clt1983

We live in the midwest and are looking for vacation ideas for our family along the Gulf coast. Really I'm looking at the areas of Destin, Pensacola, and Gulf Shores with a family friendly budget. Our kids are 14 and 16 years old, so we would like to stay somewhere that they can go on out to the beach without us breathing down their necks the whole time but still be right there. We would also be looking for ideas of things to do in these different areas if someone has had a great experience. Thanks for any help your able to offer!

bramsole

Sandestin, east of destin, hands down.
There is more than enough to entertain the kids and restaurants to die for. Also, the others might not agree, but the sand is so much brighter.
If your flying, there's a neat new airport between Destin and Panama City. Top'sl is a great place to stay. So many amenties, tennis, pools, restaurant on the property and of course it's beachside.

olesouthernbelle

Sandestin IS wonderful - but pricey & very crowded in peak season. Lots to do like bramsole says. We like a quieter atmosphere & enjoy the Seagrove or Gulf Shores areas ( although May 16-18 will be HangOut Music Festival at GS ).
http://hangoutmusicfest.com/

We've stayed often at & enjoyed Perdido Beach Resort - for conferences. But, we are retired as of this year & I had made mental note that Phoenix East II is right next door & gets good reviews. Friends & relatives have stayed there & find it very nice & reasonable: Phoenix East II Condominiums, 27120 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.

sanibella

Everything OSB said. Same area, www.oneseagroveplace.com is where we always stay, and we drive the 20 minutes at least once over to Baytown (at Sandestin) to spend an afternoon or a whole day. But mostly we stay in quieter, less crowded Seagrove and Seaside area. Your teens can rest bikes and ride to Seaside and roam around there with no issues at all. In fact they will be around lots of others doing the same. The other direction is Rosemary Beach, same kind of thing going on there. The condo is directly on the beach, chair rentals included, with a full kitchen too. It's quiet but plenty to do and a great setup for our family.

Ackislander

You don't say when you want to go.

It is too cold or me in the winter and too hot in August. June?

I have rarely felt colder than on a Gulf Shores spring break. I was a young college professor, and I was delighted to find an affordable getaway for my family. Well, it was affordable because it was freezing. It isn't always freezing in March, but when it is . . . .

olesouthernbelle

The OP seems to have left the building.