With an average of 320 days of Florida sunshine each year – and 27 miles of sugar-white sands bordering the clear, emerald green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge – Panama City Beach is a favourite of travellers seeking an affordable beach holiday with year round offerings. The region also features exciting on- and off-shore attractions, including St. Andrews Park and Pier Park, that offer something special to adrenaline-seekers, eco-tourists, families and couples alike.

Panama City is a four-season paradise for water-sports enthusiasts. Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and kiteboarding are popular activities on the crystal blue waters of St. Andrews Bay. Numerous charters offer inshore and offshore fishing, scuba and snorkeling excursions. Guided day trips are available for dolphin-watching or you can go shelling on uninhabited Shell Island. Enjoy water views and fresh, locally caught seafood at popular restaurants like Gene's Oyster Bar, a local landmark.

“Life’s a Beach” all right on Pensacola Beach where building sandcastles, body surfing and beachcombing are popular pastimes. Away from the sands, there are several don’t miss sights for the entire family, including the National Aviation Museum, which features 150 vintage aircraft, flight simulators and an IMAX Theatre, Fort Pickens, an historic military fort built in 1829, and the Pensacola Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Gulf Coast and also the tallest, standing 151 feet tall on a 40 foot bluff. To immerse yourself in the history of Pensacola, stroll the historic village, a pedestrian-friendly area with furnished historic homes, unique museums and the Colonial Archeological Trail. For the white dimpled ball set, try teeing up at Lost Key Golf Club, a target golf set up designed by Arnold Palmer and Marcus Pointe Golf club, an Earl Stone design. Don’t forget, there’s also great deep-sea fishing and other water activities like sailing, kayaking, diving and snorkelling to be actively pursued on Pensacola Beach.

If you're looking for some great Florida beaches but aren't necessarily interested in a mega-resort or theme park atmosphere, Pensacola might just be the place for your perfect weekend. Home to Gulf Islands National Seashore, the city offers some of the best fishing and boating in the area. Inland, canoeing enthusiasts won't want to miss the beauty of the Blackwater River. Closer to town, the city has a proud military heritage, which can be seen at attractions like the National Museum of Naval Aviation and the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Perdido Key, which means “Lost Key” in Spanish is a narrow strip of white beaches and aquamarine waters where beachcombing, fishing and sailing are ways of life not just recreation choices. Perdido Key’s unspoiled beaches are the island’s main attractions. Undulating wind built sand dunes are dotted with sea oats, bunch grass and beach grass. Venture to the eastern end of the island to the Gulf Islands National Seashore where swimming, snorkelling, fishing, boating, bird watching and hiking are popular pastimes. Tee time, anyone? Two exceptional golf courses are easily accessible, the Perdido Bay Golf Club, a links style course, and Lost Key, a target-style design fashioned by Arnold Palmer designated as an Audubon Signature Cooperative Sanctuary golf course. Other preferred activities on Perdido Key include dolphin watching excursions, moonlight cruises and sailing tours. Perdido Key is also known for its out-of-the-ordinary celebrations such as the New Year’s Polar Bear Dip and the Interstate Mullet Toss. For a non-stop celebration, drop by the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge on Perdido Key, a beachside oyster bar, beach bar and Gulf Coast cultural landmark. Pensacola is located only 15 miles from Perdido Key offering a wealth of day trip options to attractions like Historic Pensacola Village, the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum and Fort Pickens, a fort built in 1834 and once occupied by federal troops during the Civil War.

Port Saint Joe is located in Gulf County, Florida. Its sheltered bay, along with farms in Apalachicola, just to the south, provide a significant percentage of oysters and scallops for local and national consumers. Also a big fishing town known, Port Saint Joe has many charter companies that provide access to some of the best off-shore fishing in the Gulf. Famous for its speckled trout, redfish and tarpon, Port Saint Joe offers the perfect fishing expedition.

Brenham, in Washington County, has wineries and antique stores. You can also visit Lavender farms. Tour Blue Bell Creameries factory and sample the ice cream. Step back into the past at a living history farm and the cotton gin museum.