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Family trip Easter werkend

Will it be crazy with college spring breakers? Haven’t booked yet but getting close to booking an Airbnb for our family of 5. We are a family who loves to be busy so also looking for all the recs! Thanks!

Planning a family trip to Panama City Beach (PCB) over Easter weekend can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to understand how busy the area can get. Easter weekend is not quite as wild as spring break for college students, but it does coincide with spring break for some schools, so you can expect an increase in visitors compared to non-holiday weekends.

Crowds & Atmosphere

During Easter weekend, the crowds are generally family-oriented but still active, especially on the main beach areas. The beaches will be lively, restaurants may have wait times, and traffic on the main roads along the beach can be heavier than usual.

  • The busiest areas are usually Pier Park, the main beach strip, and popular public beach accesses.
  • College spring breakers are more concentrated in the last week of March and early April, but Easter weekend sees a mix of families and vacationers rather than just partying crowds.
  • Booking an Airbnb now is smart because demand spikes around Easter, and family-friendly accommodations can sell out quickly.

Activities & Recommendations

Since your family enjoys being busy, PCB offers plenty of options:

  • Beach & Water Activities: Swimming, sandcastle building, parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and dolphin tours.
  • Amusements & Attractions: Gulf World Marine Park, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, WonderWorks, and mini-golf.
  • Shopping & Dining: Pier Park has a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options suitable for families.
  • Nature & Outdoors: St. Andrews State Park offers hiking, kayaking, and quieter beaches if you want a break from the crowds.

Tips for Easter Weekend

  • Book your Airbnb early, especially if you want proximity to the beach or Pier Park.
  • Plan to arrive early to popular attractions to avoid lines, particularly waterparks or dolphin tours.
  • Consider a mix of busy and quieter days—maybe spend the morning at the beach and afternoons at a park or indoor attraction.
  • Check local event calendars—Easter weekend often has egg hunts, parades, and family-friendly festivals along the beach.

In summary, while Easter weekend will be busier than a typical weekend, it’s generally manageable and more family-oriented than peak college spring break weeks. With early bookings and planning, your family can enjoy both lively activities and quality beach time without feeling overwhelmed by party crowds.

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