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[cati]

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[floridafam]

We are staying at the Watercolor Inn in Seagrove Beach in the Fall.

www.watercolorinn.com

We have been to Panama City Beach a few times but not Destin.

The beaches in the Panhandle are nice!

 

[Rafikifan]

We've been to Destin twice. Once was 10 years ago and the second trip was this past July so I'll help you as much as I can. If you do a search there are tons of websites of realty companies that show all their properties and amenities. 10 years ago we stayed at the Sun Destin which was very nice but that WAS 10 years ago. When we passed it last July it looked the same but since I didn't see inside I don't know. Normally the people that own the condo units keep them updated so that they can keep getting return guests to rent their unit when they're not using it. Last trip we went with friends and stayed at a place called the Coral Reef Club because they made the arrangements and then talked us into going. It's only 3 stories which made getting to beach easier but I hated their pool. It was small, screened in right near the parking lot. YUK! Our condo wasn't so great for what we paid either. It was ok but I can't recommend it. There are TONS of condos that are right on the ocean so I'm sure you'll find a place. If you are on an upper floor you have a nice view but I get jealous of the people on the first floor who can walk out their patio door straight to the pool or beach without waiting on elevators. As far as things to do they also have tons of "cruises" that run out of the marina. Any kind you can think of. Morning, afternoon, or dinner cruises. Most are dolphin watching (and you will see plenty for sure!) and there are some that take you out and you can snorkel. Lots of shopping and tons of restuarants. Be prepared to eat at off times or have a long wait but a lot of the restaurants have an outdoor area so you can go in get a beverage and walk around. Joe's Crab Shack is VERY popular. We got there at about 6:30 one night and there wasn't a parking spot to be found. We sent one of our party up to ask how long the wait was and it was 2 hours. We left and went next door to a steak house and did wait a bit but it was out on their porch so we enjoyed some tropical beverages while we waited. It was nothing fancy but good food. P.M. me and I'll look up what the name of it was for you if you'd like. They also have a KRISPY KREME donut shop with a drive thru! I couldn't talk the clan into going there and I wasn't happy after all the good things I've read about them on the boards. Also they have a small fair like amusement park and a really nice go kart track there. Very cool but also very busy. We usually go to Gulf Shores, AL and even though it has grown over the years it still doesn't compare to how crowded Destin gets. I was shocked this past trip seeing how many more businesses, condos, and traffic there was compared to 10 years ago. But the beaches are beautiful with the white sand. Make sure you stop at a local shop and buy some of those cheap crab nets, bring some buckets, and cheap flashlights and go "crabbing" on the beach one night. It can be a hoot! It is safe since there are a lot of people out there doing the same thing. Like I said, feel free to ask any other questions!

 

[dawgfan]

You will love it in Destin. The water is emarald green in color, the seafood is great, the sand is sugar white. There are many places to stay but your best bet here is a condo. They far outnumber the hotels. Search Abbott Realty or go to Emarald Coast online and search for what you want. There is also an excellent Holiday Inn there. Be sure and eat at the Harbor Docks. There are many shops and also an outlet mall called Silver Shells. You kids will find a water park close by and many activities such as put put, movie theatres, arcades, parasailing. Snorkel with dolphin trips are available. There are usually fliers located in the lobby of all condos and hotels with details for these trips. This is also the deep sea fishing capital of the area and a half day trip for dad and the 10 year old for in shore fishing may be a good option. I would charter for a kid that age and do not try a party boat. That way you can decide to go when where and how. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[stevenpensacola]

i was going to reply but you good folks have already covered everything.

Like any vacation spot...bring a lot of $$$$

For a nice change of pace, head over to Pensacola and visit the National Museum of Naval Aviation (FREE!!!). The kids will love it.
If you time it right, you might also be able to watch the Blue Angels practice from a viewing area behind the museum.
http://www.naval-air.org/museum/blue-angels.html
http://naval.aviation.museum/home.html

 

[WeirdEyes]

Destin is my home away from home. We frequently visit there and LOVE it. We are even thinking of buying a condo. PM me and I will give you the info on the realty agency that we use. It is great because there are a lot of extras included in the rental (free golf, free ticket to Big Kahunas waterpark, free dolphin cruise ticket, discounts on restuarants, and most important, free beach chairs & umbrellas during your stay). We were just there about two weeks ago and the water was fabulous...crystal clear with some nice waves to body surf. We will be going again in two weeks. Oh and one of my favorite outlet mall is located in Destin!