FINALLY! Spring, with subtle hints in the air, is quickly approaching and will be here before we know it. In fact, it’s just around the corner, and it’s the ideal time for family and friends to get together and take a wonderful and unforgettable adventure!
If you are looking for a place to embark on that adventure, why not visit Panama City Beach? It has so much to offer in outdoor entertainment, off the beachin’ path places to explore, amazing restaurants from casual to formal dining, and the perfect weather!
Follow us while we take you on the perfect spring break vacation with a few of our special places and things to do in Panama City Beach!
Outdoor Entertainment
Xplor!e Activities and More!
If you’re a little on the adventurous side, there are many fun activities that Xplor!e offers. How would you like to go to Shipwreck Island Waterpark or Swampy Jack’s theme park?
You could always try a Sunset Dolphin Cruise, a Panama City Beach favorite where they have the best dolphin watching on PCB. Have a play date at the SkyWheel Miniature Golf Course, and afterward watch the sunset from 200′ aboard the SkyWheel?
When you book with us at Premium Beach Condos, you’ll enjoy one free ticket plus unbeatable savings to these top activities in the area – each day of your stay!
While you’re planning your outdoors activities, check out our Seaside Essentials store where you can book many other fun, exciting (and even romantic) outdoor adventures for your spring break. You’ll find a beach picnic for 2, beach photography for family/friends photos, private helicopter tours, golf car rentals, and even book a private chef for 2, all in one place!
Off The Beachin’ Path
It’s inevitable that, during spring break, it could possibly rain on your parade. Or perhaps you have a friend or family member that doesn’t necessarily like to spend all their time on the beach, but would rather take some time to explore the area.
Let us help you with some ideas in our Off The Beachin’ Path blog series. We have some great reads on where to go antiquing in PCB, where you can check out the newest movie, and there’s always the Pioneer Settlement Museum that’s fun for all and educational! If you love shopping, and bargains, let us show you where to find the best antique, boutique, and outlet malls in the area.
Of course, these are just a few of the numerous things you can do off the beachin’ path in Panama City Beach, but these ideas should get you started on your best spring vacation ever!
Wining and Dining
We’ve compiled a list of our top favorite seafood restaurants, that are a must when you visit Panama City Beach. We’ve listed them here, but for more information on the restaurants, check out our blog.
The Back Porch – A classic chain restaurant with something for everyone. They are best known for their oysters, but their seafood chowder is a MUST try, especially if you find yourself with a cool evening in PCB.
Pompano Joe’s – A Caribbean twist on local seafood! We highly recommend the crab and shrimp cucumber. It’s a salad topped with jumbo lump crab meat and grilled shrimp, fresh fruits and other greens. Easily accessible from Calypso and you don’t even have to cross the busy street.
Sandbar – Some of the BEST seafood out there. However, we spent most of our time there raving over the hushpuppies. We think you’ll find they are the best you’ve ever had. And, according to a New Orleans native, you have go give the crawfish a go!
Mike’s Cafe and Oyster Bar – Offering seafood for breakfast! Start your day with a seafood omelet or a soft shell crab Benedict. Or, even better, save your appetite for Mike’s famous seafood pot pie, loaded with shrimp, crab meat, and scallops!
Panama City Beach Winery – I believe I did mention “wining” and dining. Located on Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach Winery may be one of the most unique wineries you could visit. Panama City Beach Winery serves wines that are manufactured in the state of Florida. They serve 43 different flavors of wine. Each flavor is unique and bursting with flavor. They offer so many choices, but a few of our favorites are their sangria, peach, mango, blackberry, and blueberry wines. We’re pretty sure you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Pier Park Dining – From casual to fine dining, there are so many dining choices! Dick’s Last Resort, Dave & Buster’s, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Great White Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Brass Tap (serving brews and burgers) are just a few of the many restaurant choices at Pier Park. For a full list, be sure to visit their website. You’ll find something for everyone to enjoy.
If you find you’d rather spend a few nights wining and dining in your own condo, we can help you decide what to cook! For recipes that are delicious, yet so easy to throw together, visit our Dining With a View blog series. You’ll find crockpot recipes like melt in your mouth ribs or dinner parties ideas to include a taco bar, or how to host a progressive dinner party.
Special Events
Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show – 3/6 – 3/8/25
Emerald Coast Cruizin’ car show was made for the automotive enthusiast, so whether you drive a Classic, Hot Rod, Street Rod, Exotics, Muscle car…this family friendly event has something for everyone!
UNwineD – 3/28 – 3/29/25
This event in Panama City is located at Aaron Bessant Park. Spend your weekend tasting wine, spirits, and crafe beer, along with tasting samples from local chefs and local eateries. It’s considered a stylish garden party that offers the best of the region. To add to the special event, a portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation, the Heartland Animal Rescue, and Beach Care Services.
Things To Know About PCB and Spring Break
Spring break is commonly known for attracting tourists to the PCB area, which can also lead to visitors that want to party. However, Panama City Beach is considered a world-class destination, so the Beach Police go out of their way to ensure the safety of all of it’s residents and visitors, by enforcing rules that are in place and span the month of March. Many of the rules deal with alcohol consumption. Those rules include the following:
- No alcohol on the sandy beach in Panama City Beach or unincorporated Bay County.
- No alcohol sales after 2 a.m. in Panama City Beach and unincorporated Bay County.
- No alcohol sales after 2 a.m. for businesses outside of entertainment districts in Panama City. Those within the districts cannot sale alcohol after 4 a.m.
- No consuming alcohol in parking lots.
In addition to the ban on alcohol consumption, all beaches where we have properties in Panama City Beach will be closed daily from March 14th, 2025, to April 30th, 2025, between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. Access during these hours is prohibited by law.
Each violation will constitute a separate offense punishable by imposition of a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), by imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both. Violations may be enforced by the issuance of a civil citation by a sworn police officer or by arrest.
At Santa Rosa Beach, there will be no alcohol bans or beach closures. However, security officers will patrol the beaches starting at 7:00 p.m., and individuals under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
In addition to these rules, spring breakers are strongly encouraged to heed local beach flag warnings. Reports indicate that seven tourists drowned while swimming in the Gulf off the coast of Bay County last year, including one incident during spring break.
Should you decide to make Panama City Beach your spring break destination, the most important thing to remember is to be sure it’s filled with unforgettable family time and adventures.
If you need a place to stay, check out our website, book your stay, then pack those bags, hit the highway, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Leave a Reply