May 26, 2026

Where Can We Play Pickleball in Panama City Beach, FL?

Where can we play pickleball in Panama City Beach, FL?

Pickleball is taking America by storm!  This fitness craze is helping everyone have fun and stay fit at the same time.  Leagues have formed in many places and maybe you don't want to skip pickleball while you are on vacation.  A quick refresher, Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a court similar to badminton’s size but with a net like tennis, it’s fast, social, and great for all age groups and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a friendly match or a competitive tournament, Panama City Beach has courts to suit your needs.

According the the website www.pickleheads.com there are many great places to play in PCB:

1.  Frank Brown Community Center has 6+ public courts, free to play 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, PCB, FL 32413 (850) 233-5045 www.pcbfl.gov.

2.  Lyndell Center/Senior Center has 4 indoor courts, free to play, 423 Lyndell LN, PCB, FL 32407  (850) 236-3033 www.visitpanamacitybeach.com  You can't reserve the courts.

If you are staying with Emerald Beach Properties at one of the following resorts, pickleball is available on site for guests:

1. The Club at Edgewater serves Edgewater and Leeward-Windward guests.  Private access for guests only.  The Club has 11 courts, Bring your own nets. Reservations are available. (850) 710-0709

2. Sunbird Resort has one pickleball court.  Private access for guests only  Free to play, Loaner Equipment is available.  No reservations 

3. Gulf Highlands Beach Resort has 4 courts for guests of the resort. (850) 233-1901  Private access for guests only.

4. Commodore Resort has 1 court.  Private access for guests only.  No reservations

5. Origin at Seahaven has pickleball for guests only.  No reservations.

If pickleball is important to you, please reserve at one of these Resorts.

Tips for Playing in Panama City Beach

1.  Arrive Early-Popular Locations get very busy

2. Bring water and sunscreen-Florida sun is intense even in the cooler months

3. Check schedules-These vary from location to location especially at the public locations.

4. Meet the locals-PCB locals are a friendly bunch, always open to rotating games and helping newcomers.

Get out there, get some exercise and meet new friends.  PICKLEBALL!!

Whether you live in Panama City Beach or you’re just visiting for some sunshine and surf, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy pickleball. From world-class facilities to casual indoor play, the community is growing and welcoming of all skill levels. So grab your paddle, find a court, and see why pickleball is quickly becoming one of the most beloved activities for every age and skill level!

May 19, 2026

Emerald Beach Properties Wins 2025 Best of Bay

Emerald Beach Properties Wins
2025 Best of Bay for Best Property Management Company                     

Thank you to all our Clients and Guests for voting for us this year!  We are very proud of the work we do for both our Clients who own the vacation rentals we manage and for the Guests who enjoy vacationing with us here in Panama City Beach, Florida!  We couldn't do the job we love without support from all of you!

If you are looking for your Perfect Place in Panama City Beach, Florida, we can help you find just the vacation rental that will work best for you.  We have all shapes and sizes and we can work with all budgets to help you have the beach vacation of your dreams.  Start by entering the dates you want to come and the size property you are looking for on our website at www.EmeraldBeachProperties.com

Or give us a call at (850) 234-0997 to talk to a real person.  We love assisting our guests!  We have over 100 different properties and you are sure to find one that suits you.

If you own a vacation rental, contact us and let us show you how we can maximize your rentals and keep your beautiful property in tip-top condition.

Thanks again for choosing Emerald Beach Properties as the 2025 Best of Bay Winner for Best Property Management Company!

See you at THE BEACH!

May 17, 2026

Five Stars for Sunbird 208W-Surfside Sandcastle

Here's what our guests are saying!

Sunbird 0208W 'Surfside Sandcastle'

Rented on Vrbo

05-15-2026

by: Melvin F.

May 11, 2026

Hiking and Biking in PCB

Looking for Hiking & Biking in PCB?

Panama City Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Southeastern United States.  A big question Emerald Beach Properties gets from our guests is, “Are there any great places for hiking around PCB?”  Once you get to know us, Panama City Beach isn’t just about white sand beaches and spring break crowds. Beyond the shoreline, the Florida Panhandle offers a surprisingly peaceful side filled with pine forests, wetlands, coastal dunes, wildlife, and miles of scenic trails. Whether you want a quick morning walk or a longer outdoor adventure, Panama City Beach has excellent hiking options for every skill level.

