The west end of Panama City Beach offers a more laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere compared to the bustling center of the city. For those seeking a quieter, more relaxed beach experience, this area feels like a retreat, away from the typical tourist hotspots and high-rise hotels.
Sunnyside Beach
Sunnyside is known for its quiet residential streets and undisturbed natural beauty. This area has a history of being a family-friendly destination where generations return to vacation year after year. There’s a sense of nostalgia here, with many old beach houses and cottages dotting the shoreline.
Walking along the beach in Sunnyside is one of my favorite experiences. The soft, powdery white sand stretches for miles, and it often feels like you have the beach all to yourself, especially in the mornings or evenings. The dunes in this area are well-preserved, adding to the secluded feel of the beach. This is the perfect spot for a long beach walk, listening to the waves, or enjoying a sunset without the noise and distractions of larger crowds. Note that the majority of access points are private for residents only.
Laguna Beach
Just a little farther east down the coast, Laguna Beach is another peaceful beach community that is growing and quickly becoming a family destination just up the beach from the newer pier area. The beaches at Laguna are quiet and uncrowded, making them perfect for a walk in the sand. The water is clear and shallow, ideal for swimming, shelling or floating around on a calm day. It’s a great spot for families with kids, as the laid-back environment allows for a more relaxed, no-rush beach experience.
Laguna beach is where I stayed and loved the fact that I was only 10 minutes from the pier, 10 minutes from entering the 30A beaches, and could walk outside my door to the most beautiful beaches and gorgeous white sand on a less crowded beach every day.
The Beaches
The beaches here are wide, with soft, white sand and gentle waves, creating an ideal setting for relaxation. It’s the kind of place where you can start to walk the shoreline and lose track of time, simply enjoying the sound of the surf and the sight of pelicans gliding overhead.
This section of the beach is perfect for long walks, peaceful sunbathing, and letting kids play in the sand without having to dodge too many people. Since there are fewer people here, it’s easier to find a good spot close to the water, even during peak season. The atmosphere is slower and more relaxed, perfect for reading a book or just enjoying the sound of the waves.
What makes these areas special is the community vibe. You’ll see locals fishing from the shore, families setting up for a long day at the beach, and neighbors chatting on their front porches. It feels like a place where time slows down, and life becomes about simple pleasures like a morning walk on the beach or an afternoon nap in the sun.
Overall, the west end of Panama City Beach, with Sunnyside and Laguna Beach at its heart, offers a beautiful, peaceful escape where you can reconnect with the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast while still having access to the conveniences of the larger beach areas nearby.
Access to Amenities
While the west end is more residential, it’s still well-connected to the rest of Panama City Beach. It’s close to some great local restaurants, entertainment and shopping at Pier Park, with small, locally-owned shops and markets lining the immediate area.
Activities & Proximity
The west end of Panama City Beach is also close to several natural attractions. Camp Helen State Park, located just a bit farther west, is a peaceful spot for kayaking, hiking, and exploring a coastal dune lake. It’s one of my favorite places to go for a nature escape, offering trails and beautiful scenery away from the busier parts of the beach.
For those who love cycling or walking, the west end is ideal. The roads are less congested, and the quiet streets make it enjoyable to bike through the neighborhood or take a leisurely stroll.
One of the great things about staying on the west end is its proximity to the scenic 30A corridor. Just a short drive away, you can explore the charming beach towns of South Walton, such as Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seaside. Each has its own unique feel, with boutique shops, local eateries, and stunning architecture.
A Perfect Blend of Peace and Accessibility
From a personal perspective, I find the west end of Panama City Beach to be the perfect blend of peace and accessibility. It’s ideal for people who want the beauty and amenities of Panama City Beach but without being in the middl of the hustle and bustle. The area’s slower pace, friendly vibe, and beautiful beaches make it feel like a true beach getaway.
