Emerald Beach Resort

Emerald Beach Resort is a large Gulf-front condominium resort at 14701 Front Beach Road, east of Pier Park in Panama City Beach. Opened in 2007, the 25-story complex has about 554 units, making it one of the bigger rental properties on the beach. Its sky bridge between the towers houses a bar with long views of the Gulf.

Units range from studios of about 500 square feet to one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom plans, with the largest topping 2,000 square feet. Condos are furnished in a classic Florida beach style with full kitchens, washer and dryer and private balconies, and many face the water directly.

The Gulf-front pool complex includes a lagoon-style pool with water features, a separate children’s pool, a heated pool and hot tubs, with a poolside tiki bar. There is a fitness center, a game room, a business center, gated garage parking with room for boat trailers, and 24-hour security. On-site conveniences include a coffee shop, ice cream and a pizza counter, which saves trips off property for quick meals and snacks, and Resort Collection operates an on-site rental program.

Pier Park is a short drive west for shopping, dining and the Russell-Fields City Pier. Gulf World Marine Park and Aaron Bessant Park are nearby, and golfers can reach the Hombre Golf Club’s 27-hole course in minutes. Hutchison Beach Elementary and other conveniences are close, which helps with longer stays.

Units at Emerald Beach Resort are individually owned and rented through their owners and several rental companies, so furnishings, bed layouts, parking rules and extras such as seasonal beach chair service vary from one unit to the next. The resort-style pools and on-site food make it a solid choice for families and groups who want plenty to do without leaving the property.