Best Places to Hike Near Panama City Beach

Our Top Choice: Explore Nature at Conservation Park

Website
100 Conservation Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Phone: 850-233-5045

For serious hiking in Panama City Beach, Conservation Park is the top choice. This massive natural area spans nearly 3,000 acres and features more than 24 miles of trails and boardwalks winding through wetlands, cypress domes, and pine forests. The park includes 12 interconnected trails ranging from short half-mile loops to longer 11-mile routes, making it ideal for casual walkers, trail runners, and cyclists alike.

One of the best things about Conservation Park is how quiet and peaceful it feels compared to the busy beachfront. Early mornings are especially beautiful, with opportunities to spot deer, turtles, birds, and occasionally even alligators from a safe distance. Locals on Reddit often recommend arriving early to enjoy cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing.

Bring water, bug spray, and comfortable shoes — many of the trails are natural surfaces rather than paved paths.

Also A Great Choice: St. Andrews State Park

St. Andrews State Park
Website
4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, FL 32408
Phone: +1(850) 708-6100

If you want hiking with coastal scenery, St. Andrews State Park is one of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in the area. Located on the eastern edge of Panama City Beach, this park combines nature trails, dunes, marshes, pinewoods, and stunning Gulf views all in one place.

The park features shorter hiking trails like the Gator Lake Trail and Heron Pond Trail, both excellent for families and beginner hikers. While these trails are relatively easy, the scenery is unique to the Florida coast, offering chances to see native birds, coastal plants, and local wildlife.

After your hike, you can relax on the beach, snorkel near the jetties, or take a shuttle to Shell Island for even more outdoor exploration.

For An Easier Hike or Riding Your Bike We Recommend
Paved Walking and Biking on Gayle's Trails

Gayle's Trails
Website
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Phone: +18502362205

Not every hike involves rugged terrain. Gayle’s Trails is a local favorite for walking, jogging, biking, and easy outdoor exercise. This network of paved trails stretches through Panama City Beach and connects parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas, including Conservation Park.

The mostly flat paths make these trails ideal for families, casual walkers, and anyone wanting a scenic workout without difficult terrain. Reddit users frequently mention Gayle’s Trails as one of the safest and most accessible places for long walks or bike rides in the area.

Bike rentals are available nearby if you didn’t bring your bike along.

Because many sections are exposed to the sun, mornings and evenings are usually the most comfortable times to explore.

Day Trips for More Advanced Hiking

If you’re willing to drive a little outside Panama City Beach, there are even more scenic hiking spots worth exploring.

Deer Lake State Park

Deer Lake State Park
6350 E County Rd 30-A,
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone: +18502678300

Located along scenic Highway 30A, Deer Lake State Park offers elevated boardwalks, coastal dune lakes, and untouched natural beauty. The trails here are shorter but incredibly scenic, especially for photographers and nature lovers.

Camp Helen State Park

Camp Helen State Park
23937 Panama City Beach Pkwy,
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Phone: +18502335059

Camp Helen State Park sits between the Gulf of America and Lake Powell and offers peaceful hiking through shaded wooded areas and coastal ecosystems. Southern Living recently highlighted it as one of the hidden gems near Panama City Beach for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.

Tips for Hiking in Panama City Beach

• Start early, especially during summer months when temperatures and humidity rise quickly.
• Carry plenty of water and sunscreen.
• Wear lightweight clothing and good walking shoes.
• Expect mosquitoes in wetter areas, especially near sunset.
• Stay on marked trails and respect wildlife.
• Download trail maps ahead of time since cell service can vary in some natural areas.

Discover the Wild Side of Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach offers far more than beachfront resorts and tourist attractions. From quiet boardwalks through wetlands to scenic coastal trails and shaded pine forests, hiking here gives visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Whether you spend an hour exploring a short nature trail or an entire day trekking through Conservation Park, hiking near Panama City Beach is one of the best ways to slow down, unplug, and experience a different side of the destination.

See you at THE BEACH!  Book your Perfect Place in PCB with Emerald Beach Properties 
You can also call us at (850) 234-0997 and we can assist you with choosing just the right vacation rental in PCB for you and your group

May 11, 2026

Your Ultimate Summer Getaway Guide to Panama City Beach, Florida

March 6, 2023

Vacation Rental Week!

