Rmgee

We are planning our first Florida(??) beach vacation with a family of 5. We have 3 children, our youngest being 4 and oldest being 14! I'm just not sure where we should go. I've heard Pensacola, but then others say go to Miramar. Then I Gulf Shores,Alabama has been suggested! I'll just write what we are looking for and hope someone can help us find the place to go! Thank you in advance for any help!!!
We want to take our boys deep sea fishing, hunt for hermit crabs at night on the beach, see dolphins, have the white sand and clear, emerald water. We really want a laid back beach where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery and take the kids to do some things that they can't do where we live! We don't want the hussle and bustle of the crowds. Any suggestions????!!!!!!

OO

Are you planning summer or winter vacation? Budget? Sand is whitest in the Panhandle, then the rest of the Gulf coast. Water is generally clearest in the Panhandle as well, with beautiful blue-green water. it is not a winter destination for beaches though, and the Panhandle can be very crowded in summer. The higher the prices though, the less crowded too

OO

Sorry....didn't mean to post yet. So Destin would provide much of what you want, provided you are talking about summer, but would also be very crowded. Rosemary Beach or Seaside less crowded. I haven't been to Gulf Shores, but understand the beaches are similar to the rest of the Panhandle. It would be less expensive than Destin I would think.

I'm not sure what Miramar you are talking about. As a city in FL it's inland. Are you referring to a specific resort?

schmerl

Look into Siesta Key. White fine sand. Gorgeous beaches. Laid back atmosphere.

AustinTraveler

Mirimar Beach is the area just east of Destin (where the Mid-Bay Bridge makes landfall). It's a sea of condos, just so you know.

I am going to assume this trip is being planned for summer since you have school-aged kids. Yes, summer is busy on the Panhandle, but I would still recommend Pensacola Beach. Getting to the island is the biggest hassle in the summer, but you will already be there and with no need to leave. I would rent a condo right on the Gulf. There are plenty of activities for the kids and really great deep-sea fishing.

Both ends of the island are designated National Seashore, meaning no development so you can see the beaches in their natural state.

East of Destin, around the Grayton Beach area, would be my personal choice, but not with kids. You'll have to drive to Destin for activities for the kids.

sanibella

Destin and the beaches mentioned above are great options. Look for places on or near Highway 30-A - there are a couple of websites with collective information about that general area from Rosemary to Gray Beach. In Destin, Sandestin would be a good choice for your family.

Farther south, I would recommend Sanibel. We have stayed at the Sundial and found plenty of things to do for our family of all ages. The shells at low tide are a thing to behold.