About 40,000 people call Panama City home, according to the 2008 census. Located on the panhandle of northwest Florida, it is a popular destination for tourists. Sitting on St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is a great place to party.
Blessed with almost twelve months of sunny, warm weather, Panama City Beach is a fine place to have a family. Unsurprisingly, it is a popular tourist locale all year round, as well.
However, Panama City Beach, Florida is best-known for one thing only: Spring Break.
College students from every corner of the country, especially in the east and north, trek to Panama City Beach every spring. They come to party and get away from the pressures of test, essays, and school, in general.
To wit, for the past two years, Panama City Beach has hosted MTV’s Spring Break. And students will again have another chance to party there in 2010.
There are scores of hotels and motels to accommodate all the spring break partygoers. Still, it is highly recommended to make reservations early – six to twelve months in advance. Some of the accommodations are admittedly lacking in amenities, but if you’re young and full of beans, who cares, right?
There are many things to do in the daytime while on springbreak. Of course, there is the beach. Endless stretches of amazing beaches for swimming, sunbathing, playing volleyball or frisbee, and mingling with all the other college students looking for a good time.
Of course, these are the most crowded beaches during this time. If you want a little more privacy, nearby St. Andrews State Park is there with its excellent beaches, too. Entering the park will cost a small fee, but it could be worth it to get away from the crowds.
Close the main strip and its craziness is a happening water park named Shipwreck Island. Around $30 gets you inside, but you’ll want more to eat and drink inside because outside coolers and food are not allowed. And, regardless of age, there are plenty of rides for everyone.
At night, there many, many restaurants, bars, and clubs available.
Maybe the most popular nightclub is Club La Vela, alleged to be the country’s largest nightclub. There are several floors and not a few themed rooms where parties are always rocking.
Other well-known party spots include Spinnaker and Hammerhead Fred’s. Then there’s the Boardwalk Beach Resort, situated right on the beach. It hosts Spring Break concerts and themed contests all day every day and it might be the place for you to see and be seen.
If you like shopping, there are plenty of shops and malls to be found all over Panama City Beach Spring Break, as well as more souvenir beach shops than you can visit.
Alvin’s Magic Mountain Mall is an oft-visited attraction. Resembling a cave and selling everything from beachwear to souvenirs to food, it can be a great hang-out on that rare rainy day.
Spring Break 2010 in Panama City Beach starts for some as early as February 15, 2010. The majority of students will enjoy their break throughout March.
Locals get their small city back around April 10 of next year, when MTV’s Spring Break officially ends.
Before you make your Spring Break plans, make sure to check out ParadiseParties.com. They are experts in Panama City Beach Spring Break
Tags: arts and entertainment, college, entertainment, Florida, panama city beach, spring break, student travel, travel, travel and leisure, vacations
