Carillon Beach
A serene, gated beach community offering private shoreline, multiple pools, and a charming village atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Carillon Beach
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, gated beach community offering private shoreline, multiple pools, and a charming village atmosphere.
"It's seriously the best place! We are already planning our next stay."
Golf Cart Rental is Key
Rent a golf cart for easy beach & pool access. Parking available! :on:
Book Accommodations Early
Popular spot, especially for condos. Secure your stay in advance! :housewithgarden:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Carillon Beach's Private Shoreline
Beachfront
Enjoy nearly 4,000 linear feet of quiet, pristine white sand beaches, exclusive to Carillon guests.
Community Pools & Amenities
Throughout the resort
Multiple pools, including gulf and lake view options, plus hot tubs, tennis, and basketball courts.
Charming Beach Town Atmosphere
Carillon Beach Village
Explore boutique shops, cafes, and enjoy a relaxing stroll through this upscale, walkable beach town.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Gated Community Vibe
Book Your Stay in Advance
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Golf Cart Rental is Key
Rent a golf cart for easy beach & pool access. Parking available! :on:
Book Accommodations Early
Popular spot, especially for condos. Secure your stay in advance!
Explore Nearby Towns
Short drive to Rosemary, Alys, Seaside for more dining & shopping. :world_map:
Check Condo Maintenance
Some older condos may need cosmetic updates. Focus on the view & amenities! :wrench:
Tips
from all over the internet
Golf Cart Rental is Key
Rent a golf cart for easy beach & pool access. Parking available! :on:
Book Accommodations Early
Popular spot, especially for condos. Secure your stay in advance!
Explore Nearby Towns
Short drive to Rosemary, Alys, Seaside for more dining & shopping. :world_map:
Check Condo Maintenance
Some older condos may need cosmetic updates. Focus on the view & amenities! :wrench:
Enjoy Local Coffee & Drinks
The Salty Bottle offers great coffee and evening drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carillon Beach for its beautiful, uncrowded private beach and the charming, upscale atmosphere of the gated community. Many highlight the convenience of golf cart rentals and the variety of pools and amenities. While some older accommodations may show minor cosmetic wear, the overall experience is highly positive, with many guests eager to return.
"We had a great stay! Will be back! Loved the community, especially riding around in the golf cart we rented. The cart helped with getting to the beach and pools, there is parking for the carts in those areas! Beautiful private beach, with several walkovers and our favorite pool was the one overlooking the beach! We loved the balcony and sat out on it quite a bit, watching the wildlife and listening to the ocean waves! Even though it’s not on the ocean it sits on the little lake and past that is the ocean! Just perfect!"
Camie Fillion
"We absolutely loved our stay at Carillon Beach Resort Inn and can’t wait to return! It’s in the perfect location—just a short drive to all the amazing food and shopping in Panama City Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, and Grayton Beach. One of our favorite parts was the private beach access exclusive to Carillon guests—no crowded beaches, just peaceful, beautiful shoreline.
Carillon itself feels like a charming, upscale beach town with great shops, dining options, and a relaxing atmosphere. The amenities are also fantastic—pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and even a basketball court. It truly has everything you could want for a beach getaway. My husband and I are already planning our next stay—it’s seriously the best place!"
Kasey Graham
"Loved our time here. I wanted to write a new review, because when I was planning our vacation here on a friend’s recommendation the negative reviews on Google nearly scared me away. I’m glad I ignored the negative reviews and kept my reservation. We stayed in June 2022. Our room was very nice, but there were things I noticed that could be a bit better in the cosmetic/maintenance department, but it didn’t detract from our stay. For example, in room 515, the toilet paper holder is barely hanging on, the bathroom could use new caulking around the bathtub and new paint on the baseboards. The kitchen only has a small bar sink and the hot and cold water are reversed. Again, not enough of an issue to complain about the stay. We were able to get towels exchanged easily, there was a laundry facility on the fourth floor should we have wanted to wash anything. The room was clean, the AC felt great, the view was fabulous, the bed was very comfortable. The check in was a breeze as they texted me the room code before I arrived. No complaints at all about the service we received. The resort is very walkable if you don’t have ambulatory issues. We had a cart for beach stuff and walked to the beach every day. However, there was a shuttle that we took on the first day to the beach which we could have used, but didn’t really need it as we preferred to walk. The resort pools were clean and well maintained. The landscaping and flowers were beautiful. I will say that the algae on the lake was in full bloom, but we didn’t notice any bad smells. I would definitely stay here again! It is a lovely community and the beach was awesome!"
Jamie Giddens
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carillon Beach is located on the west side of Panama City Beach, Florida. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors fly into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), which is about a 30-40 minute drive away.
Yes, Carillon Beach is a private, gated community with a 24-hour security guard house, offering a secure and exclusive atmosphere.
Renting a golf cart is highly recommended for getting around Carillon Beach. It makes trips to the beach and pools much easier, and there are designated parking areas.
Absolutely! Carillon Beach is conveniently located just a short drive from popular 30A destinations like Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seaside, making it a great base for exploring the area.
