10+ Things Your Family Will Love About Sheraton Bay Point Resort

Panama City Beach, located in Florida’s touristy panhandle, is most well-known as a spring break destination. Summertime is definitely high season for the vacation-driven area, but the shoulder season (the bookends to summer) is my favorite with deals on accommodations and no long restaurant lines. Best yet, the weather is slightly cooler and the water is still plenty warm. Recently I took a shoulder season trip to check out the beautifully renovated Sheraton Bay Point Resort in this area.

Sheraton Bay Point Resort is located on historic St. Andrews Bay offering fantastic views that will wow your family. The resort recently completed a $30 million renovation project that brought in new looks and fresh amenities including common spaces, restaurants, the spa and fitness center, and of course, the guest rooms. I want to share with my readers 10 things your family will love about this resort.

On Property at Sheraton Bay Point Resort

Guest rooms and suites at the high-end hotel are showing off their makeover with new, inviting colors; updated bathrooms; super comfortable bedding; and modern furnishings. Enjoy luscious bath products and comfy robes as well as other little extras.  I had a mini fridge and a chaise lounge in my room as well as a balcony with an amazing view of the pools and water.

There are several restaurants to choose from at Sheraton Bay Point Resort and I tried to eat my way through as many as possible in a short trip. Definitely Cabana Café is great for quick coffee and pastries in the early morning, but hearty breakfast eaters will want to check out Tides Restaurant where you can order full meals. Breakfast platters include favorites like toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, oatmeal and more. A buffet is sometimes available as well. (Tip: Eat outside for amazing views of the water, boats and egrets to accompany your fuel-up for the day.)

Tides is a bit fancier in the evening and appeals to the more refined diner. Look for impressive plates of sea bass and other fresh catches, and scrumptious desserts like cheese cake and key lime pie.

Flip-Flops Pool Bar is an open-air, outdoor venue with a large bayside deck offering great lunch and dinner menus. There is a covered area if you don’t want to sit in the sun and eat. I found both lunch and dinner menus to be creative and tasty for adults as well as having kid-friendly options like chicken fingers and grilled cheese. Come as you are (many were straight from the beach or pool) and grab a custom cocktail or a locally crafted beer at this affordable little pool bar. I loved the sunsets to go with my dinner in the evenings – I felt like I could reach out and touch them. Cool perk!

Pelican’s Bar & Grill is open seasonally and provides the ultimate in waterfront dining or hanging out with friends and family. Known for fish tacos and mouthwatering burgers, they also have cold beer and those beachy frozen concoctions that everyone loves. Look for the best views on the boardwalk and live music at Pelican’s.

Dedicated workout folks will not be disappointed in the Fitness Center which is packed with new, state-of-the-art equipment and the best workout views you’ve ever seen! Also, catch Saturday morning yoga.

Serenity Spa, a 12,000-square-foot space, also received an exciting makeover. The spaces are gorgeous and relaxing, and the full-service menu includes pampering massages (I had the Swedish and it was PERFECT) and salon services. Guests can also enjoy other spa amenities like the sauna, steam room, whirlpool and lounges (men and women facilities respectively). I always enjoy a lovely spa treatment to take special care of ME, especially at an award-winning spa like Serenity.

Things to do Outdoors at Sheraton Bay Point Resort

Golfers will be so excited to see that this resort is very catering to those who love to chase that tiny little ball. There are two championship 18-hole golf courses (don’t miss hole #5 on the Nicklaus Design course (the only one in Northwest Florida). . .it’s incredible!

Bring your racquet and play on one of five lighted HydroGrid® clay tennis courts. You can take a lesson or participate in a round robin for a little friendly competition while on vacation.

There is so much outdoor recreation available at Sheraton Bay Point Resort. You can rent electric or regular bikes at the front desk as well as YOLO paddle boards. Make time to enjoy the resort pools and a private beach area. Build sand castles or fly a kite. Charter a fishing boat or a pontoon. There’s something for you in the great outdoors!

If you aren’t familiar with Shell Island, it is a seven-mile barrier island located between St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The western end of the private island is part of St. Andrews State Park. The island is accessible from Sheraton Bay Point Resort via shuttle boat – Bay Point Lady Shell Island Shuttle – and is a 20-minute ride each way. You can book it at the front desk and it loads down the boardwalk behind Pelican’s. The island offers waters so blue-green you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean and white sandy beaches that scream for bare feet. There is a boardwalk from the pier at Shell Island straight to the beach which is a relief if you’re pulling a cooler or pushing a stroller. Bring your own coolers as well as snorkel gear, beach umbrellas and chairs if you want, but you can also rent these items reasonably from the shuttle. Please note that this is back-to-nature. There are no restrooms, trashcans or places to purchase snacks/drinks. I took plenty of sunscreen, snacks, towels and a plastic bag for trash. (Tip: this is a wonderful family activity and I would make it a priority.)

Parting Thoughts

Sheraton Bay Point Resort offers a marvelous trip to the Florida panhandle and it is pet friendly! The only AAA Four Diamond Resort on the Emerald Coast, the resort is home to unparalleled amenities: natural beauty, breath-taking views, waterfront activities, recreational venues and luxury-oriented guest rooms.

From the Miami-like lobby to meeting space and more, you’ll love this property so much if Panama City Beach is your destination. And, if nuptials are in your future, weddings on this property are unbelievable.

Have you been to Sheraton Bay Point Resort? What was your favorite thing about it? Leave me a comment below. . .and happy travels!

I was hosted by Sheraton Bay Point Resort for the purpose of this review. Opinions are my own. Photos also are my own.