Destin FL

[Wishing on a star]

I am so excited to be planning a trip to Destin! SanDestin in particular.

Sorry Disney, but WDW was our last vacation!!!

I am thinking that there are a couple of DISers who live in that area. As well as a few who also like to vacation there.

We are wanting to do wave-runners, hopefully a Dolphin Tour. Should we do this thru Gilligan's or Boogies? (I am hoping that both of them still offer this.)

How are the beaches and the resorts after last years hurricanes?

Is anybody familar with the Bay Club of Sandestin?

Any other tips?

I am so looking forward to getting back down there!!

My DH is wanting to take a fishing charter and go catch a big SHARK!!!!

 

[Wishing on a star]

bump....

 

[destinflgirl]

Hi there!
I have lived in Destin, Fl all of my life ...what can I answer for you?

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hey, thanks!
I would be happy for you to give me any information that you can!

Where to eat?

Where to rent Jet-ski's... Does Boogies still offer a jet-ski dolphin tour?
The web-sites don't give a lot of info. And, nobody has answered emails yet.

We will be staying at the Bay Club of Sandestin. It is just a small condo building. But I am just happy to be staying anywhere at the Sandestin Resort. You probably do not know a whole lot about Sandestin. But, just thought I would ask.

I have heard about the seaweed that comes in. Is this usually in early June??? How long is the seaweed bad?

How are the beaches after last years hurricanes?
I love those white sand beaches and that gorgeous water!

TIA!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I used to live on the bayside of Sandestin. I wish I still did!

Make sure you eat at Barefoots on the beachside, near the Hilton. They have great food! You can also rent beach chairs from the Hilton and the Sandkickers will bring your food out to you.

I moved back to Texas three years ago, but when I was there before, a band called Salty Dog used to play at the Hilton. They were so good. If you can find them playing somewhere, go see them!

Also, take advantage of any evening activities at The Village.

I can't help you with the dolphin tours, but I can tell you that you're very likely to see them in their own environment on the Bayside of Sandestin. I used to see them all the time!

The beaches have taken major hits, one hurricane after another. We were last there in March, and they still hadn't fully recovered from Ivan. You have to remember, that even though Katrina and Rita hit closer to me, they still caused erosion in Florida.

Pompano Joe's is a wonderful place to eat, but the last time I was there, the parking lot still hadn't been rebuilt. You can still park along old highway 98 though. The same owner owns the Crab Trap and The Back Porch, but I always prefered Pomano Joe's.

For breakfast, don't miss Another Broken Egg. There is one in The Village and another one in town. Another don't miss, is the Creparie (I know I'm not spelling that right!). It's located right on 98.

For fun times and great views, try A.J.'s. Just keep in mind that the later you go, the younger and rowdier the crowd gets.

Let me know if I can answer any more questions!

Here is a photo of my DD7 and me, taken near the Crab Trap in March. You can see how they're trying to rebuild the dunes.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I have heard about the seaweed that comes in. Is this usually in early June??? How long is the seaweed bad?

I think the worst June grass invasion I ever saw, happened in May! That is some really nasty stuff when it starts to rot!

I've been walking down the beach before, minding my own business and then BAM!, I'm up to my knees in sand, because the sand will recover the grass. You don't know it was there, until you've walked on it. It's like a sponge!

The beaches need it though. You gotta keep telling yourself that when it comes in.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Thanks!

Wow, neat to see that pic of you at the Crab Trap! Brings back memories! I can't wait to get back. That is a great photo of the two of you.

And, you mentioned Barefoots at the Hilton. You are right. That is a MUST!

OMG, we will be there May 5-12... I am sooooo hoping that the sea-grass will not start washing in until after that!!! My sister was down there last month, and she said it was really bad this year.

I am hoping to be able to rent a beach set-up for us. But, with us being at the Bay Club (Thru inlaws Timeshare-RCI), we will not have a Resort Card. Just an Amenities Card. Surely that will allow us to rent the Beach Chairs and Umbrellas. The Sandestin site says that they do not accept cash. Only Resort Card. Maybe they will accept our Amenities Card with a credit card for payment.

Thanks!

 

[destinflgirl]

Hi Tia,

There are alot of great restaurants to eat at in Destin. I know you said you are staying at the Bay Club and that is on Sandestin Property but not part of Sandestin. I am actually the Reservation Manager for the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and have worked with the company for going on 7 years.



Be sure to go over to the Village and catch a bite to eat. I recommend Acme Oyster House, Jim and Nick (love their pig in the garden salad) and my favorite for fine casual dining is actually off property at the Ocean Club (850) 267-3666 - reservations are recommended. Off property casual restaurants I would recommend

Would be Crab Trap, Back Porch and for Italian Gratzi’s.



Jet skis can be rented at the marina at Sandestin. I do believe Boogies still does the dolphin tours.. Here’s the website http://www.boogieswatersports.com/ - I would call them



It just depends when the seaweed comes in. I have not seen any this year. It all depends on hurricanes, tide, and weather. I think you will be okay.



The beaches aren't destroyed like everyone thinks. The beach is actually a little more narrow but thats all. Walton County conducted a complete beach renourishment and it is finished. Beaches are lovely.



Beach Chairs at the beach are for Sandestin Guests only. However if you have an amenities card something might can be arranged. I would call the beach concierge at 850-267-8171 to make sure.



Hope you have a great time!



Brandi

 

[horseshowmom]

We just got back from Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and had a wonderful time! We stayed at the Beachside in a 2Br/2Ba condo that was huge and had a wonderful balcony.

The umbrella and chair rentals were $35 a day or 3 days for $80 (they give you two beach towels to keep). They don't take cash, but I think they may take credit cards. We had intended to rent them for 3 days of our week but never got around to it. As the poster above said, just call and ask.

The beaches were absolutely beautiful, but there was quite a bit of seaweed in the water. I saw no hurricane damage at all.

Our friends loved the Crab Pot and actually ate there twice (we don't like seafood). I did want to try Jim and Nick's (it's supposed to have great lemonade), but we never got around to that either.

This was our first trip to Destin, but I don't think it will be our last!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Thanks!

I am soooo looking forward to going back down there. I would love to stay at one of the Sandestin beachside resorts! (or even one of their non-beachside resorts) But, with the inlaws timeshare, we get a week at the Bay Club just for the exchange fee! Works with our budget!

I called that number for beach service concierge, and he did not sound like renting beach set-ups would be a problem. Our 'Amenities Card' and a credit card for payment should work.

Just call me the OCD overplanner when it comes to vacations!!!

Thanks everyone!