Fodor's Expert Review Pier Park

On a huge swath of land that was once an amusement park, this open-air, 900,000-square-foot entertainment complex creates the "downtown" that Panama City Beach otherwise lacks. Shopping ( www.simon.com/mall/pier-park) is a major draw, with large anchors such as Dillard's and Target, as well as specialty stores like Ron Jon Surf Shop. But there are loads of other attractions, too: the 200-foot-high Sky Wheel, the 16-screen Grand IMAX theater, a Dave & Buster's, laser tag. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, and other clubs and restaurants keep things hopping after dark. Pier Park is also the site of festivals, holiday celebrations, and other special events throughout the year.