A little sun, a little sand and the sea. The combination makes for a great family vacation. Here are five destinations to consider:
1. Panama City Beach, Fla. Here, the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge before spilling onto 27 miles of sugary white sand beaches. Boasting 320 days of sunshine, championship golf, spas and a diverse menu of recreational opportunities, it’s a warm-weather community fit for families. Stay at the full-service Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort and swim in a lagoon pool, play tennis, access kids’ programming through the Adventure Zone, ride a jet ski and stretch out with yoga on the beach. Comfortable suites offer fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. Check out the scene before you go on the Panama City beach webcam.
Contact: visitpanamacitybeach.com; resortcollection.com.
2. Duck Key, Fla. Do you have an aspiring mermaid in your household? The Orlando-based Mermaid Academy makes this seafaring fantasy a reality at the Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys. Kids can “dip their tail in the water” and see what swimming like this mystical creature actually feels like in the resort’s salt-water lagoon. Families can also check out the dolphin research facility, learn to use a stand-up paddleboard, opt for a day at the Coral Cay Adventure Kids Club or explore the underwater world with a snorkel.
Contact: www.hawkscay.com; www.themermaidacademy.com.
3. Wailea, Hawaii. If you are looking for island luxury and a spot the kids will rave about, the seaside Grand Wailea Resort fits the bill. Check out the Rock, a 20,000 square-foot mini resort, offering creatively designed spaces and programs for youngsters and teens. The expansive Wailea Canyon activity pool is the spot for imaginative water play, deck-side lei and puka shell neckace-making and the chance to check out the Fishpipe. The latter is a unique water ride, described as the world’s first rotating barrel ride with a top speed of 11 feet per second.
