The beachfront Palazzo Condominiums by Wyndham Vacation Rentals rises twenty-two stories over the sparkling sands of Panama City’s Gulf Coast. The gulf front pool is set five stories above the beach. Go for a swim or hang out on the rooftop sundeck and get your tan on. When the kids get hungry, head to the resort’s charcoal BBQ grills, they are perfect for a family cookout. If you’re up for some cardio, check out the well-equipped fitness center. After your workout, stop by your condo and have the little ones grab their shovels and buckets for an afternoon on the beach. Free beach loungers and umbrellas are provided; relax in the shade or hop in the water and splash around with the kids.

One- to three-bedroom condos sleep six to eight guests. Full kitchens allow you to make your own meals; bring the family along on the short walk to Winn Dixie for groceries. Surprise the kids with top-your-own pizza night. Lay out a selection of toppings and let everyone have at it. Before getting everyone cleaned up, snap a few pictures of the kids covered in sauce and cheese (your Facebook friends will love them!). Throw a load of laundry into your in-suite washer/dryer while the pizzas are baking. After dinner, gather everyone in the living room for family movie night. Pack favorite movies from home to watch on your flat screen TV with cable and a DVD player.

Pier Park Mall is less than two miles from Palazzo Condominiums and offers everything from department stores to bargain shopping. First stop: Starbucks. Grab a latte for you and a coffee-free frappuccino for the kids. Check out the selection of apparel at Dillard’s and JCPenney. Get some new shoes at the Nike Factory Store. Let the little ones pick out something special at Toy Kingdom. Bargain shoppers will love Marshall’s and Target. Target is also great for any last-minute essentials you may have forgotten to pack. When the kids get hungry, there’s Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Five Guys. Be sure to stop by Dippin’ Dots for dessert. But wait, there’s more! Pier Park Mall also includes an amusement park with twelve rides for all ages. Gulf World Marine Park is only two miles from the resort. Snorkel with cownose and southern stingrays through the Stingray Interactive Program. Do you love dolphins? Then you will definitely want to participate in a Dolphin Experience. Experiences include the Royal Swim, where dolphins will raise you above the water by your feet. All ages will enjoy the Dolphin Encounter, where you can meet a dolphin. If you’re feeling more adventurous check out the Swim Adventure, where you will hold onto dolphin’s fins and ride along with them.