by Margaret Mair

Created on: September 12, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Why spend New Year's Eve in Panama City Beach? Beautiful white sand beaches and emerald green waters are inviting any time of the year, and for those who prefer their beaches less crowded this time of year is perfect for enjoying the miles of beaches here. The temperature is pleasantly cool - hovering around 65 Fahrenheit during the day and dipping down to between 42 and 48 Fahrenheit at night. Perfect weather for spending the last days of the year strolling or playing on the beach or exploring the surrounding area. Lower costs for accommodation at this time of year make visiting even more attractive.

There are all kinds of accommodation to choose from: motels, small or large, resort-type hotels, condominiums - something to suit all styles and budgets. Those who love to be pampered can choose a complex like the Edgewater Beach Resort, where they can stay in a villa or apartment and amenities include a spa, restaurants, pools, hot tubs, tennis, golf, shuffleboard, a fitness center, a private beach, even room service. Other visitors might opt for a the simpler pleasures of a place like the Beach Tower Resort, with private balconies overlooking the gulf, a heated pool for winter use, and a Beach Bar. Still others might prefer smaller or more budget friendly accommodations.

New Year's Eve is for celebrating. Those who like to celebrate with parties full of music and dance and fun will certainly find something to suit their tastes - 2008 festivities include a cruise on the Lady Anderson dining yacht or dinner and dancing at Schooners or partying at Spinnaker Beach Club. Party-ers on the Lady Anderson will enjoy a buffet, live music, party favors and champagne to toast the end of the old year and beginning of the new. Schooners is planning a Roaring 20s New Year's Eve Party, with music provided by Arizona who will no doubt play with their usual panache and heart. Spinnaker Beach Club is ushering the New Year in with a Winter Wonderland White Party with music by the Kenny Rudd band. Those who prefer to do their own thing can create their own celebration, maybe dining at one of the excellent seafood restaurants in the area before an evening walk along the beach and a quiet toast to the incoming year on a balcony overlooking the sea.

New Year's day is a good day to make time for things that relax and rejuvenate, and there are a lot of relaxing ways to pass the day in Panama City Beach. St. Andrews Park is open year round for those who love hiking, biking or just being in the outdoors, with acres of coastal dunes, wetlands, and forests and a host of wildlife. The beach invites those who love to stroll beside the waves, hunt for sea shells, be beachcombers or play. Others may choose to lounge beside a pool, play golf, play tennis, or just kick back and relax. Everyone can leave rested and ready to enjoy the coming year.

Learn more about this author, Margaret Mair.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.