Florida Panhandle beaches

[kkacar]

I've looked at and read the descriptions of the 15 beach neighborhoods, but I'm still confused. They're listed as "distinct" neighborhoods all with a particular feel to them, but I've also read reviews saying there isn't a lot of difference among the areas.

From what I'm reading, all the beaches in the Panhandle look very nice. Maybe I'm thinking too hard on this and it doesn't really matter which beach we choose?

If you want more family friendly in my opinion South Walton is the place. Each neighborhood is distinct with different architecture and a different feel. Sandestin, WaterColor, Seaside, Alys Beach and Rosemary are all planned communities with plenty (except Alys Beach) things to do and see. They all have homes you can rent and are all within walking distance to the beach. For all intents and purposes South Walton is an island that is connected to Destin on the west and Panama City Beach on the east.

If you are not interested in a planned community, you may like the neighborhood of Grayton Beach or Seagrove beach. They have homes you can rent and are all with in walking distance of the beach as well.

Typically we are not to wavy, pretty flat normally. I was at Grayton Beach all day yesterday and we played in the Gulf and in the Lake. Something that South Walton has that the other beaches do not have are dune lakes. They are rare eco systems where fresh water and salt water meet. On the east coast they are unique to South Walton. If you find the beach is too wavy there is always a lake close by (usually on the beach) you can play in.

In my opinion out of all of the panhandle beaches, South Walton has the most diverse group of neighborhoods to choose from including that 40% of the land in South Walton is national forest. You can bike or hike in the state forest, kayak or YOLO in a dune lake or play in the sand and surf all day. Those are the things that make South Walton different.

Kelli

 

[luvmyfam444]

Navarre is very quiet. We used to spend a wk there in the winter. Now we just drive down for supper occassionally.

You can drive from Penscola beach on down to Navarre - its a BEAUTIFUL drive down the beach.

All the beaches are similar, in the fact that they are the whitest sands around. Destin has to most gorgeous green water right as you come over the bridge. But Destin is too touristy for us. We used to trek over to shop @ the outlets every now and then - but never to the beach.

My cousin has a house on grayton beach & they love coming down to there & my sil has booked a week in cabins there for Labor Day.

 

[luvflorida]

not to confuse you anymore than you already are.....
BUT, ? will you have a car?
Have you thought about going down into Florida anyfurther?
Captiva island and Sanibel island are awesome.
Especially if you have 2 weeks.

Yes, we will be driving from Arizona. We've spent a little bit of time in the area you've mentioned. It is beautiful and we'd certainly like to go back. We've also stayed on St. Pete Beach and have traveled through the Florida Keys (love Key West) but have never spent any time in the Panhandle.

Thank you so much for all the great info, everyone! You've helped at lot! I've started researching houses in some of the areas you've mentioned and......there are SO many to choose from! I'm glad I have plenty of time to look through the listings.

 

[Kies99]

Here is where we stay every year:

http://www.vrbo.com/51106

Granted I'm a bit biased as my parents own it!

Anyway, it's in Santa Rosa Beach. A good site to check is 30A.com. This is where you want to be based on your requirements. About the only thing it won't have is mini-golf. You'll have to head up into Destin or over to Panama City for that.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Yes, check the website just mentioned, and

http://www.sowal.com/

Great info and insight!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Several years ago, someone on here recommended the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort to us and this is where we always stay. The prices are reasonable and they offer varying types of accommodations from studio hotel rooms to multi room condos. It is situated on both the Bay and the Gulf and it is just beautiful. It feels very secluded. They have a shopping and dining district area right on the grounds. They have so many different activites for children and adults and some of it is included in the room rate.

Check them out at www.sandestin.com

It's very close to the outlets and other shopping areas.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Sandestin might be right for SOME - but def. not for all, or even most.

Don't get me wrong, we have loved it there!

We have stayed there, in their area, thru time-share, many times.
But after our last trip down, in May, might be our very last.

They are so over-developed and crowded that it is crazy.
We traveled a few days later this year than usual...
They already had umbrella set-ups packed in, almost all touching, at least three rows deep, by nine a.m.

One has to rent thru SANDESTIN, at their prices (not vrbo or any other vacation agency) or they will have no access to Sandestin, at all... no tram to the beach, etc... They are 'carding' like crazy.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Sandestin might be right for SOME - but def. not for all, or even most.

Don't get me wrong, we have loved it there!

We have stayed there, in their area, thru time-share, many times.
But after our last trip down, in May, might be our very last.

They are so over-developed and crowded that it is crazy.
We traveled a few days later this year than usual...
They already had umbrella set-ups packed in, almost all touching, at least three rows deep, by nine a.m.

One has to rent thru SANDESTIN, at their prices (not vrbo or any other vacation agency) or they will have no access to Sandestin, at all... no tram to the beach, etc... They are 'carding' like crazy.

That is not at all true, in our experience. Everytime we have stayed we have had access to everything on premises and we always just book with a military discount or AAA, just like you would any hotel. They have some great specials, especaily if you are staying multiple days. We have never had to show our card, unless we wanted to rent the bikes or any of the other free amenities, that are only available to resort guests.

 

[Wishing on a star]

That is not at all true, in our experience. Everytime we have stayed we have had access to everything on premises and we always just book with a military discount or AAA, just like you would any hotel. They have some great specials, especaily if you are staying multiple days. We have never had to show our card, unless we wanted to rent the bikes or any of the other free amenities, that are only available to resort guests.

We were there just weeks ago....
It is all true.

For anyone here, do NOT vacation at Sandestin, unless you book directly thru them.

And, this is not new...
It has been much discussed and many have seen this day coming for quite some time.

And, yes, do expect their limited beachfront, for the many thousands of accommodations in the community, to be very crowded.

This is not the place for somebody who wants a laid back, quieter, beach house on the beach in a small beachside community, type of vacation.