We did Ft Walton (Destin) earlier this summer.

Busy, but not crazy. We went over to Destin 1 day and it was a huge traffic/busy difference to FWB.

We enjoyed FWB & the beaches weren't overly crowded.

We just got back from a week at Cape San Blas. It’s about 40 minutes east of PCB. We’ve been going there since 2014. Beaches and water are usually beautiful. Had some storms so it was a bit dirtier than usual, but still not bad. The nice thing about CSB is it isn’t too crowded. While it seemed there were more people this year, it’s still nothing like Destin or PCB.

Basically from Panama City Beach, FL west to Gulf Shores, AL. The beaches are all gorgeous and all similar. The beach towns all kinda have a different vibe/style which varies from upscale with expensive restaurants to more low-key casual, more family-friendly, more shopping, etc.

If you're driving it will take about the same time to drive to Destin as it will to Tampa. But that's the other big reason we don't go to central or south Florida from here in Atlanta. You can drive to Destin in under 5.5 hours. Tampa is almost 8. Ft Myers is 9.5.

Lastly, Myrtle Beach is seriously blech compared to Panhandle FL beaches. It will be a massive upgrade. Even if you want to stay on the East coast, go to the Charleston area beaches or Hilton Head Island rather than Myrtle.

Was on Pensacola Beach a few days ago. Not a beach person really but it was very nice. And we found an abundance of free parking too.

quote:

Originally posted by HayesGreener:
The Florida Emerald Coast, from Panama City Beach to Pensacola has the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world, the hospitality is wonderful, and we have not yet been overrun by liberals trying to New York or Californicate our state. Also if you cross the west border into Alabama you will get more of the same.

Agreed. Dauphin Island, AL is my choice for the best (and also least touristy) of the "Redneck Riviera" Gulf beach spots, but just down the road are the more touristy AL beaches in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach or the FL panhandle beaches like Destin/Pensacola/Panama City/etc., any of which are good options.

The Florida Keys are also fantastic, though you'll want to stay elsewhere besides Key West, and just take a day trip or two in KW if you want to see what they have to offer. Prices are much more reasonable further up the Keys, like in/around Marathon.

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Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by DaveL:

Southeast Florida - From Anna Maria south to Marco Island.

Southwest?

Yes, southwest. Nice to get an early start on my daily stupidity quota.

My sister has a condo on Pensacola beach. Just got back from spending a week there. The bridge if finally open after being taken out by the Hurricane last year. Traffic into the beach is still bad though. I like Flounders, The Dock, and Peg Leg Petes.

The Florida Panhandle has the worst beaches, full of broken glass and pop tops, polluted water, unattractive women and the sun never shines.

Gas averages $47.93 a gallon and the stations are only open for 3 minutes, once a week, and the pump hoses are on the wrong side.

The seafood is nasty, all covered in crude oil and full of mercury.

I don't mind warning anyone, it's the least I could do...

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
The Florida Panhandle has the worst beaches, full of broken glass and pop tops, polluted water, unattractive women and the sun never shines.

Gas averages $47.93 a gallon and the stations are only open for 3 minutes, once a week, and the pump hoses are on the wrong side.

The seafood is nasty, all covered in crude oil and full of mercury.

I don't mind warning anyone, it's the least I could do...

Antigun, anti-constitution, left leaning people predominate, and send all their unsightly friends there as well. Body odor is an issue.

My wife and I like the Sarasota area. We stay in a VRBO in Seista Keys. Look out the window and walk out to our own dock on Little Sarasota Bay. Walk a few blocks to the NW and you are on Turtle Beach. A few blocks north of the that is Seista Beach. Our VRBO is a 4-plex apt. in a residential area so no high rise condos and not much traffic. I suppose being only a few hundred yards from the end of the peninsula helps w/ the traffic too.

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Originally posted by holdem:
The Panhandle from Panama City Beach to Pensacola Beach is wonderful. Destin is probably the clearest of blue water.

Have not been back to Myrtle after visiting this Florida area. Most beautiful sand & water that I plan on ever seeing. I love the Destin area.

No plans to ever go back to the MB area again.

I am partial to Sanibel Island. We spent most our family vacations there when I was growing up, wife and I went there before kids, with kids and now we go there just ourselves. Lots of changes since the 70's but I still love it. Many great beaches there, but water is usually not clear.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: chbibc,

I'd vote for Bahia Honda State Park in the Keys. Beautiful little beach, no crowds in off season, the water is crystal clear and warm, and the snorkeling is awesome. You just have to swim past the roped off swim area to enjoy all the leopard rays, queen conchs, and tropical fish you can imagine.

https://bahiahondapark.com/

Have to say Destin and surrounding area.

I came to post Bahia Honda, someone else beat me to the punch. Some of the most beautiful water anywhere in the country. We were down there a few months ago and it was awe inspiring.

Cape San Blas Florida wise an Orange Beach Alabama wise...

This is timely. I'm headed to PSB for Ironman Florida on Nov 6th and will be spending time the week leading up to the race in the panhandle area.

Here's hoping local and state officials keep things open and current Covid rates drop, which I fully expect them to.

Good luck. Hope you win.

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Originally posted by slabsides45:

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
The Florida Panhandle has the worst beaches, full of broken glass and pop tops, polluted water, unattractive women and the sun never shines.

Gas averages $47.93 a gallon and the stations are only open for 3 minutes, once a week, and the pump hoses are on the wrong side.

The seafood is nasty, all covered in crude oil and full of mercury.

I don't mind warning anyone, it's the least I could do...

Antigun, anti-constitution, left leaning people predominate, and send all their unsightly friends there as well. Body odor is an issue.

That’s why we pull up short at Orange Beach, AL. Headed that way before end of summer!

Go west a bit. Orange Beach, Alabama has wonderful beaches and great food. Plenty of options from hotels to VRBO condos and houses right on the beach. We have stayed at Brett Robinson properties several times and have had positive experiences each time.