Sandestin area ????

[Wishing on a star]

I am soooo excited to finally making plans for our trip to the beach at Sandestin in a few weeks.

I know that there are a few DIS'ers who have been there, and even live in that area.

Since I am the ultimate OCD vacation planner. I hope you guys will post here with your thoughts, tips, and advice!

Where to eat?
What to do?
I am thinking about renting wave-runners. Anybody know a good outfit to rent from. Or, how about some kind of boat excursion? Maybe fishing. Not just that boring glass bottom boat ride.

It is my DH, myself, and my DS(9)

 

[oxfordcircus]

Are you staying at the Sandestin Resort? If so, don't get one of those bike with the handle bars that look like an 18-wheeler steering wheel. You'll see what I mean when you get there. They're a cruel hoax!

 

[oxfordcircus]

We spent a good deal of time just on the beach and in the pool. We stayed in one of the condos along the golf course on the Gulf side of the highway. It had a pool just for those condos. It was a nice break from the saltwater and seaweed. On the way to the beach by the Hilton, you'll see a 2 or 3 story inflatable water slide. Your son would probably enjoy that. You can get an hour-long pass and wear him out on that. Our kids would have done that exclusively if we could have afforded it. As for dining, I can't remember the name of any of the resaurants, but whereever you eat GET THERE EARLY. If you go anywhere after about 5, you'll wait an hour or 2.

 

[horseshowmom]

We spent a good deal of time just on the beach and in the pool. We stayed in one of the condos along the golf course on the Gulf side of the highway. It had a pool just for those condos. It was a nice break from the saltwater and seaweed. On the way to the beach by the Hilton, you'll see a 2 or 3 story inflatable water slide. Your son would probably enjoy that. You can get an hour-long pass and wear him out on that. Our kids would have done that exclusively if we could have afforded it. As for dining, I can't remember the name of any of the resaurants, but whereever you eat GET THERE EARLY. If you go anywhere after about 5, you'll wait an hour or 2.

We LOVED Sandestin. We stayed at the beachfront condos, and the slide was out behind our building. The kids that were on it really seemed to love it (DD 19 and her BF 23 were a little old for it though ). There were adults on it too though.

I really liked how secure things were at Sandestin too. You had to have a key to get on or off the beach.

I totally agree about the restaurants. We went out one night and finally turned around and came back because the traffic was so bad. DD and her BF went out one night, and it was almost 10 p.m. before they found a place they could get in to eat.

They beach there is wonderful though. I'm looking on ebay and vrbo now to try to find a place for this summer.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Thanks you all!

It will be the first week of May, so I am hoping that it will not be as crowded as what you are describing. But, of course, dinner hour is probably ALWAYS crowded!

I know that there is one restaurant in the Village at Baytowne that I want to try. And, last time I posted somebody who is familiar with that area highly recommended the restaurant next door at Tops'l, I think it is called the Ocean Club. (I am horrible with remembering names!!!)

We will actually be staying in a little condo at Bay Club at Sandestin. This is NOT officially 'Sandestin', but is one of the few non-sandestin things that are actually ON the Sandestin Property. I would much rather stay in a Sandestin condo, but this is a time share thru my inlaws. So this was the closest we could get. We will have a Sandestin 'Amenities Card'. I am looking forward to renting a beach umbrella set-up on that gorgeous beach!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I used to live in Sandestin, on the bay side. There are lots of restaurants inside the resort, but my favorites are elsewhere.

Pompano Joes, The Crab Trap and The Back Porch are all owned by the same people. Pompano Joes is my favorite, but they're all good.

For breakfast, make sure to either eat at Another Broken Egg (one in town and one in Sandestin) or the Creperie. I love the Creperie's cherry crepes!

Make sure to eat at the outdoor restaurant at The Hilton on the beach side. They've since changed the name since I moved back to Texas, but it used to be called Barefoot's.

AJ's is always fun, but the crowd gets young and rowdy at night. During the day, try to catch a seat on the deck and you'll see pelicans flying right past your head.

If the money is available, rent a boat and go to Crab Island. Some days, it's so pretty, it looks like the Caribbean!

