Sterling Breeze

Sterling Breeze is a 22-story Gulf-front condominium tower at 16701 Front Beach Road, less than a mile west of Pier Park in Panama City Beach. Completed in 2008, it is a boutique-scale building with about 145 units, and its location lets guests walk or bike to Pier Park’s shops and restaurants while staying just outside the busiest stretch.

Units come in one-, two- and three-bedroom plans, and many include a bunk area to sleep extra children. Interiors typically have tile floors, granite counters, full kitchens and in-unit laundry, and every private balcony has a built-in electric grill, which makes casual dinners on the balcony easy.

The pool deck faces the water with a seasonally heated overflow-edge pool and a Gulf-front whirlpool spa. There is also a fitness center overlooking the Gulf, a poolside wine bar and internet cafe, a natural gas fire pit, a community room and a covered parking garage. A front desk and 24-hour security handle check-in and access. Free Wi-Fi is provided, and some units include complimentary seasonal chair service for two through their rental company.

Pier Park is the big neighbor, with shopping, dining, entertainment and the Russell-Fields City Pier. Gulf World Marine Park, the SkyWheel and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! are within about two miles, and Frank Brown Park is close for sports and walking trails. Shipwreck Island Waterpark and ZooWorld are an easy drive east.

Units at Sterling Breeze 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. Its walkable location and balcony grills make it a good fit for families and couples who want to be near Pier Park without staying in a large resort.