TRAVEL CHANNEL RATES PANAMA CITY BEACH AS TOP FIVE FAMILY BEACH

Published by Ozgur Tore
Sunday, 07 June 2009

Looking for a great summer getaway? Panama City Beach, Fla., makes a splash, recognized by the Travel Channel as one of America’s Best Beaches for Families.
This Northwest Florida destination ranks Number Five on the Travel Channel’s list of Top 10 family-friendly beaches in the United States, cited for pristine beaches, award-winning cuisine, family attractions, child-friendly restaurants and accommodations, water sports, entertainment, nightlife and more.

“Panama City Beach is proud to receive this recognition from the Travel Channel,” says Dan Rowe, president and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. “From spectacular beaches, water parks, and marine attractions to world-class golf, fishing, shopping and dining, travelers of all ages find everything they’re looking for in a great beach vacation here in Panama City Beach.”

The destination boasts 27 miles of sugar-white-sand beaches bordering the clear emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. Although sand and surf are the main draws, Panama City Beach earned accolades for its full gamut of offerings, rating a five out of five from the Travel Channel for “Child-Friendliness” and “Non-Beach Activities.”

Spanning roughly one million square feet in the heart of town, the new Pier Park is Northwest Florida’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Enjoy soft sea breezes while shopping or dining al fresco at this venue overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. With predictably warm, sunny weather, Panama City Beach welcomes families year-round with outdoor concerts, festivals, fishing, golf, boating, sunset cruises, dolphin excursions, eco-tours, sporting events and more.

Cited by the Travel Channel as the Best Day Trip, St. Andrew’s State Park spans 1,260 acres. Hike the nature trails to see deer, egrets and graceful tropical birds. Some of America’s best deep-sea diving is right off the park’s coast in the jetties and nearby Shell Island, the Travel Channel says. The water here is crystal clear, making it ideal for watching the large schools of brightly colored tropical fish.

Among Panama City Beach’s other family favorites noted by the Travel Channel, Gulf World Marine Park offers entertaining animal shows and a chance to swim with dolphins. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is one of Florida’s largest theme water parks. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium features fascinating finds from around the world, while ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Park is home to more than 250 animals, including rare and endangered species, in a lush, tropical setting.

More travelers around the globe are about to discover this Florida gem thanks to a new international airport slated to open early next year, making Panama City Beach easily accessible to travelers across the country and in international markets. With a myriad of green features incorporated into the design and construction, the airport aims to be the first in the U.S. to receive LEED certification.

A long-time favorite among beach enthusiasts, Panama City Beach also has enjoyed recognition as a premier beach destination from Condé Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor®, USA Today, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council.

Other destinations on the Travel Channel’s list of Best Beaches for Families are: Coronado Beach, Newport Beach and Santa Barbara, Calif.; Nantucket Island, Mass.; Siesta Key, Fla; Poipu Beach, Hi.; Duck, N.C.; and Hilton Head and Kiawah Island, S.C.