Quick Summary: Gulf Crest is a Gulf-front condominium resort at 8715 Surf Drive on the east end of Panama City Beach, Florida. Browse the current listings above, then compare the individual condo's Gulf view, floor plan, condition and total ownership costs. Gulf Crest offers 294 feet of sandy beach, two large Gulf-front pools, a poolside Tiki Hut Bar and Restaurant, a Gulf-front fitness center and a location near St. Andrews State Park.
Gulf Crest condos may work as second homes, vacation properties or short-term rentals, subject to current condominium rules. Buyers should verify HOA fees, insurance, reserves, assessments, financing, parking rules and realistic net rental income before making an offer.
View Gulf Crest Condos for SaleCall or Text Roger: 850-596-5844
Gulf Crest can be a good fit for buyers who want a Gulf-front Panama City Beach condo in a quieter east-end setting, with exceptionally large Gulf-front balconies, an extensive amenity package and gated security near St. Andrews State Park. It may appeal to vacation-rental investors, second-home buyers and owners who want to spend part of the year at the beach.
The beachfront location and resort amenities can help attract vacation guests, but that does not automatically make every unit a strong investment. Floor plan, floor level, Gulf view, balcony position, interior condition, furnishings, rental history and total ownership expenses can create substantial differences between two condos in the same building.
Before purchasing, review both the individual condo and the condominium association. Current dues, insurance, reserves, structural reports, pending projects, special assessments and rental rules can matter just as much as the asking price.
Building information can change or differ among public sources. Buyers should verify unit dimensions, parking rights, storage, association responsibilities and all material facts through the current listing, condominium documents, association records and professional inspections.
Amenities can change. Confirm current amenities, hours, guest policies and any fees with the association before buying. Do not rely on HOA amounts, rental-income figures or pet policy statements from listings or third-party sources — verify HOA dues, rental rules and pet policies directly with the Gulf Crest homeowners association.
Gulf Crest offers assigned covered parking in a gated community. Confirm the number of assigned spaces, guest parking rules, vehicle restrictions and any parking passes or fees with the association before making an offer.
Do not rely on secondhand statements about pet policy. Pet rules can change and may differ for owners, guests and renters. Verify the current pet policy directly with the Gulf Crest homeowners association.
The building sits directly on 294 feet of sandy beach with seasonal beach service. Confirm beach chair and umbrella service details, seasons and any fees with the association or the service provider.
Gulf Crest has approximately 151–152 units in a 22-story tower completed in 2004. The two main floor plans are 2-bedroom/2-bath units around 1,310–1,388 square feet and 3-bedroom/2- to 3-bath units around 1,676–1,801 square feet.
The balconies are a standout feature. Two-bedroom units have a large Gulf-front balcony of about 340 square feet, while three-bedroom units have a wrap-around Gulf-front balcony of about 719 square feet — among the largest balconies in Panama City Beach.
Layouts, square footage and balcony size can vary by unit and floor. Verify the exact floor plan, measurements and balcony dimensions for any specific condo through the current listing and association records.
Gulf Crest sits at 8715 Surf Drive on the east end of Panama City Beach, just off Thomas Drive at Joan Avenue — a quieter stretch of beach minutes from St. Andrews State Park.
The east-end setting offers quick access to the park's beaches, nature trails and snorkeling at the jetty, while the restaurants and shops along Thomas Drive and the broader beach are an easy drive away.
Gulf Crest streams its own live HD beach cam from the pool deck. Watch the live player below, or use the direct link if your device blocks embedded video.
Gulf Crest HD beach cam (direct link)
Confirm hours, seasonal schedules and availability before visiting, as they can change.
Comparing nearby buildings can help you find the right fit. Also see these Panama City Beach condo guides:
Short-term rentals are reported as allowed at Gulf Crest, but rental rules can change. Buyers planning to rent should verify the current rental policy — including any minimum stay, registration, fees or management requirements — directly with the Gulf Crest homeowners association and review the condominium documents before buying.
Also confirm how the association handles guest check-in, parking passes for renters and any rules that could affect occupancy or guest reviews.
Related: Can you use a Panama City Beach condo as a vacation rental?
Do not rely on rental-income figures quoted in listings or marketing materials. Net rental income depends on occupancy, nightly rates, management fees, cleaning costs, HOA dues, insurance, property taxes, maintenance and vacancies.
Ask for the unit's actual rental history, review comparable units' performance, and build a conservative projection that accounts for all ownership costs before deciding what a condo can earn.
Do not rely on HOA amounts quoted in listings or third-party sources — dues change. Verify the current HOA fee, what it covers, the association's reserves, insurance coverage and any pending or planned special assessments directly with the Gulf Crest homeowners association and through the condominium documents.
