10. It’s a Party Town: Most of the year, PCB is a pretty chill and laid-back place to vacation. If you’re not into the party scene and want to enjoy a beach vacation during the spring break season, PCB is probably not the place for you. Fortunately, spring break season only falls during the month of March, leaving you almost 11 months out of the year to enjoy all that PCB has to offer. If the wild girl scene is what you are looking for, you should hit the beach in March.
9. It’s Expensive – I’m not sure where this rumor has come from, but PCB is actually cheaper than comparable destinations in some ways. For example, the recent influx of vacation rentals has significantly reduced the price of lodging in the area. Not to mention, beach access is free in most places you go. Trust me, you won’t find a cheaper beach vacation.
8.There is nothing to do- Once again; I’m not sure about this one. Every time I’ve been to PCB there’s been so much to do that I haven’t had a chance to do it all. No matter who’s vacationing with you, there’s something for everyone. There are golf courses, fishing, excursions, beach activities, shops, restaurants, water parks, go-karting, parasailing, bungee jumping and much more.
7. There is no good food to eat. This myth is my personal favorite. There is a variety of all kinds of food that you could want to eat at PCB. There are a glut of pancake breakfast places, tons of fast food, lots of local seafood, several local Greek restaurants, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, and all the chains you could want. You won’t go hungry at PCB. Fare warning for those of you from Texas or Mexico: Skip the Mexican food because you will be sorely disappointed, others may like it.
6. The island is a dump: This may have been a concern in the early 2000s, but this kind of rhetoric no longer applies. PCB is a vibrant new town thanks to the many recent construction projects. The main street is lined with luxurious condominiums and entertainment districts. The beaches are as beautiful as ever and the island is better cared for than ever.
5. The beach is dangerous. The Panama City Beach Police Department has a specific area designated for the beach to ensure the safety of all citizens. The Beach and Wave Information Unit closely monitors the water and places beach warning flags in areas where people swim. As long as you heed the warnings on the flags, you should be safe.
4. The beaches are crowded – There are certain times of the year when the beaches are more crowded than others. Fortunately, PCB has 27 miles of beaches. There is plenty of beach access and room for everyone. But, if you’re looking for something more low-key, St. Andrew’s State Park is the place to go. This state park has over a mile and a half of beach area and other recreational activities as well.
3. Not enough accommodation- This is not a myth, but an outright lie. PCB has everything you could want. There are campgrounds, RV parks, motels, hotels, condos, and cabins. You name it and Panama City Beach has it! But my suggestion is to stay in a condo on the beach if you want to get the most out of your vacation.
2. You will be eaten by a shark: Billions of people flock to the beaches every year and it is very rare to hear about shark attacks. Sharks live in the water, and no matter which beach vacation you take, you’ll hear stories about sharks. Stop worrying and enjoy the water, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning.
1. Your vacation will be ruined by hurricanes. I wouldn’t worry too much about this one. Unlike other natural disasters, there are plenty of warnings before a hurricane approaches. Go ahead and book your vacation early and be sure to purchase insurance. If by chance a hurricane hits, you’ll be covered. Stop fooling yourself with rumors and plan the vacation of your dreams.