As someone who has visited the Florida Panhandle for more years than I care to admit, it didn’t surprise me to see that the Florida Panhandle Beaches made Frommer’s Top Destinations of 2010. My favorite area of the Panhandle is by far Panama City Beach.

Panama City Beach has it all: beautiful beaches, trendy shops, an assortment of great restaurants, golf courses, tennis courts, and fishing. Now that Southwest Airlines flies directly into Panama City Beach there’s no excuse not to take advantage of all the Florida Panhandle has to offer. Imagine getting off the plane in warm, sunny weather and being able to immediately enjoy the best Panama City Beach attractions.

There’s plenty to do on a Panama City Beach vacation. You can experience the excitement of greyhound racing at Ebro Greyhound Park where the 2010 season is well underway. Ebro also has a Poker Room with weekly tournaments if you want to enjoy a good game of cards.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or you just enjoy taste testing, tour the Panama City Beach Winery, and savor delicious local wines and desserts.

Families will enjoy a scenic tour on the World’s Largest Speedboat along the coastline. Panama City Beach is also home to Zoo World, which has over 200 animals including endangered species and exotic animals.

And don’t miss out on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise. Children and adults alike will be entertained with sword fights, swabbing the deck (after a water gun fight) and shooting cannons.

No matter if you are a first timer on vacation in Panama City Beach or just passing through while traveling to a different destination be prepared to be dazzled. This area is known as the Emerald Coast for a reason. No matter what you are looking for, you can find your own personal paradise in the panhandle.