Summerhouse

Summerhouse is an 11-story Gulf-front condominium complex at 6505 Thomas Drive on the east end of Panama City Beach. Built in 1983, it has about 160 units and sits directly on the beach, about five minutes by car from St. Andrews State Park. Its status as a Gulf-front property is confirmed by county and listing records, and one local rental company runs a live beach cam from the building.

All units are two-bedroom, two-bath condos, ranging from about 1,015 to 1,470 square feet. They have fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryer, wireless internet and private balconies or patios with Gulf views, making the complex a straightforward choice for families of four to six.

The grounds have two large beachside pools, one heated seasonally, a kiddie pool and a hot tub. Recreation includes tennis and pickleball, a racquetball court, shuffleboard, a fitness center and a game room, and there is a beachfront gazebo with picnic tables and grills. A ramp provides accessible beach access, and an on-site rental and management office handles many bookings. Its modest height gives the complex a neighborhood feel compared with the high-rises nearby.

Nearby, Schooners, a beach bar and restaurant known for its sunset cannon, and Treasure Island Seafood Market are close, and a Publix is a short drive. St. Andrews State Park offers trails, snorkeling in the jetties area and the Shell Island shuttle, and Grand Lagoon has marinas and dinner cruises. Pier Park is roughly 25 minutes west.

Units at Summerhouse 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 racquet courts and two pools make it a solid pick for active families and returning winter guests.