Spring break can be a lot of fun. But it's also the chance to get yourself taken advantage of, or in a lot of trouble. So, I put together a list of things you should be careful of when heading down.

VIP Cards - If you're OVER 21: Do not buy VIP cards to get into the clubs. Normally, the major clubs will offer HUGE discounts if you get your hand stamped between 6pm and 7pm. You can come and go as you please.

If you're under 21, I'm not sure how that works. It might be beneficial for you to buy the card. Also, the later you go to Club La Vela, the more expensive it will be for you to get in. Plan on paying anywhere between $25 and $40. So get there early if you don't have a VIP card. If you're going to buy a vip card from someone off the street, verify with the club that they actually accept that type of vip card.

Ladies - If you're going to flash, be smart about it. Security has been pretty tight the last few years. They have really cracked down on that. Be aware of your surroundings, and make sure you're not being watched. Because most of the time, some form of security will be watching you. Inside of the night clubs, it's a different story. You can do almost anything you want inside of there. It's so crowded, that you usually aren't being watched.

Underage drinking - Hey, it happens. But, if you're going to do it, BE SMART ABOUT IT. Don't go onto the beach with a styorphone cup thinking that no one will check your cup. If you must drink, do it in your room. TRUST me, you don't want to spend your entire spring break in jail.

Fake Id's - Don't even think about it. They MIGHT work, but you have to realize that these guys look at thousands of fake id's every spring, and will spot yours in a heartbeat. How embarrasing is it to stand in line for 45 minutes only to get turned away at the door.

I could go on and on, but I will end this here. If you want to know anything else, just ask.

Those are great tips! Keep them coming, everyone!

Here's a tip...

PUB CRAWL!

If you have the opportunity to partake in a pub crawl this spring break.. do it. Depending on who does it, It'll be a couple of greyhound busses taking you to like 7 or 8 clubs..where you get sloppier and sloppier drunk and crazy at each one. It's great because the busses do all the driving (safe), and all kinds of insane activities and games happen on the busses.

The past 2 years, we've had camera crews on the busses and at the clubs and saw some insane stuff.. It's great, and is always a highlight of spring break.

Bonus: You get nutritious snacks! Here is a girl enjoying a chocolate-covered banana on the pub bus. ;)
________
Lesbian live

Attached Thumbnails

 

I have went on the pub crawl twice, and let me tell you this, you wouldnt beleive the things that happen on those buses!! Insane!!! See you all down there!! Enjoy

Jason

if anyone finds out any info on the pub crawls let me know!! im game for one of those!!

SexyMan is right with his advice. The local police are really cracking down on the 'rowdy' behavior. Those things like underage drinking, flashing, and lots of other things will not only cost you possibly a night in jail, but also a return trip to PCB for a mandatory court appearance.

Same goes with unregistered guest in rooms. You may think you are paying for the room, and you are, but for only the regestered guests. You can see yourself being evicted and those unregistered guests being arrested for trespassing.

Also, keep your room locked up. If you are going to have a gathering in there, find a way to hide your valuables or if your hotel has it put the stuff in the safe. It's sad to say but there is a criminal element that also participates in Spring Break here. No fun explaining to Mom and Dad how you lost an expensive camera, all your money, etc.

Have fun, but be smart and be safe.

Oh, I almost forgot. A very very important piece of information that everyone may want to know.

Side streets are your friend! If you plan on getting on the strip for ANY thing other than cruising, and sitting in traffic for hours, you'll be highly disappointed. The main streat is called "Front Beach Road", and I think the back street is "Middle Street Road". (I'm not sure. Maybe one of the locals can correct me).

But normally when the main street is bumper to bumper, you can get on the back road and get where you want to be in no time.

With THAT being said...

Getting out of panama city beach at the end of your trip could be a hassle. As far as I know, there's only ONE way out. Hopefully someone can correct me, and let me know of an alternate way out of PCB. Sunday's around noon is when most people are clearing out of PCB, and you're all trying to cross the same bridge to get home. For some of you, you may actually sit on the strip, longer than it takes you to drive home.

Locals - is there another way out of PCB?

We have a new bridge now! (yet to be named.. although it will probably be called Hathaway Bridge again)

There's still a lot of construction around it, but the new bridge is a lot bigger and traffic does move more smoothly across it, so it should help a little.

Another way out of PCB?

Yes.. If you have to get to HWY 231, you can either go through town as most do, or take HWY 79 North to HWY 20 .. then go east to meet 231. It may be a bit longer (but not much).. but there will be FAR less traffic.

To get to HWY 79, go west on Back Beach Rd (aka 98 or Panama City Beach Parkway)... or ask a local. It's one of the only major intersections on that road.
________
GONG BONGS

Yes there is only one 'major' way into and out of PCB, usually Hwy 98 from Panama City. There are alternatives, depending on where you are coming from, or as you leave, where you are going.

Hwy 79 north out of Panama City Beach is the only alternative. It hooks up with Hwy 20 which is an East-West road that leads directly to Hwy 231, the favored North-South passage from I-10 and points North. Coming in from the West you are limited to Hwy 98.

Hwy 79/20 is mostly two lane road, but compared to sitting bumper to bumper on four lane, it might be a better choice.

Peak traffic during Spring Break is obviously Fridays from about noon-6pm coming in town and about the same time on Sundays leaving. Lots of people are in the 100 mile club and come down every weekend and fill the roads.

I would actually predict a large increase on the bridge going to and from Panama City this year due to the decrease in the number of 'affordable' rooms on the beach (Hint- have a reservation or you may have to sleep in your car). Also there is a daily flux going to Panama City from the beach in the late afternoon, usually Breakers looking for cheaper food on the other side of the bridge.

Okay, Front Beach Road. This is the main road that runs along the beach for the most part, and yes, depending on the day and time (I.E. weekend nights), it is basically a parking lot. Next is Middle Beach Road, and on the far outside, Back Beach Road which is the same as Hwy 98.

Going anywhere quickly on Front Beach Road is impossible. if you want to cruise, listen to your music, look at the girls (or guys depending on your preference) this is the place to spend some time. If you are trying to actually go somewhere and can avoid Front Beach Road, do so. There are limited cut-throughs from Front Beach to Middle Beach and Back Beach, most marked with a letter designator.

I would highly suggest anyone that will be driving in the area check out the numerous maps available online and print them up.

Perfect advice guys! Thanks! I know this will definitely help me a lot, and will save me a lot of time.

I know this is valuable information for people who want to go to Club La Vela to get their hand stamped between 7-9, or whatever time it is. Because if you leave your room at 6:30, thinking that you're going to get there in time...forget about it. You might get there by 8:15. But if you have to stand in line for more than 45 minutes, guess what? You'll be paying $25 with the 18 year olds. So, make good use of the back roads.

Thanks again guys!

Yup, Back Beach (and even Middle Beach) can save you tons of time. Also, hwy 79 goes all the way to I-10... if you need to get on I-10, I'd definitely suggest hwy 79 over hwy 231.

For more info, check out our Spring Break Party Map which shows how to get to Hwy 79, Hwy 231, Back Beach, Middle Beach, Front Beach, the major access roads that connect them, and also all of the major hotels and clubs/bars.

If you're coming to PCB for Spring Break, you NEED that map. Go get it now! It's FREE! Courtesy of TripSmarter.Com, Beach TV, and Club Hour.