aliska

Will be there first full week in August. Looking for stuff to do in the area- beach suggestions, glass bottom or other boat rides, amusement parks, good shelling, etc. Will be staying overnight in Pensacola near airport for one night on our way to Destin/Ft.Walton Beach, need dinner rec. Looking for restaurant suggestions in budget to medium high end price range (up to $20 pp). We have one celebration dinner we are looking for something "very special" ($30-$40 pp). Need to accommodate mother in 70's, husband, and 2 teenagers. We eat wide variety of cuisine (not too spicy). Planning to eat b/l in condo and either bring in or go out to dinner. Any comments on Cafe Provence in Santa Rosa, Cafe 331, Beachwalk Cafe, Pompano Joe's, Destin Chops, Cafe Tango, Criolla's? Looking for budget pizza/Italian/Asian/seafood/BBQ recs too. We're willing to drive 30-45 minutes, TIA.

AustinTraveler

I can help with restaurants near the airport in Pensacola. There is a Bonefish just down the street from the airport. There are also two new places close to Cordova Mall which is close to the airport too. One is Smoky Bones and the other I can't think of the name. Both would appeal to the teenagers I would think and neither is expensive. Bonefish is part of the Outback chain.

Normally, shelling is not a part of the picture in this part of Florida. But, they have been renourishing the beaches in Destin and that brings a lot of shells so you may have some luck with that.

MRand

aliska - Check out Cafe 30A in Seagrove Beach: www.cafethirtya.com In our experience, Criolla's is overrated and overpriced.

Sunshinesue

Cafe 3 thirty 1- funky restaurant, good food, recommend it. I also recommend the Red Bar in Grayton Beach, their sister restaurant. Fun place with good food especially the crab cakes.

Criollas-only eaten there once. It was excellent but expensive.

Pompano Joes-general consensus is the tourists love it, the locals avoid it. I haven't eaten there in a while but when I did it was sub par and over priced. They may be better now. At any rate it is a great place to have a drink (right on the beach).

I will have to agree with MRand about Cafe 30A. My favorite! Would be great for your special dinner.

You might want to check the Trip Advisor Destin board for Destin/Ft. Walton restaurant and activity recs. You will find a ton of info.

aliska

Thanks for restaurant recs! Any suggestions for boat ride? We enjoy doing a late afternoon glass bottom or other boat ride. Also, I recall reading about an aquarium in the area, any good?