Panama City Beach has long been a favorite destination for travelers seeking an affordable, fun-filled beach vacation. This seaside town in Northwest Florida boasts glistening white sand edging emerald-green waters and an average 320 days of sunshine annually. It’s no wonder Conde Nast Traveler put Panama City Beach on its recent “Most Beautiful Beaches in America” list. Here are some of the fun–in–the–sun amenities visitors enjoy.

Award-winning Beaches
Panama City Beach is best known for its silky, white-sand beaches and the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The destination boasts more than 27 miles of beach, earning such accolades as:

- One of America’s Top 10 Beaches – TripAdvisor, 2008
- One of America's 20 Most Beautiful Beaches - Conde Nast Traveler, 2006
- Top Ten Family Beach Destination - USA Today, 2005
- Blue Wave Beach - The Clean Beaches Council, 2002, '03, '04
- #10 Beach in America - The Travel Channel, 2001
- Top Five "Best Beaches" - Southern Living, 2000
- #3 Beach in America - The Surfrider Foundation, 2000
- #1 Beach - Dr. Beach (Stephen Leatherman), 1995

Growth and Development

"The Beach Lover's Beach" is enjoying tremendous growth. Offering the beach as a backyard, condos, resorts, hotels, townhomes and villas are transforming the destination. In early 2007, Panama City Beach had 19 recently completely resort and condominium projects, with 17 more underway. By the beginning of 2008, inventory is expected to reach an all-time high of more than 21,000 rooms.

The destination broke ground, Nov. 2007, on a new eco-friendly airport. Slated to open during the first quarter, 2010, the 100,000 square-foot facility will be the first airport in the United States to incorporate the security requirements resulting from 9/11. The new airport is expected to open up travel from major markets, both domestically and internationally.

Once here, visitors will find shopping, dining and entertainment all within easy reach at Pier Park, making its debut in the spring 2008. This 900,000 square-foot retail and entertainment complex, developed by the Simon Property Group, sits on 93 acres in the heart of Panama City Beach. Now open: Target, Panera Bread, The Grand 16-Plex Theatres, Longhorn Steakhouse and more. When completed, Pier Park will house a mix of popular national and local retailers and restaurants, including: Dillard’s, JCPenney, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Starbucks, Ann Taylor Loft, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Ulta Cosmetics, Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works. From Pier Park’s open-air restaurants and eateries, diners will enjoy cool ocean breezes and spectacular Gulf views.

Family Fun

There is much more to this beach town than sun and sand. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum is scheduled to open in the summer of 2006. The unusual three-story structure is designed to look like a 1950's luxury cruise liner run aground. The museum amazes with such oddities as a shrunken head and an 11-foot-tall Eiffel Tower made from match sticks. Panama City Beach’s popular family attractions also include:

- Gulf World Marine Park
- Shipwreck Island Waterpark
- Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
- Zoo World Zoological and Botanical Park
- Museum of Man in the Sea

Active Adventure

In this destination known as the "Wreck Capital of the South," scuba divers explore historic wrecks and artificial reefs. Snorkelers chase giant Manta rays and brightly colored tropical fish. Sailing, windsurfing, pleasure boating, parasailing and jet skiing are all popular ways to explore the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors hop aboard tour boats too for trips to Shell Island.

For landlubbers, Panama City Beach boasts five 18-hole championship golf courses. No wonder the destination was named the third best golf town in the U.S. by Golf Digest magazine. Also on land, visitors enjoy fishing, hiking and camping in St. Andrews State Recreational Area.

Easily Accessible By Land, Air & Sea

Panama City Beach is located in Bay County, Fla., in the Northwest portion of the state often referred to as "The Emerald Coast." Daily commercial air service is provided by a variety of carriers through Panama City - Bay County International Airport, just 15 minutes from the beach. Florida's Intercoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico bring boaters to the area's many marinas.

Seasonal Temperatures

Panama City Beach offers visitors 320 days of sunshine per year and an average year-round temperature of 78 degrees. Average seasonal temperatures are:

- Spring - Daytime high of 74 degrees
- Summer - Daytime high of 91 degrees
- Fall - Daytime high of 80 degrees
- Winter - Daytime high of 64 degrees

Contact

Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 9473, Panama City Beach, FL 32417
800-PCBEACH or www.visitpanamacitybeach.com