By Grace O.
Grace writes for Benchmark Management, giving you insider tips and tricks to help you have your best Emerald Coast vacation yet.
The Emerald Coast is amazing any time of year, with its stunning white sand and gorgeous waters. While most of the crowds flock here for summer vacation, if you can get away a month or two earlier, the spring conditions on the beach make it an ideal time to visit.
With mild water temperatures, air that hasn’t reached its summer humidity peak, and fewer people to navigate around, it must be said that spring is a wonderful time to visit the Emerald Coast. Today, we’ll explore more about visiting Florida this time of year, so that you know what to expect on your vacation!
Before we get to the good stuff, make sure you take a moment to sign up for our email newsletter! Be the first to know all of Benchmark’s latest news, specials, and updates.
In This Blog:
- Is Panama City Beach a Good Place for Spring Break?
- Is Spring in Panama City Beach Still Nice after Spring Break?
- On the Other Side of the Emerald Coast: Spring in Destin
- What is the Water Temperature Like in Spring on the Emerald Coast?
- What Wildlife Can We See in Spring in Florida?
- What Do the Florida Beach Flags Mean?
- Book Your Emerald Coast Spring Vacation Directly with Benchmark Management!
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panama City Beach a Good Place for Spring Break?
Yes! Panama City Beach is well known as a fantastic spring break beach (in fact, it’s referred to as the Spring Break Capitol of the World), and for good reason! The beach is its most famous draw, with 27 miles of gorgeous white sand, and there are high-energy events going on specifically for spring break at spots like Harpoon Harry’s. Combine exciting nightlife with a stay in one of Benchmark Management’s Panama City Beach rentals, and you’re in for a real treat!
Is Spring in Panama City Beach Still Nice after Spring Break?
Once the spring breakers leave, Panama City Beach is still gorgeous in the spring. And you might even be able to enjoy some peace and quiet!
Take time to relax on the sand, go on an excursion to Shell Island, or, if you’re traveling with kids, take advantage of the many family-friendly activities in Panama City Beach. Here are a few of our favorites:
Shipwreck Island
Spend a day splashing in the water, enjoying the flume rides, or floating in the lazy river! You'll have just as much fun as your kids here.
- Hours: Open Daily 10:30 AM – 5 PM
- Location: 12201 Hutchison Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407
- Age Range: All Ages
- Price: $54.99 for kids under 2 and adults. Senior (60+) tickets $44.99
Wonderworks
An "amusement park for your mind", this is a great option for a rainy day on PCB. Kids can spend time in the Space Discovery Zone or learn more about the human body in informative, age-appropriate exhibits. Plus, there's laser tag and a ropes course!
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to 10:00 PM
- Location: 9910 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
- Age Range: All Ages
- Price: Varies On Experience, check the website
Zoo World
If your kiddos love animals, this is the place to be. With all sorts of interactive exhibits, they can meet a tapir, feed an alligator, or pet a sloth. You can't do that every day!
Hours: Open Daily 9:30 AM – 4 PM
Location: 9008 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Age Range: All Ages
Price: Kids General Admission $19.95, Adults $25.95
Read more about our favorite things to do on a family vacation to Panama City Beach here:
Family-Friendly Activities in PCB
On the Other Side of the Emerald Coast: Spring in Destin
About 50 miles down the Emerald Coast from PCB lies Destin, another popular Florida destination. Destin’s weather is similar to PCB’s, since they’re so close together. Average temperatures and humidity levels/water temperature will remain the same here.
Destin is known as a less nightlife-oriented city than PCB; its main draw is fishing! Known as the “world’s luckiest fishing village”, Destin has long been a treasured spot for anglers. In springtime, you can catch fish like speckled trout, redfish, and flounder from the shore, and if you venture deep-sea, you may see beauties like Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Amberjack, Mahi-Mahi, Pompano, and Grouper.
What is the Water Temperature Like in Spring on the Emerald Coast?
Water temperatures rise continually as the weather gets warmer. In March, temperatures are at a chillier 64-68°F, suitable for some wading, but not prolonged swimming. By May, they’ll rise to around 75-78°F, which is comfortable for most people to swim! April sits somewhere in the middle, averaging out to 68-72°F. It’s up to you if you want to take a swim—after all, it’s your vacation!
What Wildlife Can We See in Spring in Florida?
Many animals start to peek back out when spring comes along! Here are some you can expect:
- Loggerhead Turtles begin to nest in spring
- Small sharks become active in shallow waters
- Jellyfish are more common in the springtime. Keep an eye out so you don’t get stung!
- Snowy Plovers & Black Skimmers are also in nesting season
- Coastal birds like Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Royal Terns, and Red-breasted Mergansers are common
- Manatees migrate back to the Emerald Coast in spring!
What Do the Florida Beach Flags Mean?
Safety is the most important thing to keep in mind when you pack up your things for a beach day. Luckily, the Florida/30A beach flags make it easy to know when it is safe to swim!
The flags use a color system to indicate when the surf is too hazardous for people to be in the water. We’ve attached a photo so you can see what each flag means!
If you’re not a strong swimmer, we’d strongly advise only entering the water when a green flag is present. Rip currents are strong and can sometimes come from seemingly nowhere, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Book Your Emerald Coast Spring Vacation Directly with Benchmark Management!
Panama City Beach rentals like the 3-Bed, 2-Bath Tickled Turtle Beach House are perfect for a springtime stay.
Now that you have an overview of what the Emerald Coast is like in springtime, it’s time to book your vacation! And, as luck would have it, you’re already in the right place.
At Benchmark Management, your vacation is our passion. We want you to have the best vacation ever! Whether that means you want a pet-friendly home so your pup can come along or you want to book a beachfront property with the most scenic views around, you’ll find it all within our catalog of Emerald Coast vacation rentals!
Ready to book? Fantastic! You can browse our available Emerald Coast vacation rentals now and book your stay directly with us at Benchmark Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim comfortably in the Emerald Coast in the spring without a wetsuit?
Yes, by late April and May, most visitors can swim comfortably without a wetsuit. In March and early April, water temps are cooler, but quick swims are fine, especially on calm, sunny days!
Is jellyfish season a reason to avoid spring swimming?
No. Jellyfish appear intermittently, but are not constant. Most days are unaffected, and stings are avoidable by watching water clarity and exiting if jellyfish are visible. Get out of the water if you see a purple flag!
Are dolphins and wildlife easier to spot in spring?
Yes. Clearer spring water and calmer mornings make dolphin sightings common near shore! Shorebirds and turtles are also more active this time of year.