Most of the planning questions we get aren’t about the house, they’re about everything around it — how to get here, what to bring, what to skip. Here’s the practical version.
Getting here: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is the closest, about a 20 minute drive from the house, and it’s a genuinely easy small airport with direct flights from a good number of major cities. If you can’t get a direct flight, Pensacola International (about 1.5 hours) and Tallahassee (about 2 hours) are the next closest options, both an easy drive along the coast. If you’re driving in from elsewhere in the Southeast, I-10 to Highway 231 is the standard route in.
What to pack: Sunscreen is more expensive here than you’d think, so bring what you need rather than planning to buy it locally. Water shoes are worth packing if you’re visiting the jetties at St. Andrews State Park — the rocks aren’t bare-feet friendly. Both houses come stocked with beach gear (chairs, umbrellas, and at Seashell Palace 2, a beach cart and snorkel gear), so don’t overpack for the sand itself.
What to skip: You don’t need to bring pool toys, board games, or golf clubs for the mini golf course, all of that comes with the house. You also don’t need cash for much of anything locally, though it’s worth having a little on hand for tipping.
Traveling with pets: Both homes welcome up to two dogs, with fully fenced yards and bowls and waste bags provided. There’s a $150 fee per pet, and we can’t accommodate cats or other animals, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with anything besides a dog.
One planning note that trips people up: check-in is entirely by smart lock, so there’s no key handover to coordinate and no waiting around on arrival day if your flight lands late. Just get to the house whenever you get there.
If this is your first trip to Panama City Beach, we’re happy to answer specific questions before you book. Check availability for your dates, or call us directly and we’ll walk you through it.
