Destin, Clearwater, Charleston or Hilton Head?

[EllNat11]

Ugh. We cannot for the life of us settle on a vacation for mid May! We've been looking at the above but I cannot seem to pull the trigger on anything. It will be my husband and I with our 2 year old daughter.

Any recommendations on which I should choose? I want to be sure to have enough activities to entertain outside of just the beach (children's museum, playgrounds, etc.)

No idea why I am having so much trouble deciding. Thanks all!

 

[Laura66]

Well I've not been to Destin - so maybe it's not my place to say - but we've getting a beachfront condo in the Wild Dunes resort on the Isle of Palms/Charleston every other year, got the past 16 years.
We LOVE it there! Not as congested as HH, love the beach, the resort has tons of activities for kids and adults! In under 25 you can be in Downtown Charleston! House tours, restaurants, museums, The Market, carriage rides, shopping - it's a beautiful city! Outside of a Charleston there are plantations, island restaurants, Ft Sumpter, boat excursions (Eco and sightseeing)! I'm so bummed this is our off year!

 

[wiigirl]

We love Charleston.

 

[LukenDC]

Of the places you mention, I've only been to Destin. It has nice beaches and outlet malls, but is lacking in charm. It also does not have any historic or cultural attractions within close proximity. If you do select Destin, I recommend visiting the nearby planned community of Seaside. It has been compared to Celebration and has a nice selection of galleries and boutiques. The Truman Show was filmed in Seaside.

 

[NaLisa]

With a 2-year-old, I would definitely choose a beach destination with many excursions nearby. So nice to relax at the beach and then go out to a museum or nature hike when you feel like it, but then head back to a condo or beach house for naps and some meals. Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms near Charleston are beautiful, and there are many, many things to do nearby that a family would enjoy. I've been to Hilton Head numerous times and enjoy it, but I have family there to fill up my time or otherwise, I think I'd be bored. Plus, the traffic is so bad in Hilton Head. I've never been to Clearwater. It's been many years since my last visit to Destin, but it was a party city for young adults then and probably about the same now. Just seems like there are better family-friendly destinations. I would choose Gulf Shores, Ala. over Destin.

Good luck deciding!

 

[Wishing on a star]

In Mid May.... Destin.... Definitely... Most gorgeous beaches EVER... Nothing on the East Coast could compare.

Any busier time-frame... WAY to busy.
Mid May... perfect. (just that the pools could be chilly if there happens to be cool fronts)

If one wants 'charm'... that is easily to be found within a short drive.
There is Seaside not far away...
One could travel the Scenic Route up Navarre Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore towards Pensacola. Not sure one would want to take the little one to the Blue Angels practice there at Pensacola... Because of the THUNDEROUS noise.... But, that was just amazing!!! There is the Naval Aviation Museum there as well.

Just for me, I would take those beautiful Caribbean like beaches, and the tons of options for dining, shopping, sightseeing, etc over 'charm'. Check out the docks and the Waterfront Boardwalk at Destin, that runs over to the Emerald Grande... I believe it is called HarborWalk.

Check out the SanDestin resort, outside of Destin, as well. (Just NEVER during summer high season!!!)

Of course, it is all up to ones preference.

We've been to Hilton Head once (vacation with inlaws) and have never been back. Much prefer the FL Panhandle.

Charleston is wonderful, and full of historic beauty and charm! (but not as much of a 'beach' vacation as the Panhandle.)

Went to Mexico last year, and LOVED it... Returning to Mexico this year... Can't wait!

 

[Laura66]

Charleston is wonderful, and full of historic beauty and charm! (but not as much of a 'beach' vacation as the Panhandle.)

The beaches of Charleston are not as beautiful and clear as any on the Gulf - but if you stay on the beaches of the Isle of Palms or Sullivan's Island it is very much a beach vacation! Some of our friends and neighbors enjoy the beach so much they never even venture into Charleston! And only guests or residents of the Wild Dunes resort can use their beaches or facilities so it's never super crowded!

 

[HeatherC]

I don't think you can wrong with any of these choices!

I guess I would say that the Gulf Coast has more of a tropical feel. With HH and Charleston you would have some historical options to check out if you wanted.

Which is easiest to get to? Price difference a lot?

Maybe you should visit all of them!! Or....maybe I should visit all of them and report back to you.

 

[Laura66]

I don't think you can wrong with any of these choices!

I guess I would say that the Gulf Coast has more of a tropical feel. With HH and Charleston you would have some historical options to check out if you wanted.

Which is easiest to get to? Price difference a lot?

Maybe you should visit all of them!! Or....maybe I should visit all of them and report back to you.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Or....maybe I should visit all of them and report back to you.

Yeh!!! I vote for that!!!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Or, with this next late Winter cold front... Take me back to Mexico right now where it's in the 80's!!!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

As far south as possible.

 

[jevierling]

Clearwater in April

 

[EllNat11]

Thanks everyone! You've kind of solidified my original assumption that Hilton Head may not be the best choice with a 2 year old (and a husband that doesn't play golf). For another year!

I will have to take a look at Gulf Shores - not a place we had considered!

From the below it sounds like Charleston/Isle of Palms may be the way to go. Destin's beaches do look BEAUTIFUL but it seems there may be more geared to my 2 year old's pace in Charleston.

Why are decisions so hard!

 

[EllNat11]

Maybe you should visit all of them!! Or....maybe I should visit all of them and report back to you.

I wish!!!!

The goal is to hit all of them eventually!

 

[EllNat11]

In Mid May.... Destin.... Definitely... Most gorgeous beaches EVER... Nothing on the East Coast could compare.

Any busier time-frame... WAY to busy.
Mid May... perfect. (just that the pools could be chilly if there happens to be cool fronts)

If one wants 'charm'... that is easily to be found within a short drive.
There is Seaside not far away...
One could travel the Scenic Route up Navarre Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore towards Pensacola. Not sure one would want to take the little one to the Blue Angels practice there at Pensacola... Because of the THUNDEROUS noise.... But, that was just amazing!!! There is the Naval Aviation Museum there as well.

Just for me, I would take those beautiful Caribbean like beaches, and the tons of options for dining, shopping, sightseeing, etc over 'charm'. Check out the docks and the Waterfront Boardwalk at Destin, that runs over to the Emerald Grande... I believe it is called HarborWalk.

Check out the SanDestin resort, outside of Destin, as well. (Just NEVER during summer high season!!!)

Of course, it is all up to ones preference.

We've been to Hilton Head once (vacation with inlaws) and have never been back. Much prefer the FL Panhandle.

Charleston is wonderful, and full of historic beauty and charm! (but not as much of a 'beach' vacation as the Panhandle.)

Went to Mexico last year, and LOVED it... Returning to Mexico this year... Can't wait!

Thanks!

While not considering for May - i turn 30 in August and we will be taking an adult only trip for that! Any specific recommendations on where in Mexico?