Florida Panhandle beaches

Panama City Beach

Panama City is as diverse as you want it to be. Take your pick of vacations -- this is a bring-the-family, party, snooze-until-noon, find-romance-under-the-stars kind of place. Meaning: There’s something for everyone. Whatever you do, leave time for plain old relaxing on the dazzling quartz-sand beach. Access to the beach is easy when you’re staying at one of the numerous condos, hotels and resorts along the coast. Done with sunning for the day? Give pier fishing a try, paddle a kayak in a saltwater lagoon, have lunch at a seaside restaurant, shop for trinkets or take the kids to an amusement park. One thing’s for certain -- you’ll never claim boredom here.

Pensacola

Pensacola Beach is a white-sand beach and barrier island in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Beachgoers can swim in the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. Divers can explore the USS Oriskany, the world's largest artificial reef, which is southeast of Pensacola Pass. Campers have access to water, bathrooms, grills and picnic tables at Fort Pickens. Other vacationers can find accommodations hotels, motels and condos. The Quietwater Beach Boardwalk houses shops, restaurant and bars. Live music can be heard on the boardwalk or at many of the bars along the beach.

8899 Cape San Blas Rd., Port St. Joe

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park has miles of pristine sugar-white sand beaches, striking dunes and a forested interior. The entrance to the 2,516-acre park is about halfway down a narrow strip of land that juts out into the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joe Bay, which means easy access to deep sea and inland fishing.