot on the same level, and is in very close proximity to the stairs leading to the pool, which came in handy with the elevators being like they were. Beds were comfy and unit was very spacious.
Jennifer Martin on 07/01/2023
Shores of Panama 1206
Loved this unit and the way the furniture was laid out made it seem a lot bigger than the last studio we stayed in. We will definitely be back. We hope to be able to get the unit again next year.
What’s Included in Your Stay
Every one of our east PCB units comes with the practical stuff that makes a vacation actually feel like one. That means fully equipped kitchens with real cookware, high-speed Wi-Fi, streaming-ready flat-screen TVs, and comfortable linens on every bed. Most units also feature:
- Private balconies with Gulf, bay, or pool views
- Washer and dryer in the unit
- Assigned covered parking
- Access to resort pools, hot tubs, and fitness centers
Where to Eat Near Your East PCB Rental
Grand Lagoon and Thomas Drive have some of the best restaurants in the city, and most are within a five- to 10-minute drive of our rentals. Our full restaurant guide has more spots.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
A Grand Lagoon institution since 1967 and one of the most awarded seafood restaurants in Florida. Get there early to watch the fishing fleets unload the day’s catch, then dig into fresh Gulf snapper, stuffed flounder, or their signature Greek salad. They don’t take dinner reservations, so early arrival matters.
- Location: 5551 N Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
- Phone: (850) 234-2225
- Hours: 4 p.m. to close, Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday
- Visit Capt. Anderson’s
Pineapple Willy’s
The beachfront hangout right next door to Shores of Panama, sitting on the original PCB pier. Come for the Jack Daniel’s BBQ ribs, the frozen Pineapple Willy daiquiri, and live music most nights on the pier deck.
- Location: 9875 S Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
- Phone: (850) 235-0928
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
- Check out Pineapple Willy’s
Attractions Nearby
The east side has more to do than you’d think, from state parks to pier walks and boat tours. Our full attractions guide covers the rest.
St. Andrews State Park
1,200 acres of undeveloped Gulf coastline anchoring the east end of PCB, with sugar-white beaches, kayak trails through Grand Lagoon, and a jetty pier for fishing. This is the launch point for the Shell Island ferry, which drops you on an uninhabited barrier island for the day.
- Location: 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
- Price: $8 per vehicle (2 to 8 people), $4 single occupant
Beyond the park, you’re a short drive from Ripley’s Believe It or Not on Front Beach Road, Coconut Creek Family Fun Park for mini golf, and the dolphin cruises and jet ski rentals that run out of Grand Lagoon marinas.
Book Your East PCB Stay with Vacations Perfected
We’ve spent years building an inventory that offers east side travelers choices, from budget-friendly studios to three-bedroom Shores of Panama condos with a 10-person capacity. All our Panama City Beach rentals are professionally managed, cleaned before every check-in, and backed by a local team you can actually reach. Book your stay today with Vacations Perfected!
FAQs About Our Vacation Rentals
-
What is there to do in east Panama City Beach?
Just because you are east of the city center doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do here. In fact, you are away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, so you can end up relaxing more than you would in the heart of the town. We recommend going dolphin watching, seeing animals at Gulf World, and taking your kids to WonderWorks.
-
What are the extra amenities?
There are numerous amenities that will turn your head when it comes to finding a luxurious and spacious house for you and your friends. Inside many of our east PCB homes, you will find functional living, kitchen, bedroom, and dining spaces that are all part of an open floor plan that makes the house feel huge.
-
Do you have high-end technology and electronics?
You can use the super-fast Wi-Fi to send emails and texts, watch movies on the flat-screen TV, cook dinner or breakfast with the updated kitchen appliances, and relax in the cozy bedrooms with plush bedding.
-
Where should I eat in the nearby area?
East Panama City Beach has ample cafes for coffee runs, lunchtime spots for takeaway sandwiches, and fine dining dinner restaurants for date night. We recommend going to Captain Andersons’ Restaurant for some of the best seafood in the entire state.