Spring Break Beach Destination: Panama City, Florida

By Tina J. Souza

Panama City Beach, Florida, is a small city of around 40,000 people. It is on the panhandle that is northwest Florida. It is a highly desirable tourist destination situated on St. Andrews Bay overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

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.

But the city is most well-known for one thing: 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.

In fact, since 2008, Panama City Beach has been home to MTV's Spring Break. And, once again, students everywhere will have another chance in 2010.

Hotels and motels are lined up like sardines to host these partygoers. And it is definitely recommended that you make reservations early - even as much as a year ahead of time. Even the lowest-rated places fill up quickly.

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.

Most people like to hang out at the public beaches, which can get very congested during this mad time. However, if crowds aren't for you, there is St. Andrews State Park, which also has nice beaches. Of course, there is a small fee to go into the park, but it might be worth it to escape the crowds.

Nearby the main strip is a popular water park called Shipwreck Island. A ticket to get in is about $30 or so. You'll need more dough, however, if you want to eat or drink inside because coolers and food from outside are forbidden. Regardless of age, though, there are all kinds of rides for everyone to enjoy.

For the night owls, you're in luck. There are scores of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to party at all night.

Maybe the best-known nightclub is Club La Vela, purported to be the largest nightclub in America. The club is several stories and houses multiple themed rooms where parties never slow down.

Other well-known clubs located close by are Spinnaker and Hammerhead Fred's. Of course, there's also the Boardwalk Beach Resort, located right on the beach. Home to spring break concerts and themed contests, it might be THE place to see and be seen.

There is also plenty of shopping, if that's your thing. There are malls aplenty, as well as more souvenir shops than you can count.

A great local shopping attraction is Alvin's Magic Mountain Mall. It was designed and built to resemble a cave. Amenities as beach wear, souvenirs, and more can be found there. There's even an alligator display that is quite a sight to see.

Spring Break 2010 starts about mid-February for some of the extreme northern schools. Typically, though, the whole of March is the most popular time to attend.

Locals get their small city back around April 10 of next year, when MTV's Spring Break officially ends. - 30214

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