Panama City Beach, Florida

Overview

A visit to Panama City Beach is about the best way to stimulate all five senses at once. Smell the salty sea breezes from the Gulf; feel the warm water lap against your bare skin; taste some of the best seafood in the country; listen to local bands or top 40 hits at nightclubs; and see enough miles of sandy white beaches, parks and water sports to last a lifetime.

There is certainly plenty to do in Panama City Beach. Vacationing families will find that amusement parks such as Gulf World (currently adding a Dolphin Stadium and Tropical Bird Theater) are a hit with the tykes. Most hotels and restaurants are kid-friendly, offering children's programs and meals.

And, of course, there are the spring breakers. Panama City Beach has welcomed spring breakers since the 1950s, when crowds were chaperoned high-school students who entertained themselves by swimming in the Gulf and dancing at places like the Longbeach Hangout. Now, spring breakers flock to this area to cruise Front Beach Drive, work on their tans, shop for airbrushed t-shirts at the numerous souvenir shops and party at local nightspots, such as Club La Vela.

But Panama City Beach is also a quiet vacation spot. Golf and tennis await and the sunset cruises, sailing and dolphin excursions will soothe the work-weary soul.