Take the Whole Family (Even the Furry Ones!) 
to Sheraton Bay Point Resort

We couldn’t believe it when we found out Lambchop and Charlie were going to get to go with us. My adult daughter and I had a weekend trip to the beautiful Sheraton Bay Point Resort in Panama City Beach, and the four of us had a fabulous trip. This time, no one got left at home.

The Sheraton Bay Point Resort, situated along the historic St. Andrews Bay, has worn several names during its history, but its latest renovation is top notch. Now an AAA four-diamond resort, “luxury” was the key word for us, right down to Lambchop and Charlie’s complimentary doggie bed in our well-appointed beach front room. It’s a great escape from the crowds of the main beaches at PCB without sacrificing any amenities.

The Sheraton Bay Point, while on the bay, offers the private bay beach. While it is a small piece of the beach after a lovely walk across the bay on the boardwalk, you can enjoy the water in a safe environment, enjoy drinks from the nearby Hammocks Beach Bar and feel like you have your own exclusive piece of paradise.

Just down that boardwalk, you can board a boat to take you to Shell Island, one of the Gulf Coast’s most beautiful, pristine beaches, with Sheraton Bay Point’s shuttle service. The shuttle is only $10 per person for resort guests, and you can enjoy beautiful Shell Island without ever moving your car to get to a boat to get there.

There are two beautiful heated outdoor pools to enjoy at the resort, and both are near the outdoor Flip Flops Pool Bar, where you can get a delicious meal, a drink or a snack served poolside or at one of their tables with fantastic views. There’s also a family pool near the golf villa area.

Speaking of golf, Sheraton Bay Point has 36 holes of championship golf, including the only Nicklaus Design course on the Emerald Coast. The Sheraton boasts a full-service facility including a clubhouse, practice greens, driving range, equipment rentals, classes and the Club 19 Bar & Grill if you get hungry or thirsty.

Sheraton’s on-property water sports rental kiosk provides a one-stop shop for all your water rental needs. You can rent something as large as a pontoon boat or fast-paced like jet skis.  You also can choose a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or a family favorite, bike rentals. The resort area is secluded and expansive, so there are great places to ride – or bring your own bikes.

Don’t forget tennis!  The resort features five lighted HydroGrid courts and a comprehensive pro shop. There are also individual and group lessons available. The Fitness center rounds out your fitness needs while staying at the Bay Point Resort, and exercise with spectacular views of St. Andrew’s Bay on state-of-the-art equipment.

The resort offers many fun activities through the summer season for families and kids, including “dive in” movies at the pool. There’s also a fun game room on site, as well as a playground.

While we were visiting, my daughter and I enjoyed massages at the Serenity Spa on site, with its own private swimming pool as well. Newly-renovated, the spa has many body and skin treatments, and you can also enjoy a Swedish or deep tissue massage. There are facials, self-heating mud therapy, and you can get your nails or hair done if you wish. It is a great escape for a little while for mom!

There are a number of room options and price points at the Sheraton Bay Point. Some rooms are pet-friendly, as mentioned, so ask when you make your reservation. The resort has 120 one-bedroom units, and each features a mini-fridge. About 60 units have a separate living room with sleeper sofa, 60 have a microwave, 60 have a full balcony and a few units even offer a fully-equipped kitchen.

Panama City Beach doesn’t want for great places to eat and taste some Gulf seafood, but you don’t have to leave the Sheraton Bay Point Resort to do that if you don’t want to. In addition to Flip Flops Pool Bar, there’s Pelican’s on their beach, Tide’s, a full-service restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a Starbuck’s and the Bar 72 Pub & Eatery. There’s also the MarketPlace where you can purchase food or toiletries.

For more information, room reservations and more, visit http://www.sheratonbaypoint.com. Check the website frequently for seasonal specials. The average rate from Memorial Day to Labor Day is around $275/night and up, shoulder seasons average $175/night. There is a $30 resort fee, but it includes Wi-Fi, self-parking, two day passes to the spa daily, one ticket to Shell Island shuttle per day and FREE access to YOLO paddleboards and bicycles – really a bargain.

If Lambchop and Charlie could talk, we are quite certain they’d like to go back to “the resort.”  They did amazingly well, and the staff was so kind and supportive of pets being there. In fact, as we drove away, we were pretty certain they were unhappy to be leaving.

Carol Muse Evans is the publisher of Birmingham Parent.