Panama City, Fla.

Panama City covers about 27 square miles and is the seat of Bay County, Fla. Incorporated in 1909, it was named Panama City by the pioneer developer George Mortimer West because it was in a straight line between Chicago and Panama City, Panama. The city is on St. Andrews Bay, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

The separate city of Panama City Beach lies west. The Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise is among popular attractions, while the Museum of Man in the Sea covers the history of diving. Shipwreck Island Waterpark offers fun for the entire family. Among top Panama City attractions are several golf clubs, including Club at Sandy Creek and Fox Run Country Club.

The St. Andrews State Park offers plenty of fun by the bay, with RV camping and primitive camping for youth groups. There are bicycle trails, a concession stand and kayak rentals. There are two nature trails plus boat tours to Shell Island, and St. Andrews Park offers scuba diving and snorkeling at two swimming areas.

The Junior Museum of Bay County is devoted to children, with many educational exhibits. Buccaneer Beach Motel is a great place to stay. Plus, many Panama City Beach Condos are available for weekly or seasonal rental, such as the Edgewater Beach Golf Resort.

During spring break, thousands of students occupy hotels in Panama City, summers are often long and humid, leading to the fall hurricane season that often affects the area. Among popular restaurants are Uncle Ernie's Bayfront Grill, Hunt's Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant and Billys Oyster Bar.

The new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opened in 2010, the newest airport in the U.S. The terminal has seven gates and serves Southwest and Delta Air Lines. The airport is north of Panama City Beach. U.S. Highway 98 runs along the coast, connecting Panama City with Panama City Beach. U.S. Highway 231 runs northeast from Panama City and connects with Interstate 10, the main thoroughfare on the Florida Panhandle.

Just east of town is Tyndall Air Force Base, a major research and training center that provides employment for many military residents. Famous actor Clark Gable attended gunnery training here during World War II.