Florida beach recs

[groovybuttons]

We're going to have some time to kill in Florida in a few weeks so I figured we could take the kids to the beach for a few days. Thinking gulf coast side somewhere between Ft Walton Beach and Clearwater. That's a big area and I'm not familiar at all so was hoping for some beach recommendations. I looked into Seaside, FL because it's just so darn cute and quaint but it was too pricey for our dates so that place is out.

[alzi]

St Pete, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks

[groovybuttons]

Sept 1, 2014 19:43:22 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

Oh, and if you are still looking at Panhandle beaches, Destin is really nice.

I've briefly looked into Destin. It seemed kind of difficult to find something that sits right on the beach but maybe I just haven't looked hard enough yet. I'm looking into St Pete now!

[medicmommy]

We really like Clearwater. We just went in June and it was amazing how much it has been built up since we were there about 4 years ago.

[brandienee]

I lived near Pensacola for a couple of years, Pensacola beach is fantastic. Destin is also amazing.

[brandienee]

Dup

[Deleted]

Panhandle beaches are better IMO.

[VillainV]

Destin is nice. I know you are thinking east of FWB, but there are someone gorgeous beaches just west of Pensacola (Perdido Key) and In Gulf Shores, AL.

[sparty04]

I'm not sure where this is relative to those two locations, but we rented a condo on the beach on Longboat Key back in May and had a great time. It was pretty cheap but probably due to the time of year

[kaybee85]

I really like Sand Key Beach, which is actually a park. It is in Clearwater, but not as crowded as a lot of the Clearwater beaches, has bathrooms, etc. You do have to pay for parking by meter, but they have change machines.

[Deleted]

I agree second Gulf Shores. Try to get something on the peninsula there. My grandparents have a condo there and it's a great beach.

[groovybuttons]

Yeah, I'm leaning more toward the panhandle beaches I think. In my extensive research (and by extensive, I mean about 20-30 minutes of google image searches), they just seem prettier. I've been to Gulf Shores before. That's getting a liiiiitle bit too far, but not opposed to staying there again.

[hanksmom]

Check out St. George island. An hour or so past Destin but very family friendly. We loved it. 

[sarahswim]

Sept 1, 2014 20:20:25 GMT -5 hanksmom said:

Check out St. George island. An hour or so past Destin but very family friendly. We loved it. 

We were there last month and loved it. It seemed like the opposite of Destin-not commercialized, no high rises, super laid back...it was so relaxing!

[kristie]

Destin is my favorite

[groovybuttons]

You can delete if you want kristie. I got it!