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W ith 27 miles of sugar white beaches, a 3,000-acre conserva- tion park, two state parks, and everything water, Panama City Beach has long been one of Florida's favorite destina- tions. Plus, fall and winter are the chosen seasons to visit for those in the know. DO Whether you're boating, fishing, scuba diving or kayaking, the emerald-green waters offer the perfect way to spend the day. If shopping is on your agenda, Beach House Market offers 20-plus vendors selling beach-inspired gifts under one roof. Mom- and-pop shops blend seamlessly with national chains and restaurants in the distinctive outdoor shopping and lifestyle center Pier Park. Arriving for New Year's Eve? Enjoy the family-friendly celebration at the New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop. The Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival in February welcomes the entire family to revel in the fun. SEE The kids—and the kid in you—will delight in the imaginative attractions found only in Panama City Beach. Get lost in the labyrinth named Gran Maze at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park then head over to Barnacle Bay for a round of mini-golf. Artists love the natural beauty of this area and many, like Paul Brent, have galleries open to the public. If it's Saturday or Sunday morning, the Grand Lagoon Waterfront Farmers' Market is hailed by the New York Times as one of the "top 10 things to do at PCB." PLAY AND EAT Some of the finest fresh-from-the-sea dishes can be found at every turn. Enjoy fresh grouper, oysters, Gulf shrimp and amberjack. If barbeque is your passion, get ready for the best pulled pork the South can offer. Home to the largest nightclub in the country, Club La Vela tells you first-hand that this place knows how to party. If rock or country music are more your style, check out Spinnaker Beach Club & Paradise Grill next door. You can't go wrong with Tootsie's Orchid Lounge either; it's just as much fun as its world-famous namesake in Nashville. INSIDER'S TIP If you are looking for a secluded beach, you will love the serenity at Camp Helen State Park at the west end of Panama City Beach or the uninhabited Shell Island off of St. Andrews State Park. EMERALD GREEN AND Sugar White BY STEVE WINSTON VISIT PANAMA CITY BEACH PA N AMA C I T Y B E AC H Panama City Beach: visitpanamacitybeach.com Camp Helen State Park: floridastateparks.org/park/Camp-Helen Coconut Creek Family Fun Park: coconutcreekfun.com Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival: mardigrasatthebeach.com Pier Park: simon.com/mall/pier-park FEATURED LINKS TOP: Admiring the view at Panama City Beach. CENTER: Family time at sunset in Panama City Beach. 130 2017 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA