College Spring Break in Panama City Beach

By Tina J. Souza

With a population of about 40,000, Panama City Beach is a small city on northwest Florida's panhandle. It is a popular tourist destination right on St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The city's official web site boasts that Panama City Beach is attractive for raising a family, which is true about eleven months a year. The web site also boasts that the city is an exciting tourist destination year-round, which is true, too.

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

College students from all over Canada and the U. S. Make their way to Panama City each spring to party with other like-minded people. It's a good place to party and forget about the scrutiny of school and exams.

In fact, Panama City is home to the MTV/mtvU Spring Break. University students have been partying on Spring Break there since 2008 and will have yet another chance in 2010.

There are scores of hotels and motels to accommodate all the spring break partygoers. Still, it is highly recommended to make reservations early - six to twelve months in advance. Some of the accommodations are admittedly lacking in amenities, but if you're young and full of beans, who cares, right?

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.

Perhaps the most popular club is Club La Vela, which is reputed to be the largest nightclub in the country. It has several floors and countless themed rooms where parties are always in full force.

Other very popular clubs include Spinnaker and Hammerhead Fred's. And then there's the Boardwalk Beach Resort, located right on the beach and maybe the best place to see and be seen.

There are ample shops and malls, as well as more souvenir beach shops than you can visit, in case you need to buy something.

A popular local attraction is Alvin's Magic Mountain Mall. It resembles a cave and everything from beachwear to cheap souvenirs can be found there. As it's Florida, an alligator display is quite the attraction, as well.

Spring Break 2010 in Panama City Beach starts for some as early as February 15, 2010. The majority of students will enjoy their break throughout March.

Panama City Beach will return to normal around April 10, 2010, when MTV's Spring Break officially ends.

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