Though the winter season is often associated with snow, cold weather, and gatherings by the fireplace with friends and family, sometimes you need that getaway that keeps the cold weather out. What better way to beat the snowstorms and gloom of the winter season than by taking a beach vacation in an area that always sits around a pleasant, hospitable temperature? Visiting Panama City Beach in the winter is a great idea to beat the winter cold, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fun and holiday-themed events to enjoy, either. If you’re planning on coming through, here are some must-see events and attractions to make the most out of your vacation.
Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts run regularly in Panama City Beach, and they’re a great way to bring the group together for an activity and learn about the area you’re visiting. Expect to see plenty of the major attractions the beach has to offer as the scavenger hunt brings you through historical, cultural, and artistic attractions all around town to places like Skywheel Panama City Beach, Russell-Fields Pier, and more. If you don’t have any strict plans, these scavenger hunts might just help you find your new favorite place to spend time at while you’re in town.
The Champagne Lady Dining Cruise
Running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 19th, the Champagne Lady is a 78′ cruising yacht that offers a unique experience that gets you out over the waters with a full bar and a meal. On Fridays and Saturdays, they run a dinner cruise that is perfect for seeing the Emerald Coast sunset in style. Sundays are a more casual fare, running a brunch hour cruise in the early afternoon to soak up some sun and enjoy that unique bay breeze. If you’re looking to celebrate a special event in style, they also offer private cruises for group events.
Spend Some Quality Time at the Beach
Sure, it may seem like this goes without saying, but if you’re visiting Panama City Beach, your vacation isn’t complete unless you take a trip down to the water and enjoy the view. Renowned for its vivid, turquoise waters and white sand beaches, Panama City Beach grew to the size it is now due in no small part to the waterside appeal. Over the years it has grown from a small military town into the massive vacation hub it is today, and it’s not hard to imagine why. Since the weather stays so temperate year-round, the beach is just about always safe to visit, though the water can get pretty cold from time to time.
The New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop
If you happen to be stopping by for the turn of the new year, this is a can’t miss event. Pier Park will have its streets closed off to cars in order to throw a massive party complete with live music, entertainment, fireworks, and of course, two time slots where thousands of beach balls are dropped down onto the crowd. One happens at 8:00pm, so if you’re looking to turn in early or you’ve got the kids with you, you can still take part in the fun. Once the countdown to midnight begins, the party reaches its peak for the second beach ball drop, followed by a massive fireworks display coming from Russell-Fields Pier. This is a party worthy of its own vacation, and one of the best ways to ring in the New Year.
Year-Round Fun at Pier Park
If you can’t make it for the New Year’s celebration, there’s still plenty to do and see at Pier Park all year, making it a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. You’ll find no shortage of shopping to be had while you’re visiting Pier Park, from traditional department stores to gift shops with more specific themes, there’s something for everyone to find.
There’s also a wide variety of dining experiences to be had here, ranging from quick and casual to fine and rich. Stop in for a quick bite and keep your day going or bring the whole group with you to sit down and enjoy a meal together. While you’re in town you can’t miss out on the seafood, so be sure to try some to really complete your Panama City Beach visit.
Stay in Panama City Beach in the Winter with Vacations Perfected
Regardless of what you find the time to do while you’re visiting Panama City Beach, rest assured that you’ll have one of the best spots in town to return to when the day is done. We offer rentals that can fit groups of all different sizes, and we’re able to accommodate you for that short weekend getaway or a much longer stay. Come see why Panama City Beach is one of the most sought-after vacation spots in the country, reserve your stay now!
