PANAMA CITY BEACH

A Colorful Destination

Panama City Beach on the Emerald Coast of northwest Florida has long been a popular vacation destination, renowned for the area’s 27 miles of sugar-sand beaches and blue-green waters. Just across the Grand Lagoon, Panama City features cultural venues and professional services in its historic downtown.

Population: 199,000 (metro area)

Transportation: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

Healthcare: Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital and Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center are among the area’s top-rated providers.

Leisure: Pier Park is one of several local entertainment hubs with gourmet seafood

West Palm Beach

Lifestyles of Luxury

West Palm Beach is synonymous with traditional upscale Florida neighborhoods and luxury retirement communities. The city has a lively downtown area that features sidewalk cafes on trendy Clematis Street, the Rosemary Square shopping and entertainment district, art galleries in Northwood Village, and treasures to discover along Antique Row.

Population: 110,000

Transportation: Palm Beach International Airport restaurants, the latest beach fashions, and live-music nightlife, but it’s the only one with a SkyWheel for sweeping views 200 feet above the waterfront.

Healthcare: The unique Health Care District of Palm Beach County includes the top-rated Lakeside Medical Center, the Brumback Primary Care Clinics, and the Healy Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Culture: The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has four theaters for music concerts, theatrical plays, ballet productions, and operatic performances. The Norton Museum of Art is renowned for its international exhibitions.

Recreation: Hike for 11 miles on the longest of the Conservation Park loop trails, ride a double-decker pontoon boat for a day of collecting on uninhabited Shell Island, and take a sailboat cruise at sunset to meet the local dolphins.