Take a day trip and drive down scenic 30A. Make a stop at Grayton Beach, where you'll find some quaint shops. Then head on down to Seaside and grab a seat upstairs at Bud and Ally's for a drink. If you're lucky, you'll see dolphins playing around!

Then there's Rosemary Beach, which is another up and coming resort area. Keep going and you'll hit Panama City.

Don't worry about crowds at that time in May. The spring breakers will be gone, and the summer season doesn't heat up until Memorial Day.

We'll be there for a few nights on our way down to Orlando.

I miss living there so much.

ETA: Forgot to mention my most favorite thing of all to do: get a sand chair, pull it into the water, have a glass of wine and watch the jets from Eglin soar over your head. If you're lucky, the base will be testing bombs! You can feel them in your legs.

ETA II: Check the schedule for the Village and maybe you can catch a concert one evening. The local bands are awesome!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Thanks you all!

It will be the first week of May, so I am hoping that it will not be as crowded as what you are describing. But, of course, dinner hour is probably ALWAYS crowded!

I know that there is one restaurant in the Village at Baytowne that I want to try. And, last time I posted somebody who is familiar with that area highly recommended the restaurant next door at Tops'l, I think it is called the Ocean Club. (I am horrible with remembering names!!!)

We will actually be staying in a little condo at Bay Club at Sandestin. This is NOT officially 'Sandestin', but is one of the few non-sandestin things that are actually ON the Sandestin Property. I would much rather stay in a Sandestin condo, but this is a time share thru my inlaws. So this was the closest we could get. We will have a Sandestin 'Amenities Card'. I am looking forward to renting a beach umbrella set-up on that gorgeous beach!

If you're referring to Bayside, it is Sandestin.

If you walk down the beach, past Tops'l, it becomes a nature preserve. So very peaceful!

 

[allie&mattsmom]

Pompano Joes, The Crab Trap and The Back Porch are all owned by the same people. Pompano Joes is my favorite, but they're all good.

These are three of our all time favorites!!! I didn't know they were owned by the same people. The Back Porch has the best Key Lime Pie!

Anyway, we make a trip down to Destin at least once a year, with our next trip being this July!

BayTowne has some fun shops and restaurants. I know we usually eat at one that's very casual, I believe it's called Harbourtowne. Picnic tables on the water and they always have a band. Then they have more upscale dining but I can't recall the names of them right now. We never stay in the Sandestin area, just now and then make our way down there to shop and eat. Anyway, I have now doubt you and your family will love the area! Have a great time!

 

[oxfordcircus]

Pompano Joes is my favorite, but they're all good.

I think we ate there. Is this overlooking the beach/water along that beach road back toward Destin? No glass in the windows, just sea breeze? Where ever we ate, I had a tuna fillet that was really good.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

This sounds like it. But the Crab Trap is kindof like that too and the Back Porch. They are all right on the beach. Pompano's has a big bar right when you walk in. (funny how I always remember places by their bar )(Oops- sorry oxfordcircus, I forgot to use the "Quote" function but I was replying to your above post)

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

We've stay at Topsl, Crystal Sands and Sundestin. We LOVE it there! The funnest thing I have ever done in my life is rent wave runners and ride them near the beach. They had a rental area set up right outside the condo.

DS likes the water park, so we usually do that once too. I absolutely love the area. The white sand combined with the emerald water is just beautiful. One night people set off fireworks right at the beach. DS always likes to make at least one trip to Fudpuckers (I think that's what it is called). We don't go out to eat much, so I really can't help with suggestions there. DH's idea of a great place is anywhere with a buffet!

Have fun!

 

[kctwinmommy]

Have a great time! We also own a condo in Bayside Inn, which as someone said, that is a Sandestin property. There are a few differences, but nothing major. We bought it back in 2002 as an investment though. So, I've never seen my "own" unit, and I've never been back! We actually tried selling it awhile back, but it's rought market right now.

Anyway, enjoy it! It really is a beautiful resort and lots to do!

 

[annegal]

I used to live in Sandestin, on the bay side. There are lots of restaurants inside the resort, but my favorites are elsewhere.

!

