If you were in college in the 1980’s, Panama City Beach, FL was synonymous with raucous college beach parties.  But times have changed. A 2016 city ordinance which banned alcohol on PCB beaches during the month of March, has driven spring break partiers to other beaches.  The result is that PCB has become a family-friendly beach destination - even in the springtime. And spring is a BEAUTIFUL time to enjoy the Gulf!

If you’re looking for a place for your family’s spring break trip, here are the 5 Reasons Why Panama City Beach is the Perfect Spring Break Spot for Families:

5. Emerald Water and White Sand Beaches

The first time I laid eyes on the crystal clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, I was smitten.  The sugar-white sand squeaks when you walk on it. All the way to your beach chairs - squeak, squeak, squeak.  It’s hard not to giggle when you walk on it. I haven’t seen beaches like this outside of the Caribbean. While there are beaches I like that are closer to our home, they don’t hold a candle to the beaches of PCB.  I hate to be a beach snob, but it’s possible that I need to admit that I am. Trust me, it is worth the trip to experience a beach like this!

4. Family Friendly Activities Abound

Have you ever been high-fived by a stingray or kissed by a sea lion?  Did you know that each dolphin’s tail has an imprint similar to a fingerprint and that no dolphins tail prints are exactly the same? 

Have you ever laid on a bed of nails or worn an actual astronaut's space suit?

Have you piloted the Sea Screamer while dolphins jump in its wake? 

My sweet children have done all of these things and more because of their time in Panama City Beach. While it would be easy to pass these off as “tourist attractions”, they’re so much more than that.  Our family has learned about the world around us and made lasting memories together on PCB, and really, isn’t that why you go on vacation to begin with?

3. Panama City Beach Might Be Closer Than You think

Being able to drive to your spring break destination is huge.  Not only does it save money, but it gives you flexibility to drive to restaurants and activities once you arrive.  Driving also allows you to bring beach accessories you wouldn’t fly with. (I’m looking at you boogie boards!)

Panama City Beach is within a day’s drive of many cities in the southeast. Atlanta, Nashville, Greenville, Charlotte, Jackson, Birmingham, Raleigh, Lexington, and Dallas are all within a day’s drive of Panama City Beach.  

2. Beachfront Condominiums = Comforts of Home

One of the unique things about the shoreline in PCB is that most of the beachfront accommodations are condominiums (not hotels).  Condominiums are ideal for families because they offer more space than a hotel room, along with the comforts of home.

Most PCB condos have proper bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, full kitchens, and washers and dryers.  That much-needed space makes all that family "togetherness" more enjoyable, and the kitchen saves you from having to eat out for every meal on your trip.

1. PCB is a Location You Can Return to Year After Year

Remember that feeling of going back to YOUR special place year after year?  The familiar sights, smell of the ocean, relaxing wave sounds, and that feeling of being in a place that holds your cherished memories.  There’s nothing like it.

Panama City Beach has the makings of a legacy family vacation spot. The location is convenient and the Caribbean-esque beachscape unrivaled. The area provides memorable experiences with a unique local flavor. There is something for the whole family to enjoy year after year. Get ready to be surprised by how much you love PCB. 

When you come back next year, we'll be here to welcome you home!

NOTE: At the time of this writing, we have a few spring break weeks still available, starting on April 11th. In an effort to maintain a family friendly atmosphere, the Dunes of Panama requires that guests staying without parents/legal guardians be at least 25 years old. Guests are also required to present themselves in person at check in for confirmation of age and identity. If your dates are taken, check out our summer calendar for additional availability!