Which beach is better, more to do (teens) Destin or Panama City?

[disneystar65]

Thinking of visiting one of these two locations in August. In your opinion which has a nicer (more caribbean like) beach with clear water, powder sand? Also, which offers more activities? Looking at Sunrise Beach Condos in Panama City, near Pier Park. Any suggestions/thoughts welcome.
Thank you

 

[Leigha]

I'd also like inexpensive vacationing ideas for this area. Any good sites with discounts?

 

[Sethsmom]

Panama City for sure. Plenty of things to do. The beach and water is beautiful too.

I haven't been to Destin in a long time. I don't remember them having a lot to do and still don't think there has been a lot added.

 

[Ladybugsy]

Well, since I am from and live in Panama City, I'll chime in

I guess the difference I see in Panama City and Destin is that Panama City is busy and there is lots to do. Destin seems more of a relaxing vacation whereas PC is active. Just my opinion I guess. They both have beautiful beaches, Destin's are a little whiter. When we had to replentish the beach, Destin pumped the sand from the Gulf of Mexico, where PC shipped theirs in. In PC there are LOTS of minature golf places, the world's largest human maze...do that at night NOT during the day , bumper boats, clubs..(They have teen nights), Ripley's Believe it or not Museum, a Zoo, Gulf World, the state park, which is great for snorkeling, and Pier Park. And if they are old enough to drive, they will enjoy just cruising the "strip" at night. (Bumper to bumper traffic and teens galore...lol) If you're looking at something close to Pier Park, you won't be disappointed. I love that place. There is a Margaritaville there, which seems to be very popular. And the customary surf shop, Ron Jons. Although if you need a surf shop, I suggest Mr. Surf's on Thomas Drive. My kids get all their surfing and skimming stuff there. Behind most hotels are jet skiing and parasailing. Also banana boats which are UBER FUN! lol. BTW, if you want to parasail look up Adventures at Sea. You can go there and get a parasail ride for 25 bucks where it will cost you 45+ on the beach at a hut. They also have very cool jet ski dolphin tours.

So I guess the question is do you want a place with fewer people, and fewer amenities, or Lots of people and lots of amenities? It's a trade off, and a personal decision, but in reality, PC has more to do for teens.

ETA: As far as the clear water...that's just dependant on the weather and the surf. Some days are clear and beautiful, but some days, like today, the water is kinda murky. Some days there is seaweed, some days jelly fish. I suggest if the water is too rough or too murky to go to the state park. They have a beautiful "lagoon" area surrounded by rocks, which always seems to be beautiful.

 

[mafibisha]

This isn't my original idea, but I'd heard this comparison to SC beaches many times before we visited, and basically agree:

Panama City Beach is like Myrtle Beach and
Destin is like Hilton Head.

More arcade type things for teens in Panama City but Destin is lovely and more upscale.

You'll have fun at either and they're close enough to visit both.
Have fun!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Panama City is for teens.

Destin is for adults.

The sand and water are the same, as they are practically neighbors, but Destin is definitely more on the side of sofistication, Panama City is on the side of teens, but watch during the evenings, it can become a not so nice place.

Suzanne

 

[disneymom2one]

We live less than ten minutes from Destin.

There is a whole lot to do in Destin - shopping at Destin Commons, Baytowne Wharf and Silver Sands, Big Kahunas water park, the Track for go-karts, bungee jumping. There are also numerous gift shops, restaurants, etc. Fudpucker's also usually runs teen nights during the high season (now). Destin Commons opened almost six years ago and has a Rave Motion Pictures as well as Bass Pro Shops - plus many more typical stores.

If you haven't been to Destin in awhile, it's worth a look. It has changed massively in the past five years (as has PCB).

That being said, Destin isn't as big on arcades and the like.

Pier Park is the new big draw in Panama City Beach and we often drive over - primarily because of Borders. It's at least three times the size of Destin Commons.

If I had to pick one for vacation (and we have a teen), I'd pick Destin hands-down - specifically Sandestin (where Baytowne is located). In low season, we often head over there for a couple of days just to relax.

 

[livie1205]

DESTIN! they have some of the best beaches in the gulf...there is a lot to do in destin also...I have lived in fl not far from these beaches all my life and I cant stand panama city beach...every time I go it is nasty.They both have water parks but the one in PC is much older, they have a nice one in destin.

 

[becky1960]

I remember reading about the top beaches in the world and Destin was in the top ten. We have been to both and prefer Diestin. I am not sure about what you your teen's like, but watch out for spring break because you will see thousands of teen's there..

 

[Kies99]

How about in between?

30A is not as crowded as Panama City or Destin, but is right in between. Very few high-rise condo's but tons of great beach houses. VERY close to both Destin and Panama City (20-30 min max to each).

Go to www.30a.com to learn more.

Wow, I just sounded like a commericial.

 

[disneystar65]

Thank you for all of the replies and suggestions.
I think we will go with Panama City, because the kids really enjoyed Myrtle Beach when we visited, and if it is anything like that they would like it. If it were just us Destin sounds perfect, I think we'll take a day trip there. I am considering Sunrise Beach condos, which are in the west end, and from what I read it is a more quiet area. I am considering renting a condo through VRBO, never used them before and I am a bit apprehensive about it - has anyone had a bad experience using this service?
Thank you !

 

[tink2]

We love Panama City! It is a tad bit cheaper to stay on the beach in PCB than in Destin too. Yes, PCB can be crazy.. depends on when you go and where you stay. We went July 4 week last year.. stayed at Aqua near Pier Park.. and loved it! It was very quiet compared to a lot of the condos~ we really enjoyed it! We are staying at Sterling Beach this year on Thomas Drive~ only 92 units in the builing... should be quiet too! There is tons to do in PCB at night~ my kids are 10 and 8~ go carts, putt putt, good eating, shopping all around.. just fun! But, Destin has all these things too... we just prefer PCB...
Sunrise Beach is a new complex near Pier Park.. it is a large place, but shouldn't be too busy in August (a lot of schools start the first week in August)
Have fun!