Think warm summer sunshine and sand so white and soft it sparkles, squeaks and rolls like ski moguls. Think spacious suite overlooking the beach with a view of water like liquid gemstones. Think swimmingly fresh seafood and shops straight off the sand. Now think of saving up to $6,000 on a vacation in this idyllic beach setting.

It's no fantasy. It's the real thing: Panama City Beach, the ultimate destination for live-in-your-swimsuit summer getaways.


White Sand, White Sale

Feeling a tad pale and sand-deprived? Then hit the bright-white sands of Panama City Beach, where cool shades are a wardrobe staple. Formed from quartz crystals washed through the millennia downstream from the Appalachian Mountains, the local beaches aren't the only thing white this summer.

The Panama City Beach Summer White Sale gives visitors up to $6,000 in savings with discounts on accommodations, dining, beach and watersports activities, shopping, golfing and other attractions. The more you enjoy Panama City Beach, the more you can save.

The best thing about Panama City Beach shopping is you don't have to step far off the sand. In many cases, you can shop right on the beach.

Miles of Beach

Twenty-seven miles, to be almost exact – Panama City Beach is where it all happens. Recognized among America's most popular and healthiest beaches, its action clusters around its fishing piers. Folks gather at Dan Russell Pier (also known as the City Pier) for beach access and fishing. S. Rick Seltzer Park is another favorite, plus more than 90 other access points lead to these luscious sands with their view of Northwest Florida's emerald Gulf of Mexico waters and must-see-before-you-die sunsets.


A Quieter Coast

Two more fishing piers stretch from secluded St. Andrews State Park and Recreation Area (ranked #2 on TripAdvisor's list of top ten beaches for 2008). One sits on the bay side, and one juts offshore from the towering, sea-oats-fringed dunes on its Gulf beachfront. A fishing jetty further encourages the casting crowd. It marks the fish-filled pass between the park and aptly named Shell Island. The park runs boat shuttles out to the island for shelling and snorkeling (schedule varies according to season), with equipment rentals available.


Getting Wet

Fishing and snorkeling are just the beginning of what happens in and on the water in Panama City Beach. Besides pulling in billfish and swimming with fishies in sparkling clean water, visitors can sink into the "Wreck Capital of the South" with scuba gear and a sense of adventure.

Take a look "under da sea" without getting wet, thanks to a number of glass-bottom boat tours, where dolphins often catch a ride in the wake. Boating in all forms – from paddling and Jet-Skiing to power-boating and sailing – is considered lifestyle here.


Sunny Buys

The best thing about Panama City Beach shopping is you don't have to step far off the sand. In many cases, you can shop right on the beach. Shops and boutiques specialize in beach wear, resort apparel and all the toys you need to keep everyone beach-happy. One of the newest, closest-to-the-beach arenas for shopping is Pier Park, across the street from City Pier. From its rooftop restaurants, you can feel the sea breeze and drink in gorgeous beach views.


Beachy Eats

Well-loved for their fresh seafood and kick-back attitudes, many of the town's favorite restaurants sit directly on the beach for the ultimate in beach-bumming convenience. Besides its mahi-mahi sandwiches, smoked tuna dip and other seafood delicacies, Spinnaker's Paradise Grill has a reputation for burgers in seven varieties, including a one-pounder.

At Pineapple Willy's the barbecued ribs come by the sand bucket-full and its eponymous cocktail can be super-sized to 32 ounces in a cup you keep.


Planted in the Sand

The truly beach-obsessed will want to stay at Gulf-front accommodations, which range from comfortable mom-and-pop places to luxury resorts such as Edgewater Beach Resort, with its own spa and golf course. Families especially gravitate to the wide-open beach at Boardwalk Beach Resort, where they can choose from a hotel room or condo.

To plan your own Panama City Beach getaway, call 800-PCBEACH or visit www.beachloversbeach.com.