Panama City Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather, and fun for the entire family. While it used to be an all-out college party and alcohol-soaked spring break season on the beaches, that is certainly no longer the case. We have put together a comprehensive guide to Spring Break in Panama City Beach focusing on families, and hope it helps make the most out of your stay.
When does PCB see the most Spring Break visitors?
Spring Break in Panama City Beach begins in March and continues through mid-April. The busiest part of the season is typically in mid-to-late March. Gone are the large MTV crowds and drunken brawls of yesteryear. Panama City Beach has left the rowdy spring breakers behind and replaced them with more family friendly fare day and night.
During spring break, beach ordinances are strictly enforced
In order to crack down on the out of control parties and crowds from the college set that became problematic after years of promotion and live broadcasts on MTV, Panama City Beach initiated several ordinances in 2015 and 2016 that addressed these issues. These new rules have gone a long way in making PCB an attractive destination for young families or even those with older children.
- Alcohol consumption or possession is prohibited on the beach during March. There are signs that remind you “no alcohol on the sandy beaches” during this time.
- Loitering in parking lots or on the shoulder of the roadway is prohibited.
- Riding on the exterior of vehicles is strictly prohibited.
- Loud music that disturbs the peace is not allowed.
- Music heard more than 25 feet away is considered illegal.
- Climbing or jumping from balconies is prohibited.
- No metal shovels are allowed on the beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is not permitted.
The reaction from visitors since these changes have been implemented has been overwhelmingly positive, proving you can have a great spring break without ending up in trouble.
What is the weather like on Spring Break in PCB?
During spring break, Panama City Beach typically offers ideal weather conditions. Expect daytime temperatures in the mid-70s in March, perfect for beach activities and exploring the town. In April, temperatures rise slightly, providing even more comfortable beach days as the water is warmer and more inviting. With low rainfall during this period, you're likely to enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout your stay.
Shopping and Dining
Pier Park is the largest shopping district in PCB and a one-stop shopping center for every member of the family. Within Pier Park, you will find attractions such as Dave & Busters, the Sky Wheel, a mini golf course, a state-of-the-art movie theater that shows Imax movies, and even a haunted house attraction. There are plenty of restaurants in the area to satisfy any craving. Target and Walmart are also part of the Pier Park complex. Take a look at Pier Park’s directory for a complete list of shopping, restaurants, and attractions.
There are plenty of beachfront seafood restaurants like Sharkys or Schooners or all-you-can-eat restaurants like Captain Jack’s family buffet. If you are looking for some of the best burgers and milkshakes on the beach try Ford's Garage or Gulf Coast Burgers. Panama City Beach has something for everyone’s taste buds and most places have a kid's menu. You can always find a delicious breakfast at local icons like Thomas' Donuts on the west end of Front Beach Road. Be sure to check out our list of the Best Places for Breakfast and Brunch in PCB.
Attractions and Outdoor Adventures during Spring Break
There are plenty of outdoor adventures in Panama City Beach that include dolphin cruises, deep sea fishing, parasailing, jet skiing, and more. You can even book a helicopter ride above the Gulf of Mexico. For a more extensive list of outdoor adventures, check out Best Outdoor Adventures in Panama City Beach.
The Thomas Drive area is buzzing with excitement, both day and night. Arcades, go-karts, mini golf, shopping, amusement parks, and waterparks are just some of the fun things to do in the area. You can take a trip to ZooWorld or book a sunset dolphin cruise. For all the details, check out Best Places to Have Fun on Thomas Drive.
If you are looking for some indoor activities to beat the heat or visit on a rainy day there are plenty of attractions you will want to explore. Wonderworks or Ripley’s Believe it Or Not will keep the fun going for hours. Rockit Lanes is a fun place that has bowling, skating, and a full arcade. You can even visit one of several uniquely themed escape rooms in Panama City Beach. For more indoor activities, check out, What to do on a rainy day at the Beach.
Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park
For nature lovers, St. Andrews State Park is a beautiful place to explore with the whole family. The beaches are untouched, and there are picnic tables to enjoy a fun family picnic. There are hiking trails to explore, and you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and scuba gear.
Shell Island is one of the most popular attractions for visitors, and it’s easy to see why. Shell Island is seven miles of undeveloped paradise nestled between the gulf and St. Andrew Bay and inhabited by diverse wildlife. Shell Island may feel remote but is easy to access. Everyone can take the ferry that runs daily to Shell Island from St. Andrews State Park and takes about 15 minutes to get to the island. There are several options for snorkeling cruising and dolphin cruises to Shell Island to explore the area.
Book your Stay for Spring Break in PCB
Spring Break is the perfect time to plan a family vacation to Panama City Beach. While planning your trip, keep in mind Panhandle Getaways has the best selection of beachfront condos and private beach houses in Panama City Beach. So, book today and start planning your family spring break vacation with us.