Panama City Beach On a Budget

Panama City is a great family-friendly destination, but it also happens to be one of the most affordable destinations on the Gulf of Mexico. I think it's safe to say that when people hear Panama City they automatically think of Spring Break. However, we've found Panama City Beach to be a great place to visit even during off-seasons. These travel tips will help you save money on your next trip to Panama City Beach.

Affordable Places to Stay

Need to find a hotel in Panama City Beach for more than 2 days? It might be your best bet to seek alternative accommodations, like a condo or vacation rental. Vacation rentals by owner are especially popular with families and groups traveling on a budget . Why? Not only can you squeeze into more spacious living quarters than you'd find in a typical hotel, but owners will often fully furnish the property for you including a fully-stocked kitchen.

Located in the heart of Panama City Beach, Laketown Wharf is the largest single building condominium vacation resort in the Panama City area. Guests enjoy a choice of stunning Gulf, golf course and lake views. At night, Laketown Wharf comes alive as we celebrate another beautiful day on Panama City Beach with an exciting lighted fountain show. This daily event is choreographed with dancing water, lights, and music and can be viewed right outside your door.

Dining on a Budget

Regardless of where you go on your vacation, food is often one of the biggest expenses. You don’t have to eat out three meals a day while on vacation. Consider breakfast at your vacation rental home and pack a lunch for the beach. If cooking isn’t your thing, consider grabbing a coffee or grabbing a slice of pizza at the beach. And if you want to splurge on dinner somewhere special, try an early dinner around happy hour.  

Budget-Friendly Activities

The first activity may be a no-brainer: the beach! There is no charge for you to spread out a blanket for yourself and the family on the beach to enjoy the sun, sand, and waves. And if you do a little research, you’ll see there are often lots of free and discounted activities in the area. Try exploring the state parks in the area, like Camp Helen or St. Andrew’s State Park, for a day of outdoorsy fun. Attractions like Coconut Creek Family Fun Park and Goofy Golf are perfect for the kids and have some of the lowest fees for activities around!

Travel During the Off-Season

Generally, off-season vacation dates are more affordable than the peak season, so your budget-friendly vacation tip is to schedule your vacation at the right time. Florida offers an endless array of activities, so traveling during the off-season means you won’t have to miss a thing. However, there are times of the year such as spring break and summer when rates are the highest. Consider traveling during these off-seasons that offer big savings: late spring, late summer, and winter.

Plan Your Next Trip

And with that, there you have it—a wide selection of vacation activities that can be accomplished within a budget. Ready to plan your next vacation? Contact Emerald View Resorts to select, book and plan your perfect Florida vacation at one of our Panama City Beach resorts.