Spring Break At Panama City Beach
College students love this hot Florida beach destination
Mar 4, 2007
Located on the southern edge of the Florida Panhandle is the tiny area known as Panama City Beach (often abbreviated PCB). This suburb of Panama City only has about 10,000 residents but this population swells most of the year as it is one of the premiere US beach vacation destinations.
This section of the Gulf Coast features stunning white sands and very clear green waters. The area is perfect for a wide range of water-based activities. There's the usual swimming, sailing, jet skies and surfing, but consider taking a glass bottom boat tour, going on a dolphin cruise or trying parasailing. If you are looking to get away from the developed waterfront, St. Andrews Recreation Area might be a good spot to stay. This state park offers just as much sun and sand at Panama City Beach, only it's in a camping and hiking context instead of hotels and glitzy beach fronts.
For those who do prefer their amusements to be more land-based, there are plenty of golf courses, some go-carts, tons of new retailers and restaurants and even a live alligator show. The new Pier Park is fast-becoming the shopping and entertainment center of the area. The center easily serves residents and visitors when it comes to eating, shopping and also houses the local movie-plex.
If you're not a college student looking for a hot Spring Break, know that the official "season" can run from early February to the end of April, with the first three weeks of March being one, long, massive peak. Traveling families and seniors who enjoy a touch more peace and quiet will most likely have a much better time if they avoid this resort town during these months.
If you are traveling to Panama City Beach for your school break, be sure to make reservations ahead of time for things you really want to do. The crowds at the height of the season can make trying to schedule things on-the-fly nearly impossible. So many advertisers and media outlets come to town to cater to the college crowd, finding something to do during any blank spots in your vacation can be as easy as just leaving your hotel room and going down to the beach.
