Spring Break guide: 7 things you must do while visiting Panama City Beach

Ebonee Burrell, The News Herald
·3 min read

PANAMA CITY BEACH — It’s officially Spring Break season, and another year of fun in the sun is back for thousands on the World's Most Beautiful Beaches.

Whether you’re enjoying the white sandy beaches or looking for the best meals around town, Panama City Beach is filled with an extensive array of activities and entertainment suitable for all ages.

Luckily, we've narrowed the list to our top seven things you must do during a trip to Panama City Beach. So, here’s a Spring Break guide with some of the best activities, from things to do, places to eat, and nightlife experiences.

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Pier Park offers a mix of shopping, dining and entertainment in Panama City Beach. The SkyWheel, which stands 180 feet tall, has 31 gondolas that give a great view of the Emerald Coast.
Pier Park offers a mix of shopping, dining and entertainment in Panama City Beach. The SkyWheel, which stands 180 feet tall, has 31 gondolas that give a great view of the Emerald Coast.

Visit Pier Park

Spend a day at the area’s biggest shopping outlet with more than 120 businesses, including restaurants, attractions and stores. One of Pier Park’s most popular attractions is the SkyWheel — giving visitors the best view of the beach from almost 200 feet in the air. Pier Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, so make sure you’re one of them.

Visit the beaches

One thing to never miss out on while visiting Panama City Beach is the actual white sandy beach and the amazing Gulf water. So soak in the sun somewhere along the county's 27-mile stretch of the beaches while relaxing with a drink on your favorite beach towel or beach chair. But keep in mind, no alcohol is permitted on the beaches during March.

Eat at a beachfront restaurant

There’s nothing better than eating lunch or dinner with an open view of the beach and Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, it’s not everywhere you get to experience this, so seize the opportunity to watch the waves splash while enjoying a meal or two. To name just a few, here’s a list of popular beachfront restaurants: Pineapple Willy’s, 9875 S. Thomas Drive; Schooner’s, 5121 Gulf Drive; Harpoon Harry’s, 12627 Front Beach Road; Runaway Island, 14521 Front Beach Road; and Hook’d Pier Bar and Grill, 16202 Front Beach Road.

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The beaches along Panama City Beach will be packed during Spring Break. This view looking west from the pier at St. Andrews State Park shows condos and hotels looming over beach walkers in February.
The beaches along Panama City Beach will be packed during Spring Break. This view looking west from the pier at St. Andrews State Park shows condos and hotels looming over beach walkers in February.

Go on a dolphin tour

Sail out into either St. Andrew Bay or the Gulf of Mexico for a sightseeing adventure to spot dolphins. Most tours last 1 to 2 hours and include the opportunity to learn more about the history of Panama City Beach from a tour guide.

Take a helicopter tour

Take on new heights and fly through the sky to get the full experience of Panama City Beach. Check this off the bucket list and enjoy the city through a bird's-eye view. Panhandle Helicopter offers tours daily, weather permitting.

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The dance floor at the Splash Bar was a popular spot for people to celebrate Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day on March 17, 2021.
The dance floor at the Splash Bar was a popular spot for people to celebrate Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day on March 17, 2021.

Experience the nightlife

The night is forever young in Panama City Beach, so why not continue through the night at some of the most popular bars and clubs. Experience a drag show at Splash Bar Florida, or dance the night away at Vibez. No matter what you do, be sure to have fun, but make it in time for breakfast the next morning.

WonderWorks in Panama City Beach educates visitors on the wonders of science through fun and exhibits.
WonderWorks in Panama City Beach educates visitors on the wonders of science through fun and exhibits.

Visit a museum

Learn something new or just go for the fun at Panama City Beach's most popular science museums. Located next to each other at 9910 Front Beach Road, the Ripley’s Believe it or Not! and WonderWorks museums educate the wonders of science through fun and exhibits, from challenging the mind to sparking the imagination.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Things to do on spring break 2022 in Panama City Beach Florida