Panama City Beach is more than just sparkling water and clean, white sand. In the 1998 edition of his book America's Best Beaches, Dr. Beach selected Panama City Beach as the "Best Sports Beach on the Gulf". As the host site of numerous triathlon events, including the Isuzu Ironman Florida Triathlon, Panama City Beach takes competitive sports very seriously. However, visitors don't have to take their sports as seriously to enjoy the beach.

While volleyball, frisbee and other beach activities keep beach goers entertained, the waters of the Gulf of Mexico offer bountiful aquatic recreational activities. Visitors can don snorkeling gear or scuba gear and explore the area's abundant marine life. Playful bottle-nosed dolphins can be counted on to make their appearance when least expected. Sea turtles, manta rays, puffer fish, sand dollars, blue marlin and horseshoe crabs are just a few of the other species that inhabit the warm waters. Parasailing, jet skiing, boating and wind surfing are the preferred forms of transportation by visitors and locals alike.

Panama City Beach is now being recognized by national and international event planners as an optimal destination for a wide variety of sporting events. With its moderate year round temperatures, conveniently located accommodations and top of the line sport facilities, it is evident that this beach community is quickly rising to the top of its game in the world of competitive sporting.

Frank Brown Park one of the area's premiere facilities, is equipped with nine full-size baseball/softball diamonds designed for tournament level play, two T-ball fields, six soccer fields, a basketball court and a 1.25 mile jogging and biking track all illuminated for evening play. The park recently completed a $10 million expansion and renovation that included the opening of a state of the art Aquatic Center. The park is located at 15200 Panama City Beach Parkway. For More information call 850-233-5045.

The New Aquatic Center offers a 50 meter Olympic sized outdoor pool and a splash pool with play area. This new facility opens the door to a multitude of swimming events and competitions for the area. The new Aquatic Center is located within Frank Brown Park.