Emerald Beach Properties in Panama City Beach, FL is one of the elite Vacation Rental Management Association Accredited Professional Property Management Companies in the US. This certification let’s you know that we are serious about professionalism.  There are over 115,000 vacation rental companies worldwide that are part of the Vacation Rental Management Association but, only a few hold this Accreditation.  So, when you are looking for your perfect place in Panama City Beach, Florida, we’ll help you find just what you are looking for at the best prices anywhere!

Vacation rentals are the ideal, cost-effective choice for family trips. You’ll enjoy more space, more privacy, and more amenities such as extra bedrooms, baths, and your own kitchen. You will make memories to last a lifetime with those close to you!

Live Like A Local!

Live like a local on your next trip! Vacation rentals offer an unmatched opportunity to explore new surroundings and experience local culture. Hit the beach for the day or take a boat trip for fishing or sightseeing.  Visit downtown Panama City and soak up the local history and culture.  Enjoy one of the many festivals throughout the year. Imagine what you’ll discover!

Vacation rentals are a great option for a safe, private experience, with fewer touch points with staff & other guests than with traditional hotels. Each vacation rental is unique and with our company, you can choose exactly where you will stay.  No surprises at check in.  You’ll have privacy and peace of mind when you stay with us!

Celebrate Vacation Rental Week with Emerald Beach Properties

Emerald Beach Properties is excited to celebrate Vacation Rental Week, March 6-10, 2023.  This week-long celebration of professionally managed vacation rentals, our industry, and the unmatched benefits & value of today’s vacation rentals offer guests, shows that the possibilities for your next getaway are endless. So, join us for the fun in Panama City Beach, Florida

!

February 28, 2022

Emerald Beach Properties LOVES our Snowbirds!

Emerald Beach Properties LOVES our Snowbirds! We hosted our annual Panama City Beach, Florida, Sunbird Snowbird Appreciation Party! Check out these photos from the party. We had a wonderful wine and cheese party for our Winter Guests staying at Sunbird this year. We had great food and fun. We gave away a great gift basket in a raffle. We loved meeting our friends and wising them a safe trip home for the Summer. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year! Book now for next year at https://EmeraldBeachProperties.com/properties

Emerald Beach Properties LOVES our Snowbirds!

Emerald Beach Properties Staff Selfie!

Sunbird Snowbirds!

Wine and soft drinks!

Welcome from Emerald Beach Properties and Sandy Starfish, our Mascot

Lots of great food and fun for our Snowbirds!

Can’t wait to see you all next year!

February 17, 2022

Book Direct!

Book Direct with Emerald Beach Properties to find your perfect vacation rental in Panama City Beach, FL. We know it can be overwhelming, there are so many choices in PCB.  When you work directly with our local team, you can count on our expertise to find you the best options for your vacation rental!  The properties we represent are the best in Panama City Beach, FL.  Online listing sites just want you to book a home, any home.  Emerald Beach Properties wants you to book the vacation rental home that’s perfect for you!  We offer condos, town homes and vacation houses in all shapes and sizes.  We’ll help you find your perfect place in PCB!

Here are the top 6 reasons to Book Direct with Emerald Beach Properties!

#1 Book Direct-Save up to 25%

When you book directly with us, we guarantee the lowest rate anywhere.  Online travel sites like Airbnb, VRBO and Homeaway charge more for your rental and may add undisclosed fees to your reservation total as well. This can cost you up to 25% more! We quote your actual total up front with full details of  the charges. Don’t pay extra for a middleman when it’s so easy to book direct.

#2 Select Your Perfect Vacation Rental

Selecting your perfect vacation rental can be overwhelming, there are so many choices in PCB.  When you work directly with our local team, you can count on their expertise to find you the best options for your vacation rental!  The properties we represent are the best in Panama City Beach, FL.  Online listing sites just want you to book a home, any home.  Emerald Beach Properties wants you to book the vacation rental home that’s perfect for you!  We offer condos, town homes and vacation houses in all shapes and sizes.  We’ll help you find your perfect place in PCB!

#3 Clear Policies Explained Before Booking

Get the answers to your questions about rental policies and check-in procedures before you book. When you book direct with us, you’ll find clear cancellation and refund policies on our user friendly website. Our rental agreement has everything listed. On listing sites such as Vrbo, Homeaway, Airbnb, etc. the policies often differ by property since each rental is managed by a different individual or agency. Don’t waste your time wading through a lot of fine print. Book directly with us and we can explain it all very clearly and simply.

