Beach vacation spots in FL?

[jtcarm]

We’re planning a vacay to the Sunshine State and trying to pick a destination.

My wife likes Destin, only not Destin. It looks too damn crowded.

Our requirements are:
Clean beaches that aren’t too crowded with something resembling clear blue water, not the nasty green/brown stuff on the Texas coast.

Condo or small house within walking distance of the beach for four people under $1600 (total) for 5-6 nights.

Half-day charters that can get us in to some fish without going out to sea.

I’m looking with interest at Mexico Beach. Anyone been there?

We will be driving. Air fare + car rental would cost 4x as much.

Sorta on the same note, I’d like to visit the Outer Banks off NC, but the summer rentals look very pricey. Is there a good off-season time to go, or hidden bargains?

 

[OGDOUBLEJ]

We’re planning a vacay to the Sunshine State and trying to pick a destination.

My wife likes Destin, only not Destin. It looks too damn crowded.

If you like destin, do ft Walton beach. It’s the same beach, half the price annnnd if you wanted to go to destin, it’s a 20 min drive across the bridge.


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[Sixgun100]

The West Coast has nicer beaches with white powder sand. The East Coast has nicer blue water. If you consider the East Coast, stay North of Palm Beach County. Anything South on the East Coast is too densely populated. Please use good sun sense. I see too many visitors that are badly burned. Good luck!

 

[Whitwabit]

Make sure to wear foot ware when on the beach .. white sand can burn the bottom of your feet ..

Have seen a lot of vacations ruined by kids getting sunburn feet ..

 

[Grayfox]

Check State Parks. Many have cabins or bungalows for rent at very reasonable prices and many are within walking distance of the beach. I was in the process of planning such a trip some years ago, but unfortunately, it didn't happen.
However, be aware that most of these places are booked up well in advance. This is something you have to set up way ahead of time.

 

[RGVshooter]

Go to Sebring, Florida and enroll in the 5 day course at the Skip Barber racing school. you'll love it!

 

[Muss Muggins]

Sarasota/Siesta Key, about an hour south of Tampa. Beautiful . . .

 

[GaryS]

Look at the Gulf Coast of Alabama. Same beaches, less crowded. Baldwin County is one of the best kept secrets in the US.

If she likes to shop, Fairhope has a beautiful downtown area with a lot of boutique shops. Fortunately, it also has places were husbands can grab a cup of coffee and watch the sights walk by.

If it's still in business, Bouchers is good for a cigar and a cup of coffee.

 

[ladder13]

Clearwater Beach, you’re welcome.

 

[tlawler]

My two favorite places are St. George’s island near Apalachicola and Ft. Desoto State Park near Clearwater.

 

[Chromedhearts]

Check on Mexico Beach in Fl. or Dauphin Island in Al.


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[LoadedRound]

Navarre Beach

If you like destin, do ft Walton beach. It’s the same beach, half the price annnnd if you wanted to go to destin, it’s a 20 min drive across the bridge.


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If you don't mind being slightly further from Destin, Navarre Beach is quite nice. We've stay here many times:

Beach Rentals At Navarre | Vacation Rentals Navarre Beach

Large pool areas and nice beach.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[Filo McShoe]

I worked in Destin for over 20 years and I woundn't go there now in the summer unless sitting in traffic sounds like fun.
I'd look at going east past Panama City on 98 to Mexico Beach.

 

[jeffsmith]

Negative

White Sand like is present on Siesta Key Beach & Mexico Beach
is made of Clear Quartz and Doesn't get Hot


Ever Wonder Why Siesta Key Has Such Amazing Sugar White Sand? - Tropical Beach Resorts

Make sure to wear foot ware when on the beach .. white sand can burn the bottom of your feet ..

Have seen a lot of vacations ruined by kids getting sunburn feet ..

 

[joeintexas]

Pensacola beach has beautiful sand, it looks like sugar, pure white. A very nice boardwalk with lots of eating places, adult beverage places, shops and live music. Plenty of motels in the area and lots to see and do besides the beach for variety. Close to Ft. Walton and Destin also.

 

[Watchdog]

We’re planning a vacay to the Sunshine State and trying to pick a destination.

My wife likes Destin, only not Destin. It looks too damn crowded.

I wish you could have seen Destin in 1969 and 1970 when I lived down there.

Destin was a sleepy fishing village...not even a village, really. Just some shacks and fishing boat charter places.
Sand white as snow that stretched for miles and miles. Water that shaded from subtle greens and blues to the deeper blue of the Gulf.

Just slightly past Destin, if you wanted to get to the beach, you had to go through jungle-like growth to get out on the sand. It was unusual to see another person.

I've no idea what it's like now. Probably best I don't know.

 

[Bugkiller99]

Flagler Beach. Close, but not too close, to St Augustine and Daytona Beach. Fish off the pier there.
Lots to do 1/2 hour north or south.

 

[CustomChevyGuy]

Flagler Beach/ Vero Beach / Sebastian / Hobe Sound area would get my vote for East Fl coasts

X2 on the vote that said stay north of Palm Beach county

 

[jimmyj]

Florida West Coast:
Treasure Island/Saint Petersburg

 

[wood714]

Flagler Beach. Close, but not too close, to St Augustine and Daytona Beach. Fish off the pier there.
Lots to do 1/2 hour north or south.

^^^^
This!

I live about 15 min from Flagler Pier. We don't have white sand, but do have nice clean water.

Good fishing off the pier or you could rent a boat and fish the ICW.