Panama City Beach in Panama City, along the Florida Panhandle

With more than 27 miles of beautiful white sand and emerald, sparkling water, Panama City Beach is a college student's first choice for a spring break beach. Over half a million college students flee here each year for spring break, and with the crazy party scene, adventurous activities and a chance to win free prizes from one of the many sponsors, it isn't hard to see why.

If you're looking for a place to escape from the ordinary or try something daring, this is the beach for Panama City Beachyou. If you're not interested in loud drinking or half-naked revelers partying until dawn, avoid this beach during February and March.

Accommodations: There's no shortage of places to stay here. Choose between fashionable hotel chains, trendy condominiums, and Panama City resorts. Whatever your budget is, you'll be able to find something within your price range. If you're planning to visit Panama City Beach during spring break, book early as rooms fill up fast.

Panama City Beach Local Activities: One of the most popular activities at Panama City Beach is hopping onto a shuttle boat to swim with the dolphins. Local activities include swimming, tanning, snorkeling, hiking, fishing, beach volleyball, windsurfing and parasailing.

Panama City Beach Area Attractions: Visit the Gulf World Marine Park, where you can watch live animal shows and have a one-on-one experience with animals including dolphins and sea lions. Other attractions at Panama City Beach include the Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, ZooWorld and Shipwreck Island Water Park.

Panama City Beach Events:

• Ironman Florida (Nov): Contestants swim, bike and run in this 140 mile triathlon.
• Spring Break: Grab your girlfriends and flee here between the mid-February and March for your spring break vacation.

Panama City Beach Nightlife: If you're bringing the kids, Panama City Beach offers a wide range of after-dinner activities for the whole family to enjoy. Try late night miniature golf courses or go-carting along the coast. If it's just you and your girlfriends, visit a bar or club that offers live bands and entertainment nightly. Club La Vela, located in the resort community of Panama Beach is the largest nightclub in the USA and offers 14 different theme rooms including Galaxy, Thunderdome and Underground.

Panama City Beach Weather: Panama City Beach has an average temperature of 77F, and dips as low as 47F during the night. The average water temperature is 67F.

Panama City Beach Facilities: Public restrooms and showers, along with watersport and beach equipment rentals.

Beach Fees: There are no fees and the beach is open and easily accessible to the public.

For more information or help planning your next Florida getaway, visit Panama City Beach.

Love Florida beaches? See all the Florida beaches in our guide:

• Fort Walton Beach  
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Navarre Beach
• Pensacola Beach
• Perdido Key
• Seaside Beach
• St. Andrews State Recreational Area
• St George Island State Park
• Shell Island
• St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge
• St. Joseph Peninsula National Park
• Fernandina Beach
• Ponte Verda Beach
• Apollo Beach
• Calaesi Island State Park
• Clearwater Beach
• Egmont Key
• Fort DeSoto Park