#4 On Site Management and Service

Read the reviews on our website or have a look at our Facebook page. You’ll see that our guests have great vacations at our properties. You’ll see that we are very responsive, too. Our office is local and our employees are on duty to assist you right away.  No waiting on hold with a call center!

#5 Outstanding Guest Communication

When you book direct, you’ll be working with people committed to promptly answering your phone calls, texts and  emails each and every day! With Vrbo, AirBnB, Homeaway, etc. you’ll be talking to an operator in a call center with limited ability to resolve any issues that may arise.  By booking direct, you’ll be talking to our local staff who are nearby to take care of anything you may need.  Talk to local team members who know Panama City Beach and who are in the vacation rental homes we represent on a regular basis.  We know each and every one of our rentals and will share the information with you!

#6 Local Knowledge from a Local Manager

Booking direct with us gives you access to people in the know about everything PCB! Resident experts know about can’t-miss PCB events and insider secrets like where to find the best grilled shrimp or catch your limit of grouper. You’ll find that PCB natives love to share their little slice or paradise with our guests. We want you to love it just as much as we do – whether you’re here for a weekend, a week, or a month!

Book direct with Emerald Beach Properties and you can rest easy knowing that your beach vacation will be worry-free and wonderful!

September 14, 2021

Beach Renourishment PCB, Florida

Our sugar white sands need renourishment from time to time to keep them soft and beautiful!  The fifth renourishment of the Panama City Beach, Florida will begin September 2021, with anticipated completion by early 2022. This is a very important project for maintaining the health and beauty of our beaches! This project begins in on the west end of Panama City Beach near Pinnacle Port. The contractors will work down the beach over the following several months replacing over 2.1 million cubic yards of sand. 

Construction mobilization started when equipment and pipeline were delivered to the west end project area beach. Active dredging and placement of sand on the beach started September 11, 2021. Equipment is delivered and moved continually along the beach for the duration of this project. 

This renourishment project is taking place along two large project beach segments totaling approximately 12 miles. The “western” project area extends from Pinnacle Port to the City Pier. The “eastern” project area extends from St. Andrews State Park (not including the park) to Ocean Towers. The middle of the beach – from the City Pier to Ocean Towers – will not be renourished with this project. It did not experience enough erosion to justify renourishment in this area.

Approximately 2.1 million cubic yards of sand will be placed with this project. This will be the third largest renourishment done in PCB.

The initial restoration of the Panama City Beaches in 1998-1999 placed approximately 9.8 million cubic yards of sand along the 18.5 miles of beaches. The 2005-2006 project placed approximately 3.3 million cubic yards of sand along 17.5 miles of beaches, and it was conducted in response to 2004’s Hurricane Ivan.

The 2011 project placed approximately 1.3 million cubic yards of sand along a total of 7.5 miles of the beaches (east and west ends) and was referred to as a “repair” project as it was conducted in response to several storms following Hurricane Ivan. That project also formally incorporated a project at Pinnacle Port and Carillon Beach.

The 2017 project placed approximately 840,000 cubic yards of sand along a total of four project areas which included a half-mile at Pinnacle Port/Carillon Beach, a one-mile segment stretching west from the City Pier, a one-mile segment stretching west from the County Pier, and a one-mile segment stretching from the western end of St. Andrews State Park to Gulf Drive/Hurt Street. 

The construction cost for this project is $28.5 million and is entirely federally-funded; there are no local or state matching dollars required. Because this is an authorized and previously built federal shore protection project, the project team secured Federal Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies funds for this project to replace the sand losses due to hurricanes Michael and Sally in 2018 and 2020, respectively.

The project will take approximately 4 to 5 months; however construction may move faster or slower. There may be circumstances that cause lengthy delays due to construction shutdown, like weather conditions or major repairs to equipment.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is managing the construction of the project. The Bay County Tourist Development Council, serves as the local sponsor for the project.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. LLC is the dredging contractor. They were the contractor for the 2011 beach nourishment project.

 The sand for large-scale beach nourishment projects comes from our offshore “borrow areas.” The main borrow area is located approximately 1.5 miles offshore of Shell Island, and secondary borrow areas are located near the St. Andrews Bay entrance channel.