Many accommodations are within walking distance to the beach, but if yours is further, a golf cart or the resort's shuttle service can be utilized.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a private gated community, entry is controlled. If you are staying within Carillon Beach, your accommodation provider will typically arrange access. Visitors may need to be accompanied by a resident or have a confirmed reservation.
Carillon Beach offers private beach access exclusive to guests and residents, meaning there are no separate daily fees for beach entry if you are staying within the community.
Carillon Beach is a residential community and resort, so access is generally available at all times. However, specific amenities like pools may have posted hours.
Yes, golf carts are available for rent within Carillon Beach, and they are a popular and convenient way to navigate the community and access amenities.
While Carillon Beach is a private community, it's designed to be welcoming. However, it's always best to check with your accommodation provider regarding any specific visitor policies.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Visitors often rave about the pool overlooking the beach, but there are several other pools and hot tubs scattered throughout the resort, offering variety and convenience.
Beyond relaxing on the beach, enjoy swimming in the pools, playing tennis or basketball, and exploring the charming village. Lake Powell nearby offers kayaking.
Yes, Carillon Beach is very family-friendly with its calm waters, numerous pools, green spaces for play, and a generally relaxed atmosphere.
Bike rentals are available, offering another great way to explore the community and its surroundings.
Guests often report seeing various birds and other coastal wildlife, especially from balconies overlooking the lake or beach.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Carillon Beach has dining options within its village, including The Salty Bottle, which is popular for coffee and drinks.
Carillon Beach is a short drive from Panama City Beach and the 30A corridor, offering a wide array of restaurants, from casual seafood shacks to upscale dining.
Many accommodations, especially condos and vacation rentals, come equipped with full kitchens or kitchenettes, allowing for meal preparation.
There are grocery stores located a short drive away in Panama City Beach, making it convenient to stock up on supplies for your stay.
The Salty Bottle is frequently recommended for its coffee and is a great spot to start your day.
📸 📸 Photography
The private beach with its white sand and clear water is a prime photo location. The charming village streets, colorful buildings, and scenic lake views also offer great photographic opportunities.
Sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are spectacular from Carillon Beach. Sunrises can also be beautiful over the lake and the eastern parts of the coast.
The 'golden hours' shortly after sunrise and before sunset offer the softest, most flattering light for beach photography. Midday can be harsh.
The unique coastal architecture of the homes and buildings in Carillon Beach provides excellent subjects for photography, especially the colorful facades and balconies.
Drone usage is often restricted in private communities and near beaches. It's essential to check local regulations and community rules before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The community's walkable nature and green spaces provide opportunities for safe exploration. Plus, being a short drive from Panama City Beach means easy access to additional family-friendly attractions and dining options.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for a condo rental over a hotel suite can also be more economical, especially for groups. Focusing on enjoying the free amenities like the beach and pools, and exploring the nearby free activities rather than paid attractions, will help keep costs down. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for potentially lower rates.
couples
Consider booking a condo with a gulf view for an extra special touch. The proximity to upscale dining and boutique shopping in nearby 30A towns also makes it ideal for romantic excursions.
+1day-trippers
+1 While you won't have time to rent a golf cart, you can still enjoy a walk along the shore and explore the quaint shops. Be aware that access might be restricted for non-residents, so it's best to check community policies beforehand. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to make the most of your limited time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Carillon Beach's Private Beach
This private access means you can spread out, enjoy the sound of the waves without constant interruption, and truly relax. The multiple beach walkovers ensure easy access from various points within the community, making it convenient to pop back to your accommodation for a break or a snack. The gulf-front pools further enhance the beach experience, allowing you to enjoy ocean views while lounging by the water.
For photographers and beach lovers alike, the expansive and uncrowded nature of Carillon Beach provides an ideal setting. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read a book, build sandcastles with the kids, or simply soak in the coastal beauty, this private stretch of sand is a major highlight.
Navigating Carillon Beach: Golf Carts & Walkability
Golf carts are permitted in designated areas, and parking is available at key locations, making them incredibly convenient. This not only adds to the vacation feel but also reduces reliance on cars for short trips within the community. Many visitors find that renting a golf cart significantly enhances their experience, allowing for spontaneous trips to the beach or a leisurely cruise around the neighborhood.
Beyond golf carts, Carillon Beach is also quite walkable. The village area is compact and pleasant to stroll through, and many accommodations are within a reasonable walking distance to the beach. For those who prefer to stretch their legs, walking is a viable option, offering a chance to appreciate the community's landscaping and architecture at a slower pace.
Accommodation Options and Community Feel
+1The community itself is often described as charming, upscale, and peaceful. It fosters a strong sense of community, with residents and guests enjoying the shared amenities and the relaxed coastal lifestyle. The presence of green spaces for events and music on the lawn adds to the communal atmosphere.
While some older condos might show minor signs of wear, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors planning return trips. The focus remains on the beautiful surroundings, the excellent amenities, and the tranquil environment that Carillon Beach provides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit