Guide to Spring Break in Panama City Beach FL

The sun beats down on thousands of tanned youths. Weary students instinctively flock to 27-miles of shimmering coastline. This could mean only one thing: spring is here! Spring Break–that time when students can come up for air during an intense semester of studying, of freedom before hunkering back down for final exams, of temporarily leaving the stress of class behind them. Most students decide they need a change of scenery during their week of freedom, and, every year, thousands of them make Panama City Beach their scene of choice.

Who could blame them? Panama City Beach is the number one Spring Break location in Florida and boasts hundreds of thousands of Breakers each year. Students can’t resist the beautiful, powdery sands of the Gulf coast and the tropical paradise atmosphere that Panama City Beach has to offer. There are many things to do in Panama City Beach. On every corner, you can find beach front restaurants, tiki bars, and a variety of clubs to suit your tastes. There is always something to do, regardless of the time or day. Many places host volleyball tournaments, slip and slide races, live bands, aquatic activities, talent contests, and countless themed nightclub events throughout the week.

Panama City Beach Nightlife

Panama City Beach is known for its tropical bars and wild clubs. The Boatyard, Hammerhead Fred’s, Harpoon Harry’s, La Vela, Schooners, Sharky’s Beach Club, and Spinnaker’s are some of the best hot spots in the area. The tradition of Spring Break has made some of these places famous among college crowds. Even with some international competition, Panama City Beach’s own Club La Vela has been ranked fifth on the list of Spring Break’s most popular party spots. Students can even make a name for themselves in televised Spring Break infamy. For several years now, MTV and mtvU has made Panama City Beach the home of several of its Spring Break specials, which feature televised performances of popular musical artists as well as the amateur offerings of massive vacationing audiences.

Spring Break on the Cheap

Best of all, a trip to Florida’s Panama City Beach can make for a pretty cheap Spring Break. Students aren’t known for having a lot of extra cash, which makes this panhandle city an ideal playground for the average spring-breaker. Panama City is a much more economical destination than some of the more exotic, international alternatives. You don’t need a passport or even an airplane to get there. Great rates on hotels and condos are available through businesses like iTrip, a discount vacation rental services company. The money you can save on a condo or hotel room can be spent on making the most of your stay.

So, if you’re a student, bogged down by the woes of academia, consider Panama City Beach for your next Spring Break get-away. Your finals will pale in comparison against your sun-kissed tan.