A fun-filled beach getaway is within easy reach for travelers looking to stretch their vacation dollar. Just head to the award-winning Panama City Beach, Fla., beckoning with miles of sugar-white sand bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
This Northwest Florida destination is home to a TripAdvisor® 2008 Top Two beach in America - St. Andrew’s State Recreation Area. Perfect for family vacations or romantic getaways, Panama City Beach has everything, from hiking trails, championship golf and family attractions to world-class spas, restaurants and shopping venues. Water activities abound too in this prime destination for sport fishing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, boating and more.
Once a classic seaside town, Panama City Beach today is in the midst of a revitalization trend. Visitors find new oceanfront spas, restaurants, shops and more. New accommodations fit all budgets. Options range from charming beach cottages to luxurious multi-bedroom condominiums with private balconies affording spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico. Also, on the horizon is a new international airport. Slated to open early in 2010, it will make the destination easily accessible to millions of travelers throughout the world.
A WAVE OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Development is underway for a state-of-the-art airport, slated to debut early in 2010. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport will provide travelers with better service and more competitive fares from major domestic markets and abroad.
Located on Panama City Beach’s expansive West Bay, the eco-friendly terminal will highlight the destination’s natural beauty. A 40,000-acre nature preserve will be created in conjunction with the airport. Called the West Bay Preservation Area, the refuge will offer the largest expanse of undeveloped coastline in Florida. It will provide permanent protection for the areas around bay, including 33 miles of shoreline and 44 miles of tributaries and creeks. In addition to preserving water quality and biodiversity, the sanctuary will feature large expanses for hiking, fishing and bird watching.
For shopping and dining enthusiasts, Pier Park completed its second phase of construction in 2008. Located in the heart of town across from the City Pier, this open-air complex spans nearly one million square feet, making it Northwest Florida’s largest shopping/dining/ entertainment venue. Pier Park houses a mix of popular national chains and favorite local boutiques and eateries. Included in the lineup are: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Dillard’s, Old Navy, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Candymaker Candy Stores, The Back Porch restaurant and Hofbrau Beer Garden. Visitors enjoy a park-like setting and spectacular Gulf views.
Choices abound in accommodations too, the destination continues to increase its offering of upscale beachfront resorts and condominiums. Room inventory climbed to 21,200 in 2008. Options range from cozy beach cottages to luxury condominiums overlooking the Gulf.
FAMILY ATTRACTION ACTION
Families find affordable fun in the sun year-round – from marine attractions, water parks, zoos and pirate cruises to boating, fishing, snorkeling, diving and parasailing.
Popular family attractions include Gulf World Marine Park, where families learn about preservation and enjoy up-close-and personal encounters with dolphins, sea lions, reptiles, tropical birds and more. At Shipwreck Island Waterpark, a speedy, new
online ticketing service gives guests more time for thrills and spills at one of Florida’s largest water theme parks. For more action and adventure, visitors cruise Gulf waters aboard the Sea Dragon, an authentic 85-foot pirate ship, with cannons blasting and pirates hanging from the rigging. There is also ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Park, home to more than 250 animals, including rare and endangered species. Other attractions include Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, housing fascinating finds from around the world. Additionally, Coconut Creek Family Fun Park offers miniature golf and one of the country’s largest human mazes.
EVENTS SHINE YEAR-ROUND
Visitors who venture beyond the sand and surf find there’s always something fun going on in Panama City Beach, including: music and food festivals, arts and crafts fairs, world-class sporting events, car shows, motorcycle rallies, holiday fests and more. The Seafood, Wine and Music Festival serves up fresh seafood, local wines, concerts by nationally acclaimed artists, and family activities. Emerald Coast Cruizin’ classic car and hot rod show features thousands of cars, live music, vendor expos, swap meets and more. New events for 2009 include the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in April, one of the nation’s largest jazz celebrations, and the Grand Lagoon National Saltwater Fishing Tournament, boasting eight competitive divisions spanning four marinas and an estimated $1 million purse.
HOLE-IN-ONE FOR GOLF
For golfers, Panama City Beach offers pristine greens, reasonable fees and plenty of choices for all skill levels. With five championship golf courses – including the only Nicklaus-design course in Northwest Florida -- the destination has been recognized by Golf Digest magazine
as one of America’s top three golf towns.
DINING TO PLEASE ALL PALATES
Dining enthusiasts toast to Panama City Beach’s blossoming culinary scene. In this destination known as the “Seafood Capital of the South,” chefs fuse bold flavors and fresh seafood to create signature dishes in unique settings. There are award-winning classics as well as new offerings. One restaurant features a 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, while another offers candlelight dining beneath a grand indoor oak tree canopy. For families, there’s a restaurant housed in a full-scale, 200-foot replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Spanish galleon, The Golden Hind. A band of friendly pirates provide tableside entertainment for little ones, while grown-ups enjoy panoramic views of the marina on Panama City Beach’s Grand Lagoon.
Restaurants indulge the sweet tooth with a creative twist on a Florida favorite: Key Lime pie. Cool off with frozen Key Lime pie on a stick, dipped in chocolate and served popsicle-style. Or, savor the flavor of glazed donuts filled with Key Lime custard. For purists, the traditional treat is best enjoyed while dining al fresco at a variety of gulf-front eateries.
