Tidewater Beach Resort

Tidewater Beach Resort is one of the most recognizable condominium properties in Panama City Beach, Florida, distinguished by its massive scale and prime Gulf-front location. This high-rise complex is one of the largest in the area, housing 570 individual condominium units, which makes it a significant destination for visitors seeking extensive amenities and direct beach access. The property operates as a condominium resort, meaning units are individually owned and managed, offering a wide variety of decor and furnishing styles. Its location on the west end of Panama City Beach places it near the popular Pier Park shopping and entertainment complex, yet slightly removed from the most congested central areas of the strip.

The accommodations at Tidewater Beach Resort consist entirely of one, two, and three-bedroom condominium units. This focus on multi-room layouts makes the property highly popular with families and groups. Each unit functions as a self-contained apartment, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer, separate living and dining areas, and private bedrooms. A key feature of the resort’s design is that every single unit includes a large, private balcony that directly faces the Gulf of Mexico, providing unobstructed views of the water and the area’s famous sunsets. Because the units are individually owned, the interior design, quality of furnishings, and bedding configurations can vary significantly from one condo to the next.

The resort’s amenity package is one of its primary draws and is designed to support the large number of guests the property can accommodate. Tidewater features two very large, 4,200-square-foot lagoon-style pools. These expansive outdoor pools are located on the beachside of the property, offering a vibrant atmosphere with ample space for sunbathing on the surrounding decks. In addition to the outdoor pools, the resort provides a large indoor heated pool, which is a valuable amenity during cooler weather or for those seeking shade.

Wellness and fitness facilities are comprehensive. The property includes a 4,300-square-foot fitness center that is well-equipped with a wide array of cardio machines, weight-training equipment, and a separate studio space. This fitness center also features a Roman spa, which includes steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs, providing a place for relaxation and recovery.

For families, the resort offers several dedicated amenities. There is an on-site movie theater that schedules viewings for guests, as well as an arcade and game room for children and teenagers. Additional recreational options include a small library and activity center.

Dining options on-site are geared toward convenience. The resort features a casual restaurant and bar located on the pool deck level, offering burgers, sandwiches, and tropical drinks in a relaxed setting with Gulf views. There is also a small market and coffee shop in the main lobby area, providing Starbucks coffee, ice cream, and basic convenience items. For more substantial meals, the resort’s proximity to Pier Park means guests have dozens of restaurants and bars within a short drive or a long walk.

Perhaps the most important amenity is the resort’s direct access to 636 feet of white-sand beach. The property provides dedicated beach chair and umbrella rental services, allowing guests to easily set up for a day on the Gulf.

Given its size and structure, Tidewater Beach Resort is a major hub for large events, particularly youth sports tournaments. The complex includes a large conference center and meeting space, which, combined with the condo-style accommodations, makes it a frequent choice for teams and large family gatherings. This can result in the common areas, especially the pools and elevators, becoming very crowded and busy during peak season and special event weekends. The property’s reliance on elevators to service its 30 floors can be a point of frustration for guests during these high-occupancy periods.