Since you are from the area...DH and I loved this breakfast place that is a combo restaurant and super fancy car wash...has mechanical singing chickens inside, and every table has its own coffee maker-best breakfast ever....what's the name of it????? its near the huge discount mall-Silver Sands

 

[Maggi May]

North Floridian here
If you have a half day to spend, you may want to check out Apalachicola, which is east of the Destin area on Highway 98. Lots of interesting shops, galleries, homes and some excellent restaurants. There's a lot of "Old Florida" history here, as the town was once a major southern port.

Avenue Sea Restaurant at the Gibson Inn has been featured in Bon Appetit -- it's run by a very creative husband and wife team. I stayed there recently for an office retreat and every meal was incredible.

The Gibson Inn itself is worth checking out, just to sit on the porch in a rocking chair with an adult beverage in hand, watching the world go by. http://www.gibsoninn.com/

If you go to St. George Island, the Blue Parrot is a casual restaurant right on the beach with very good pub/seafood. Oh, and Boss Oyster House is the place to go for, well, oysters. It's on the river in Apalachicola.


Here's a website about the area: http://www.apalachicolabay.org/

 

[lorimc]

The Creperie is a must for us! Fresh-squeezed OJ! And a coffeemaker at your table. Get there early it always seems to fill up quick in the morning. I like the raspberry crepes the best.

Baytowne Wharf is great. We like Acme Oyster House (yummy sweet potato fries), Jim and Nick's BBQ (great iced tea) and for when you are feeling fancy-pantsy, The Marlin Grill (salmon on cedar plank). Also, RumRunners is a great dueling piano bar with a raunchy (and fun) show that starts at 10. The make repeated requests for kids to leave so as not to offend.

If you feel like shopping or more traditional eateries, go to Destin Commons. Hard Rock is there as well as Starbucks and ColdStone Creamery. Great shopping, too. We discovered Tony's Ristorante. Good portions and not too outrageous price-wise and a break from seafood if you feel the need.

www.destincommons.com

www.baytownewharf.com

Sorry if you know all this already. I love Destin! It was a hard choice between there and Disney this year!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Thanks you all.

I will definitely check out those links!


Hey kctwinmommy, maybe we should look into buying your timeshare.
I love that area!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Since you are from the area...DH and I loved this breakfast place that is a combo restaurant and super fancy car wash...has mechanical singing chickens inside, and every table has its own coffee maker-best breakfast ever....what's the name of it????? its near the huge discount mall-Silver Sands

That's the Creperie!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I think we ate there. Is this overlooking the beach/water along that beach road back toward Destin? No glass in the windows, just sea breeze? Where ever we ate, I had a tuna fillet that was really good.

All three are on the beach, but only Pompano Joes and The Crab Trap are on Old 98. The Crab Trap has a fancier facade, and Pompano Joes is more laid back.

I've been back twice since Ivan, and when I was there this past March, their parking lot was still gone.

The Back Porch is in town, and is also on the beach. Thay have awesome hush puppies!

Another great place to eat breakfast is The Whale's Tale. It too is on Old 98. I can't tell you how many times I've sat there in the early morning and watched dolphins jumping around in the water.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

We've stay at Topsl, Crystal Sands and Sundestin. We LOVE it there! The funnest thing I have ever done in my life is rent wave runners and ride them near the beach. They had a rental area set up right outside the condo.

DS likes the water park, so we usually do that once too. I absolutely love the area. The white sand combined with the emerald water is just beautiful. One night people set off fireworks right at the beach. DS always likes to make at least one trip to Fudpuckers (I think that's what it is called). We don't go out to eat much, so I really can't help with suggestions there. DH's idea of a great place is anywhere with a buffet!

Have fun!

Fudpuckers is great too! Kids can feed caymans, dog food, on looooooooong cane poles.

 

[kctwinmommy]

Thanks you all.

I will definitely check out those links!


Hey kctwinmommy, maybe we should look into buying your timeshare.
I love that area!

Sure thing!!! And it's actually not really a timeshare in the traditional sense. You don't have to share it with anyone. But, you can stay there a certain number of weeks and not be held against you as being a rental property. Or you can stay there longer, but then you lose out on the rental income. But, the unit itself, is yours.