missypie

My mother (79) was recently widowed. She and her friend (also a widow, 78) would like to walk on a beach "one more time before they die." Actually, I don't think that either of them is near death, but I would love to help facilitate the vacation. Neither is rolling in money. They are mobile but walk fairly slowly, would not want to handle a lot of stairs. They aren't looking for night life.

I would just like to find them a nice beachfront condo to share for a few days in the off season. The Florida panhandle seems ideal.

Any ideas for which town, any particular condo development?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

clarkgriswold

http://www.seaoatsrentals.com/sea-oats-motel-destin-fl/

missypie

Thank you. Any other ideas?

clarkgriswold

At their age, the "condo development" areas might be a little off-putting. St Josephs State Park has one of the highest-rated "unspoiled" beach areas in the country, cabins are being renovated in October and there is availability in early December. I'm afraid most of the cabins have bedrooms that are upstairs, however.
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campin...&parkId=281069

Floridafran

What do you mean by "off-season"? I ask because here at Pensacola Beach the true off-season here is winter which can, depending on your luck, be warm enough to stroll the beach and even dip your toes in the water, or so cold even natives like me - who love to beach walk year round - stay indoors. We do have a lot of snowbirds from Canada and the upper mid-west who spend the winter here and find it just fine. But it can disappoint those expecting something more like the southern part of the state.

Our shoulder season is late September through October and is my favorite time of the year. The water is still warm enough for wading, the days can be very warm and the nights are cool to chilly but not cold. Before anyone else says its it - it is the last of the hurricane season which runs through November, but with the advance warning for storms, that would not stop me from coming if I didn't live here.

There are some low-rise condos here on the Island, both Gulf-front and Sound-front. Most have at least one flight of stairs, though some - like the Sans Souci - have elevators. All of the high-rise condos have elevators.

Pensacola Beach is a fairly laid-back place with some decent places to eat, a great pier to walk out onto and look down into the Gulf and maybe see the sea turtle that hangs out around the pilings, Ft, Pickens at the western tip of the Island for a nice historical diversion, and miles and miles of unobstructed beaches to stroll on.

The website for our visitor's center is: www.pensacolabeach.com Lots of info there about places to stay and things to do in the area.

Hope this helps a bit.

clarkgriswold

There's a nice Holiday inn Express on Pensacola Beach that comes with a good breakfast.

sanibella

www.oneseagroveplace.com

Elevator access to all condos. Handicap accessible one on first floor might even be nice even if they don't need it (railings, walk in showers, etc.). The boardwalk to the beach does have stairs, but the walk to the beach is minimal. Chairs included in rental. Security onsite. Can pick your condo on the website. Reasonable. Kitchen. A few restaurants close by.

missypie

Thank you, everyone. I think shoulder season would be ideal, but my mother is such a worrier that just the idea of a hurricane would send her into a tizzy. I am thinking that a high rise condo might be good for them, if it had a nice balcony they could sit on to listen to the waves. They might feel more secure in a high rise.