This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Plan a relaxing weekend getaway to Panama City Beach, Florida and explore ten unique family-friendly experiences and luxurious coastal accommodations! The Weekend Guide to Panama City Beach features the Sheraton Bay Point Resort, Shell Island, and more.
Each year before the holidays, we plan a long weekend trip to relax and recharge. After following the opening of the Sheraton Bay Point Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida, I knew that it was the perfect place for a pre-holiday getaway. The resort and location offers the perfect mix of three things we love – relaxation, unique family friendly experiences and the beach!
While you can easily spend more than a weekend in Panama City Beach, this guide features ten unique family friendly experiences to enjoy and luxurious coastal accommodations. Plan to explore one or all of the activities during a relaxing weekend getaway or longer. After visiting once, I can guarantee that you will visit again!
Sheraton Bay Point Resort
The Sheraton Bay Point Resort is a beautiful property located in one of the most beautiful locations in Florida. As the only AAA Four Diamond Resort in Panama City Beach, the resort is located along historic St. Andrews Bay. The resort showcases the natural beautiful of the bay and is set away from the hustle and bustle of the main beach. With one of the most beautiful beaches in the world located a short boat ride from the property, it is the type of place that you will want to visit again and again. In fact, I’m already planning my next trip back!
The rooms are spacious and luxurious with coastal touches throughout. In addition to the beautiful bay front and pool view rooms, the resort also offers one and two bedroom golf villas overlooking the golf course. The golf villas offer more space and a private pool and playground for families. The resort offers many family-friendly amenities and is pet friendly too!
With multiple dining options you don’t even need to leave the property. All of the restaurants are casual, family-friendly choices featuring fresh local ingredients. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking St. Andrews Bay!
10 Unique Experiences in Panama City Beach, Florida
The best feature of the Sheraton Bay Point Resort is it’s location within the natural, peaceful, calming and relaxing St. Andrews Bay. The location creates a unique opportunity to experience the best of Panama City Beach, Florida. Experience ten unique opportunities throughout the year during a weekend or longer visit!
(1) Take the Bay Point Lady to Shell Island
Shell Island is a remote undeveloped barrier island located between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The island is one of the most beautiful places in Florida. With a gorgeous beach, beautiful sand dunes and coastal scrub forest, you can spend a day or the entire weekend exploring this piece of natural Florida. The picture below is from the day we visited.
From the Sheraton Bay Point Resort, take a short boat ride on the Bay Point Lady to Shell Island. The boat service runs back and forth to the island multiple times per day. A visit to Shell Island is the highlight of any visit to Panama City Beach!
(2) Dig your toes into the sand on Private Bay Beach
In addition to offering the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States via the Bay Point Lady, the Sheraton Bay Point Resort offers its own private Bay Beach. Hammocks and lounge chairs are nestled among beautiful palm trees and soft sand. It is the perfect place to enjoy peaceful tranquility and endless play. The beach is perfect for toddlers and young children as the water is calm. Hammocks Beach Bar offers beachside service so you can easily spend the day on the private beach oasis.
(3) Catch the sunset over St. Andrews Bay
Watching the sun set over St. Andrews Bay should not be missed. I shot the photo below from our balcony at the Sheraton Bay Point Resort. Grab a drink and enjoy the peaceful view of St. Andrews Bay!
(4) Jump on a bike and explore the Bay Point property
The resort offers bikes for guests to explore the property and bike trails throughout the resort. Spend the afternoon exploring all that the bay has to offer including a marina, playground and small shopping center located within biking distance.
(5) Paddleboard or Kayak St. Andrew’s Bay
St. Andrews Bay is one of my favorite places in Florida to kayak and paddleboard because the water is shallow and calm. You can view an assortment of sea life right from your kayak or board. Rent a paddleboard or kayak at the private Bay Beach to explore more of the bay.
(6) Relax and recharge at Serenity Spa
While I love enjoying the outdoors, a visit to the spa is always a must on any relaxing weekend getaway. The Serenity Spa at Bay Point is located at the Sheraton Bay Point Resort and offers an assortment of treatments in a tranquil environment. Spa guests have access to the steam room, sauna, whirlpool and spa lounge. In addition, spa guests can enjoy the infinity pool which offers stunning views of St. Andrews Bay.
*photo above via Sheraton Bay Point Resort*
*photo above via Sheraton Bay Point Resort*
(7) Explore St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is my favorite state park in Florida and a favorite of many, as the most visited state park in Florida. The park is located across the bay from the Sheraton Bay Point Resort. The western part of Shell Island is part of the park, but don’t miss the opportunity to explore all that St. Andrews State Park has to offer including biking, hiking, beaches and more.
(8) Examine sea life in St. Andrews Bay
In addition to walking, kayaking, paddleboarding and boating on St. Andrews Bay, kids can learn more about the marine species with the Bay Ambassador Program. The eco program for guests of the Sheraton Bay Point Resort offers a unique hands-on experience to learn more about the marine species of the area and learn why the bay and its seagrass beds are vital to the marine life in St. Andrews Bay.
(9) Dine in the middle of St. Andrews Bay
Pelican’s is an open-air beach bar located at the end of the pier. Stop for drinks and lunch after you return from Shell Island or enjoy live music before exploring private Bay Beach. The restaurant is open seasonally and is a must on any visit to St. Andrews Bay. The location offers a unique experience for any visit to Panama City Beach.
(10) Enjoy other unique Panama City Beach offerings
While we love to explore the beach and natural outdoors, Panama City Beach offers activities and experiences for everyone. In addition to all of the unique opportunities already mentioned, Sheraton Bay Point Resort and Panama City Beach offers countless excursions and family-friendly activities. Golfers can experience world-class courses including the only Nicklaus designed course in Northwest Florida. Or hop on a boat for deep sea fishing charters, scuba excursions and more. Visit Pier Park Shopping & Entertainment district for endless shopping, dining and special events. Many choices means fun for everyone!
The Florida Gulf Coast along the panhandle is one of my favorite places in the entire United States. If you follow me on Instagram stories, you know that I often visit gulf coast beaches at least once a month. The Sheraton Bay Point Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida is one of my favorite places on the gulf coast. It is the perfect place to relax, recharge and enjoy one of the most beautiful locations in Florida. Visit the resort’s special offers page for discounted rates, packages and more!
If you visit Panama City Beach, don’t forget to tag @SpoonfulFlavor and #SpoonfulTravel in your social media posts so that we can follow along. Or come back here and share your thoughts about the trip.
Sheraton Bay Point Resort graciously hosted part of our stay. As always, all opinions are my own.
THANKS! Many choices means fun for everyone!