For a 2004 Gulf-front tower, pay particular attention to the building's structural and reserve studies, insurance costs, and any planned concrete restoration, roofing, elevator or amenity projects that could trigger assessments.
Condo financing can be more complex than single-family financing. Lenders review the association's budget, reserves, insurance, owner-occupancy ratio and any litigation — and some buildings are not warrantable for conventional loans.
Get pre-approved with a lender experienced in Panama City Beach condos, and confirm the building's warrantability status early in the process.
Related: Warrantable vs. non-warrantable condos in Panama City Beach
Gulf Crest stands out for its exceptionally large balconies — the three-bedroom units' wrap-around Gulf-front balconies of about 719 square feet are among the largest in Panama City Beach — along with its 2004 construction, gated entry and quiet east-end location near St. Andrews State Park.
With approximately 151–152 units, Gulf Crest can feel less crowded at the pools and beach than the larger mega-resorts. Compare dues, amenities, rental rules and beach frontage against nearby buildings to find the best fit for your goals.
Related: Panama City Beach condo buildings comparison guide
If you are buying a Gulf Crest condo, start by comparing the current listings above — Gulf view, floor level, balcony position, interior condition and furnishings can vary widely between units. Then verify the numbers: HOA dues, insurance, property taxes, rental rules and any assessments.
A local buyer's agent who knows the building can help you evaluate specific units, negotiate and navigate the condominium documents.
Search current Gulf Crest condos
If you are selling a Gulf Crest condo, pricing should reflect your unit's Gulf view, floor level, balcony, condition, furnishings and rental history — not just the building average. Strong photography, accurate floor plans and complete HOA documentation help attract qualified buyers.
These guides can help you plan your purchase:
Planning a visit? Call or text Roger at 850-596-5844 to tour available Gulf Crest condos.
Gulf Crest Condominiums is located at 8715 Surf Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 — a Gulf-front high-rise on the east end of Panama City Beach, just off Thomas Drive at Joan Avenue and minutes from St. Andrews State Park.
Gulf Crest was built in 2004, per most MLS records. The 22-story tower has approximately 151–152 units.
The two main floor plans are 2-bedroom/2-bath units around 1,310–1,388 square feet and 3-bedroom/2- to 3-bath units around 1,676–1,801 square feet.
Two-bedroom units have a large Gulf-front balcony of about 340 square feet, while three-bedroom units have a wrap-around Gulf-front balcony of about 719 square feet — among the largest balconies in Panama City Beach.
Amenities include two large Gulf-front pools (one heated year-round), two hot tubs, a kiddie pool area, a poolside Tiki Hut Bar and Restaurant, 294 feet of sandy beach with seasonal beach service, a Gulf-front fitness center, an owner's lounge, a billiards room, a video arcade room, three high-speed elevators, assigned covered parking, a gated community with 24-hour security reported, BBQ grills and Gulf-front pavilions.
Short-term rentals are reported as allowed at Gulf Crest, but rental rules can change. Buyers should verify the current rental policy directly with the homeowners association before purchasing.
HOA dues change over time, so do not rely on amounts quoted in listings or third-party sources. Verify the current HOA fee, what it covers and any assessments directly with the Gulf Crest homeowners association.
Pet policies can change and may differ for owners, guests and renters. Verify the current pet policy directly with the Gulf Crest homeowners association.
Gulf Crest offers assigned covered parking in a gated community. Verify unit-specific parking rights, guest parking rules and vehicle restrictions with the association.
Yes. Gulf Crest is on the east end of Panama City Beach, minutes from St. Andrews State Park and its beaches, nature trails and snorkeling at the jetty.
Yes. Gulf Crest streams its own live HD beach cam from the pool deck — see the live player above or visit the resort's cam page directly.
Browse the current listings at the top of this page, compare Gulf views, floor plans and total ownership costs, and verify HOA dues, rental rules and assessments with the association. To tour available condos, call or text Roger at 850-596-5844.
Browse the current Gulf Crest condos for sale in the listing feed at the top of this page. Inventory changes frequently — check back often or contact Roger for new listings as they come to market.
Roger Rietsema, Realtor®
Allison James Estates & Homes
Panama City Beach and 30A Real Estate
Call or text: 850-596-5844
Email: [email protected]
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This guide to Gulf Crest Condominiums at 8715 Surf Drive, Panama City Beach, FL is based on MLS records, county property records, the resort's official site (gulfcrestcondominiums.com) and other public sources. Building details can change; verify all material facts through the current listing, condominium documents and professional inspections.
Last updated: October 2, 2026.