The sand is dredged from the offshore borrow areas into a hopper dredge. The hopper dredge motors from the borrow area closer to the project site and hooks up to a submerged pipeline. The submerged pipeline runs from just off the beach up onto the beach and connects to shore pipeline, which runs laterally along the dry beach. The sand is discharged as a water and sand slurry mixture through the pipeline. The sand stays on the beach, and the water runs back into the Gulf of Mexico. Bulldozers reshape the newly placed sand to meet the designed construction template.

The sand coming out of the pipe is a water and sand slurry mixture. It often contains darker, fine material that washes out as the sand is reshaped on the beach by the bulldozers. This is not contamination.

Construction should progress at a rate of 500 feet to 1,500 feet per day. Barring any issues, this means the active construction area may only be in front of various condos for a couple days. Please be patient. Everyone, wants the project to continue moving down the beach and closer to completion as quickly as possible.

The active work/construction area is limited to an approximate 1,000-2,000-foot section of beach. To access the beach during construction, walk laterally along the beach until you get around the active work area. Locate a sand bridge that goes over the dredge pipe, and you will be able to access the Gulf.

Work will continue 24 hours a day. These are extremely expensive projects, and it is not feasible to halt work overnight or on weekends.

The beaches of Panama City Beach that you see today are the result of four previous nourishment projects: one completed in 1998/1999, the second in 2005/2006, the third in 2011, and the fourth most recently in 2017. Hurricane Opal (1995) caused significant erosion of the beaches and left very little dry beach along much of the Panama City Beaches.

To combat this erosion, as well as erosion from storms since then, renourishment projects have been constructed. These projects not only provide recreational beach width for the benefit of residents and visitors, but during storm events, the sand also provides critical protection for public and private structures and infrastructure landward of the beach. Because of the 1998/1999 project, there was very little damage to upland development when Hurricane Ivan struck in 2004. The same was true when Hurricane Michael struck in 2018. In addition, a healthy beach provides nesting areas for species such as sea turtles and shorebirds.

This beach nourishment management program is much like a roadway or other such infrastructure – once it is built, it must be maintained. The work you see ongoing now is a small maintenance project that will help ensure continued use of a sandy beach and storm protection for the upland.

The sea turtle nesting season wraps up about the time when the project is expected to begin. There are permitted procedures in place for relocation of nests that may be laid late in the season that might be impacted by the start of construction in September/October.

Thanks for your patience and cooperation during this necessary project to keep Panama City Beach, Florida beautiful for everyone who uses this amazing resource.

May 21, 2021

Shelling, Modern Day Treasure Hunting!

Shelling is the original treasure hunting and is enjoyed by people everywhere! Delicate seashells are like tiny washed up treasures. Enjoy beachcombing on Panama City Beach while you are here on vacation. The shells you’ll see vary from day to day so, it’s always an adventure. You can amass a treasure trove of real beauties while you enjoy your beach time. Some are snowy white and others are very colorful. You never know what you’ll find.

All you need is a mesh bag or other suitable container for carrying your shell stash and some free time to roam the water’s edge!

Remember to please inspect each shell before dropping into your bag, because it is illegal to take live shells from the beach.

For an extra special shelling experience, we highly recommend a trip to Shell Island, Panama City Beach, Florida. This secret spot is where the locals go for shelling an for taking a day off! Take a shuttle, rent a pontoon boat or a jet ski and head out to Shell Island, a tiny oasis that is perfect for when you want to get away from it all. This untouched beach area is mostly undeveloped and remains unspoiled so, you’ll find plenty of seashells to collect in addition to enjoying a day of swimming, snorkeling and beachcombing. Commonly found shells here are conch shells, junonia shells, tulip shells and spotted slipper shells.

Once you have your collection, you’ll want to display it in a special way. Here are some ideas for shell displays.

We wish you good hunting and luck finding some great shells while you are visiting us in PCB!

Display your Shell Collection in a Coastal Bowl with other beach items.

Use your Shell Collection to Make a Sailor’s Valentine for Your Sweetie!

Make a Sea Shell Mobile or Wind Chime to Remind You of Your Time At The Beach!

A Shell Wall Hanging or Curtain Is A Special Memento Of The Ocean!