Panama City, FL

A beach-ball drop is the natural choice for oceanfront Panama City and will be back at Pier Park for the fourth year in 2011. The 800-pound illuminated ball bounces twice—at a kid-friendly 8 p.m. and again at midnight—with stilt walkers, fireworks, and live music. 600 Pier Park Dr.; (850) 233-5070; visitpanamacitybeach.com. —Kate Appleton