Fun in the Sun

When the kids get out of school this summer it's time to make plans to hit the beach. The days are warming up and the sun is usually shining in this part of the country, and those white sands and crystal waters beckon you to come and enjoy all they have to offer, from the bountiful activities in these coastal communities to just lying on the shore all day or showing the young ones how to build a sandcastle.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

A family-favorite destination for generations, this little Alabama beach community swells every year as it warms with visitors drawn to the shocking white sands and deep blue waters. Along the shore, rent some jet skis and play in the surf, or take flight on a parasail ride and get a bird's eye view of the beach below. Take the kids on a dolphin cruise, during which you're pretty much guaranteed to see the playful creatures swimming along the boat. Or charter a fishing trip and see if you can real in the big one out on the open sea.

Back on land, take a spin around a go-kart track and see if you can take pole position. Take the kids down Fort Morgan Road to see the eponymous, historical fort that has stood through several wars and even a few hurricanes. On the way out there, stop by Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to see alligators, turtles, and birds.

Area restaurants cook up some of the best, fresh-off-the-boat seafood around. Some will even prepare your catch any way you like it. At night, lay your head in an upscale condo or a rustic cabin, or really rough it and make camp near the shore.

Panama City Beach, Florida

No longer is Panama City Beach just for party-hungry adolescents. America's premier Spring Break destination and popular Summer vacation spot is quickly becoming one of the best places to take the family for a vacation to remember. Where seedy and shady motels once lined the Miracle Strip, high-rise condos and luxury hotels have take over, offering classy, upscale amenities that the whole family can enjoy.

You can really do it all here. There's great shopping, dining, amusement parks, museums, and on and on. Check out the dancing dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park, where you can get up close and personal not only with our bottle-nosed friends, but also myriad birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Then head over to Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium, where you can see some of the weirdest and most interesting exhibits around, like a vampire hunting kit, a two-headed goat, even clothes made from human hair.

The Strip is lined with great restaurants, serving up everything from the finest seafood to Southern cooking to big, juicy steaks and hamburgers.

Of course, when you're here you'll want to hit those white-sand beaches. Lounge in the chair or on a towel and let the kids run around and play in the water. Or if you want to get your adrenaline going (and wear out the little ones), rent a jet ski or take a ride in a powerboat and let the sea winds blow through your hair.