Should we go to Destin or another beach area in FL?

We have never taken the kids to the ocean and want to this summer. Is Destin the best place or do you recommend other places in FL? We live in Kansas... drive or fly?? If it%26#39;s Destin it looks like driving is best - other beaches - flying. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Should we go to Destin or another beach area in FL?

I adore the Destin area. It%26#39;s a 11-12 hr drive from Texas and I%26#39;ve made it most every year since I was 13. I%26#39;ve been to many other beaches but I think the area between Ft Walton to Destin thru the Beaches of South Walton are the best. The sand is soft and sugar white, the water ranges from emerald green to aqua most days. The waves aren%26#39;t that big most of the time making it more friendly for younger kids. Pensacola is a runner up to the area but anything west of that goes downhill in beach and water quality. Panama City is a little rough around the edges to me, it%26#39;s revitalizing and looks better than a few years ago but it%26#39;s still not quite there to me.

The Desin area has tons of condos (which wind up being more affordable than hotels), great restaurants, a water park, car track, gulfarium, and tons of shopping (including a great outlet mall).

I hope ya%26#39;ll choose the Destin area and I hope ya%26#39;ll have a great time!

Should we go to Destin or another beach area in FL?

Thanks so much! I%26#39;ve been reading the other forums and so glad to have your information! I will start searching for places to stay immediately! Thanks, again!

Destin is a great place for families. Your children will love it. We brought our childen here on vacation and now that they are grown Mr. Cowboy and I come by ourselves. We can%26#39;t wait to introduce future grandchildren to Destin. To get an idea of the beautiful water and white sand you can check out the Travel Photos link on the left hand side of the Destin Forum page.

DESTIN is the place. We have gone for several years and love it. We took my sisters family who knew they would love it but did not understand the passion. They are now planning their next trip for this summer. It is great.

“…Should we go to Destin or another beach area in FL?”

Charrell…I don’t know that there even IS a comparable FL BEACH AREA to the Destin (Emerald Coast) BEACH AREA!!! %26lt;BIGsmile%26gt;

I, for one, believe your -%26gt; SEARCH IS OVER %26lt;GIANTsmile%26gt;

Just wait till you see the look on your kids faces once you all get there, and you will KNOW you made the ONLY real choice!!!

May God Bless,

steve%26amp;carolyn

Thanks so much, everyone! Now I%26#39;ve been spending two days getting overwhelmed trying to figure where to stay - we want a pool, don%26#39;t want to spend a fortune, can%26#39;t decide if we should stay in a high rise or somewhere else. Tripadvisor helps. Some names that have popped up are Destin West, Sandpiper Cove, and Crystal Sands. Any comments on that? Thanks, everyone!We are planning to come mid July... I know PEAK season but we can%26#39;t do it any other time with school and work travel.

We%26#39;ve been going to the Destin and South Walton area for over 30 years. Several years ago we stopped staying in Destin because of the crowds and went a few miles south to Seagrove Beach. You will love the area. No crowds, great bike paths for the kids, a nice Publix grocery store, quaint shops and restaurants in Seaside and beautiful beaches. We like Commodore%26#39;s Retreat, Beachside Villas and the Palms of Seagrove. Enjoy your trip planning.

Since you are going peak seasnon aoid high rises. that is alot of folks using the same piece of beach. sandpiper cove be careful which condo you get. Some of them are along ways from the beach. Beachfront,beachwalk area or the studios shoud be okay.

Take a look at the Crystal Beach and Miramar areas both in Destin just less crowded.

I had to go back look at your pp. Destin West that is technically in FWB and a small drive into Destin. I have been told in the summer it gets very congested coming over from FWB and can take awhile. I don%26#39;t know Crystal Sands but it seems like it gets alot of recommendations. Keep looking and posting and some one will have stayed there and can give you a report.

charrell - check your p.m.