We’ve long been known as the world’s most beautiful beaches, and it’s not because our beaches are acceptable, or mediocre, or that they are “fine”. Are beaches are considered the best because they are just simply beautiful. The emerald green waters that during most times of the year are crystal clear – all framed by our snow-white sand – make our area a place people literally come from all over to visit.

When asked, TripAdvisor members ranked Panama City Beach’s beaches as being 3rd in the nation and 12th in the world. Others that landed on the ranking board included beaches in Turcs and Caicos, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Myrtle Beach, Miami Beach (came in after us at fourth), Honolulu (also came in after us) and Siesta Key, Florida.

TripAdvisor describes Panama City Beach:

With more than 27 miles of white, sandy beaches, Panama City Beach describes itself as “The Beach Lovers Beach.” Swim, snorkel, dolphin watch, jet ski, or parasail the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or sunbathe on the award-winning beaches for which it is famous. (from TripAdvisor – we didn’t write this)

Noted as being a top destination for lounging on the beach, shopping, dining, and participating in activities such as mini-golf, snorkeling, diving, golfing, dolphin watching, and parasailing, Panama City Beach is considered to be a fun and relaxing place to vacation.

Well, congratulations Panama City Beach.

Here is a link to the full list of top beaches of the US.

Here is a link to the full list of top beaches of the world.

Here is the full press release.

TRIPADVISOR® SELECTS PANAMA CITY BEACH AS A “2011 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE TOP BEACH”– # 3 in the U.S., # 12 in the world –

Panama City Beach, FL., April 5, 2011 – Long known for its sugar-white sand and crystal-clear emerald waters, Panama City Beach has now been ranked third in the “Top 10 Beaches in the United States” by TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest interactive travel site. As summer approaches and millions of Americans are gearing up for a beach getaway, TripAdvisor® crunched its data to find what its 20 million members believe are the best beach destinations in the United States and around the world; the list was determined based on the highest ratings by travelers in TripAdvisor® reviews.

The site also compiled the “Top 25 Beaches in the World,” with destinations as far-flung as beaches in Asia and South America. Panama City Beach, which ranked twelfth, was highlighted for offering swimming, snorkeling, diving, dolphin watching, parasailing and more. A wide range of activities coupled with the famous beaches were highlighted as influential factors for TripAdvisor® users selecting Panama City Beach as a top destination. With the summer season quickly approaching, Panama City Beach is ready to welcome the influx of travelers from across the country that will flock to its sandy shores and take advantage of all the REAL.FUN.BEACH. has to offer. Special events and happenings will take place throughout the summer, including a one-of-a-kind Independence Day Celebration, a weekly concert series, and more. For more information or to book a stay in Panama City Beach, please visit http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com or call 1-800-PCBEACH.

About Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay converge. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and attractions such as St. Andrew’s State Park and Pier Park, the region has long been favored by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups and adventure-seekers. These include championship golf courses, spas, sporting events, award-winning dining and diverse recreational activities. For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-6503) or visit the official Web site of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. You can now follow us on Twitter @PCBeach to receive up the minute news and details on special offers and deals.