The Boardwalk Beach Resort

By Susan Vallee
Published: February 18, 2009
Last Updated On: March 10, 2011

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Beaches

Family

Panama City Beach

Grab the kids and live (or relive) the Panama City Beach magic.

Okay, 'fess up. You know you have an "I love PCB" air-brushed T-shirt somewhere in the back of your closet.

It's nothing to be ashamed of. If you haven't been back to this famous sugar-white sand beach lately, now is the time to grab the kids and go.

Panama City Beach has always been popular with families because there is just so much great stuff to do with the kids. Within a few short miles you can go to Gulf World Marine Park where the little ones can marvel at sea lions, or you can thrill a young teen with a dolphin encounter (this fills up fast though, so schedule before you go) or catch a magic show featuring Noah Wells.

A few miles away are lions, tigers and a giraffe that you can pet at ZooWorld. Occupying the space between these two are elaborate mini-golf courses, multi-level go-cart racetracks, seashell shops, souvenir shops and more restaurants selling fresh fish than you can shake a stick at.

As many things as there are to do in "town," the real action is on the beach. Early morning shell hunts and late night crabbing are rights of passage every child should experience at some point.

I'm not sure how they did it, but The Boardwalk Beach Resort manages to be located smack in the middle of all this excitement while feeling completely isolated from the world.

While The Boardwalk's hotel offers an affordable alternative, it's the style and culture of The Boardwalk Beach Resort Condominium that is perfect for traveling families. Children are within minutes of Ripley's Believe or Not Museum and the thrill of watching the fleet come in at Captain Anderson's Marina, while parents will appreciate the beauty of the resorts zero-entry Gulf-front swimming pool and ridiculously large private beach at their disposal.

Comfort and Convenience

Spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom condominium units are fully equipped with large luxurious kitchens. Granite countertops, a breakfast bar and floor to ceiling windows lend a sophisticated yet comfortable style. Bedrooms are large and spacious and the views from the master bedroom might elicit the only who-gets-which-room argument of your entire vacation.

If you don't feel like making a stop at the grocery store, The Island Breeze Corner Market, located on the main level, is fully stocked with everything you might need (or want – ice cream, anyone?). Grabbing a quick lunch is easy thanks to Under the Boardwalk Bar & Grille and food court at the adjacent Convention Center.


Beach Time

As many things as there are to do in "town," the real action is on the beach. Early morning shell hunts and late night crabbing are rights of passage every child should experience at some point. Of course, once they catch a crab you might have second thoughts about how great it is to have your own kitchen.

To help you wind down, The Boardwalk shows movies at sunset on a 30-foot inflatable screen. Watching Shrek in your swimsuit with the emerald green and blue of the Gulf of Mexico in the background is an event the whole family will enjoy (and it's free!).

Also popular (and free to Boardwalk guests) is the Kids Club program. Upon check-in children ages 5-12 receive a sand pail, coloring book, crayons, snack and program schedule.

The Kids Activity Zone is located next door to the Island Breeze Corner Market and is a mecca for arts and crafts playtime. Brightly painted ceiling tiles boast handprints and other treasures, and the rays of a giant sun brighten an entire wall of the Activity Zone. Beginning this summer, parents will be able to enjoy a romantic evening alone while the kids enjoy a fun activity and meal in the Activity Zone.


Pirate's Treasure

Children may also explore the beach with Kids Club mascot, B.W. Macaw. A recent outing had a cluster of children embarking on a treasure hunt (while dressed in full pirate regalia).

If the kids refuse to abandon their pirate clothes, hop in the car and head down to Grand Lagoon for a cruise on the Sea Dragon. They'll be in awe of the 85-foot pirate ship. If you feel like keeping the theme up, book a reservation at The Treasure Ship Restaurant. Built to look like a 17th century Spanish galleon, the restaurant has a gift shop filled to the brim with all-things-pirate.

So what are you waiting for? Let's go!

To plan your own getaway to Panama City Beach and The Boardwalk Beach Resort, call 800-224-GULF or visit www.boardwalkbeachresort.com.