Panhandle Beach Named One Of The Best In The World
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: February 17, 2011
Yahoo! Travel just compiled a list of the top beach destinations in the world, and a Panhandle destination made the cut. Santa Rosa Beach was named #8 on the list, one of only two beaches in the continental United States. Other destinations were in Bali, Hawaii, and New Zealand. The Walton County Tourism Development Council had no idea they made the list until a link was emailed to their office.
“Other destinations that we’re being ranked amongst are fantastic,” said TDC representative Tracy Louthain.
“And we’re so honored to be ranked at this level.”
The list, compiled by Yahoo! Travel writer Kate Hamman, was titled “10 Best beach Destinations of 2011.” She wrote of Santa Rosa that it was close to the new Beaches International airport, as well as all the other beaches in Walton County.
Businesses along Santa Rosa Beach on Highway 30A said they can use the good publicity after last year’s oil spill.
“I thought it was outstanding,” said William McGehee, a Chef at the Smiling Fish Café.
“I mean, it’s a beautiful beach and it’s good the rest of the world knows about it now.”
Founded in 1910, Santa Rosa Beach just finished celebrating its Centennial year.
