Celebrate summer along Panama City Beach

- Since 1971, the Driftwood Lodge celebrates "Watermelon Time" everyday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The festivities kickoff each afternoon with complimentary fresh Florida watermelon, seed spitting contests and pool games complete with ribbons for the winners. Rates begin at $147 per night. http://www.driftwoodpcb.com

- Families booking deluxe gulf front accommodations this summer at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort choose one of the following offerings: $25 per day in Beach Bucks resort credits, daily full American breakfast or two beach chairs and an umbrella throughout the stay. The complimentary Dolphins Kids Club features pirate-themed lunches, face painting and arts and crafts. As always, kids 12 and under eat free. Nightly rates begin at $119 per night on stays through May; $179 during June and $219 during July.

http://www.hipcbeach.com

- Known for its much-photographed dancing fountain, Laketown Wharf is offering families a "Fun Patrol Birthday" package for kids celebrating their birthday this summer. The special day, with parents invited of course, includes a goodie bag for the guest of honor and the birthday child’s name in lights on the Laketown Wharf Jumbotron. The family-friendly property features three-bedroom, three-bath condos with bunkrooms for the kids. Guitar Hero tournaments, dive-in movies and an assortment of poolside activities take place all summer. Rates begin at $189 per night with a three-night minimum stay required May 22-Aug. 8 arrivals.

http://www.lakesidewharf.com

- Just a mile from the beautiful beaches of Panama City Beach, the new La Quinta Inn is offering a special early summer package now through July 31. Families booking a standard room with two queen beds will receive free continental breakfast, high speed internet and a $50 dining gift card at Panama City Beach favorites Schooners or the Boatyard. Rates start from $230 per night.

http://www.laquintapcb.com

There are many new attractions beyond Panama City Beach such as the newly opened Miracle Strip in Pier Park for old-time rides for all ages including a Ferris wheel, carousel and children’s train. Wonderworks, a much-anticipated attraction based on a science lab being picked up in a storm and dumped upside down, is scheduled to open in early June. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and Moving Theater promises new exhibiting and programming just in time for the season.

For more information or to book a stay in Panama City Beach , please visit http://www.VisitPanamaCityBeach.com