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Time to Hit the Beach!

By Treasure Hatch March 10, 2015

Every year, I hear the same thing. “Mom, what beach are we going to escape to this year?” 


It is true that we are a beach loving family and have spent many Januarys on the hunt for the best places to stay to ward off the Winter doldrums. The Caribbean is often our preferred landing spot as their secret hideaways never disappoint, but the extra time and money it takes to get there sometimes make the trip impossible on a tight budget.


Enter in: 


Panama City Beach, Florida!


Wait . . . Florida?


How have we missed the fact that one of the best beaches in the world is right here in the US?  With a convenient airport less than 30 minutes from the beach? Looks like we have found our home away from home in Panama City Beach. 
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Boasting twenty seven miles of public beaches and 100 beach access paths, you are promised to get your fix of the beautiful sunsets over the Gulf waters.

Accommodations are aplenty with hotels, timeshares, and beach rentals along the beautiful “squeaky sands” (yes, the sand really does squeak when you walk on it) and emerald green waters so clear you can see the bottom. 
Splash! is a wonderful west end property right on the beach that caters to families with full kitchens, free DVD rentals, beautiful pools and even an onsite waterpark for the kids. 


I loved the abundance of locally-owned restaurants featuring a mix of the southern comfort food with the Cajun influence of their nearby NOLA neighbors. Schooners Beach Club is a “not to be missed” experience where I suggest you order their blue crab fingers, sit back and wait for their cannon to blast, announcing the setting sun each evening. Make sure you have your camera ready!

 



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With many festivals scheduled throughout the year, it is easy to find the perfect time to visit PBC. I was excited to visit during their Annual Mardi Gras Celebration where they pull out all the stops for family friendly fun with concerts, parades and lots and lots of beads!



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With all of this fun it is hard to pick a favorite spot, but if my hands were tied, I would have to choose St Andrews State Park. Here you can grab a fishing pole and head out onto the pier to catch the night’s dinner, or take a walk to Gator Lake for a moment of quiet solitude as you spend the afternoon with the local pelican habitat.


The park is perfect for exploring, hiking and beach sitting without the crowds. I was most excited to find Kiddie Cove, an enormous inlet of water, perfect for all of the little ones to enjoy splashing without the worry of deep waters.  


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It would take a week or more to experience all that PBC has to offer!   Gulf World Marine Park,Shipwreck Island Water Park,Wonderworks Upside-Down House,Ripley's, Believe it or Not and Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, are just a few of the activities and venues within a 5 minute drive of the beach.  There is no shortage of fun for all ages and budgets!


I’m calling Panama City Beach my own little Caribbean getaway within an hour’s flight from my Austin home. It has a perfect mix of small town living, Cajun fare, family fun and laid back atmosphere!


Our writer was provided with a 3-night stay courtesy of PCB for the purposes of writing this review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are her own.