Destin or Gulf Shores

texansfan · Mar 30, 2015

Trying to plan a family vacation for late summer, and I'm wondering if any posters here have been to either Destin, Gulf Shores, or both. There will be five of us, and I'd like to possibly rent a condo or something instead of staying in a hotel.

Which is better for families? I'd like something right on the beach as well, with stores and things for us to do reasonably close.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

bigbet1234 · Mar 30, 2015

Destin

bigbet1234 · Mar 30, 2015

If ya want to find some good deals on Condos try the app. Airbnb I recently heard about this from European customers. I downloaded the app and it's pretty slick. Check it out

texansfan · Mar 30, 2015

I'll do that bb, thanks.

SECplayer · Mar 30, 2015

Been to both. I'd recommend Destin over Gulf Shores. Beach will be very crowded if going in summer. Id recommend going slightly east of Destin. There is a stretch between Destin and Panama City that's called 30-A (that's the name of the highway).

Same quality of beach with about 5% of the crowd. Great restaurants and still an easy drive to Destin if there's something you want to do there. Solid golf too.

If you're looking at the 30-A location, you're pretty much relegated to VRBO. Areas to look at are Santa Rosa, Seacrest, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach. Quite a few others too. These are all on 30-A.

texansfan · Mar 30, 2015

Thanks SECplayer. I've looked through VRBO, lots of choices for sure. It's difficult though to choose from, that's why I think it's always better to talk with people who have been there.

I was looking at August, and I know it will be crowded. I was thinking Destin would be more crowded, kind of the touristy place to go. Are the beaches comparable? The water? I would think the further East I go the clearer it would be.

StevieRay · Mar 30, 2015

Destin destin destin. Last 2 weeks of August not as crowded

Defying · Mar 30, 2015

enjoy!

I'm a big fan of VRBO

texansfan · Mar 30, 2015

StevieRay said:
Destin destin destin. Last 2 weeks of August not as crowded

That seems to be the consensus. The only problem with the last two weeks is school has started. School starts here around the 20th or so.

texansfan · Mar 30, 2015

Defying said:
enjoy!

I'm a big fan of VRBO

I like the site, but so many options. I'm sure the kids will enjoy it, thanks!

StevieRay · Mar 30, 2015

San Destin Beach resort is great. You have a shuttle that takes you to Wharf for bars , food, shopping and 4 golf courses , beaches are white sand and blue green water

gmrcharity · Mar 30, 2015

Havnt been to Gulf Shores since Ivan hit. Is it pretty much rebuilt now?

texansfan · Mar 30, 2015

gmrcharity said:
Havnt been to Gulf Shores since Ivan hit. Is it pretty much rebuilt now?

I've had friends go since then and have said it's real nice, so I would imagine it's back to where it once was.

texansfan · Mar 30, 2015

StevieRay said:
San Destin Beach resort is great. You have a shuttle that takes you to Wharf for bars , food, shopping and 4 golf courses , beaches are white sand and blue green water

That's a nice resort, but it's pretty expensive. I would really like to rent something along the beach somewhere.

SECplayer · Mar 30, 2015

The problem with Sandestin is there will be literally 5 or more rows of umbrellas. I can't enjoy a beach like that.

texansfan · Mar 30, 2015

SECplayer said:
The problem with Sandestin is there will be literally 5 or more rows of umbrellas. I can't enjoy a beach like that.

Yeah, I'm looking for something more secluded, but close enough to do stuff with the kids besides the beach.

festeringZit · Jul 25, 2015

Just got to Destin earlier today, the beach here is beautiful. I'll report later with more details. My kids are loving the beach...

mountain · Jul 25, 2015

Destin. Been going there with the family for 12 years. It is a traffic mess but you will be good later in August.

We stay about 12 miles east of Destin in Miramar Beach at a resort called Tops'l Beach Resort, right next to Jerry Jones's house and a State Park called Tops'l Preserve, good location and not as crowded. May want to check out Navarre Beach, a few miles west of Destin but a close drive in.

The drive is brutal for us but the reward is excellent

mountain · Jul 25, 2015

festeringZit said:
Just got to Destin earlier today, the beach here is beautiful. I'll report later with more details. My kids are loving the beach...

Zit, check out these restaurants: The Back Porch and Aj's. Aj's is right on the harbor. Last year i took my son on a half day charter fishing trip. Caught a couple grouper and Snapper and Aj's cooked them right up for us. Also have live bands in the evenings

You will have a blast, it is my favorite vacation spot.

Have fun man, the water is clear and warm.

StevieRay · Jul 26, 2015

Pompino Joes is good also , Mcguires for great Prime Rib , Harbour Docks for best sushi around! Yoshi use to make it for movie stars on set

Destin or Gulf Shores

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