Where to go to the beach in July? Destin, Rosemary Beach, Seaside etc
Jun 28th, 2011, 08:42 PM
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Where to go to the beach in July? Destin, Rosemary Beach, Seaside etc
Planning my first trip to the beach since moving to Atlanta and I feel like I am starting this planning process a little late. It will be two of us, no kids, in our 30s with 4 nights away in late July and we need help!
I've heard recommendations for Destin, Rosemary Beach, and Seaside but I've heard negatives about all of them too. Since this is my first time at the beach I'm not sure what to expect. Are there any chances of seclusion? Would a rental or resort/hotel be the best option? And how do you go about finding a place? The listings for condos seem endless
In an ideal world we'd love to be on the beach but price is somewhat of an issue. We like doing outdoor activities and were planning on doing some fishing? Any suggestions on that avenue of things?
Any help is greatly appreciated!
I've heard recommendations for Destin, Rosemary Beach, and Seaside but I've heard negatives about all of them too. Since this is my first time at the beach I'm not sure what to expect. Are there any chances of seclusion? Would a rental or resort/hotel be the best option? And how do you go about finding a place? The listings for condos seem endless
In an ideal world we'd love to be on the beach but price is somewhat of an issue. We like doing outdoor activities and were planning on doing some fishing? Any suggestions on that avenue of things?
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Jun 28th, 2011, 10:02 PM
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Are you driving? And are you limited to Panhandle beaches?
My favorite FL beach (and I'm from FL) is Sanibel. But from ATL you would have to fly. You may be somewhat limited on short notice by where you can find lodging. Most all of the Gulf beaches are similiar. To find a place start with a map and zero in on where you think you might like to be. Then you can google for accommodations. Most accommodations will be condos or resort hotels. I would have to be on the beach or at least across the street. Try a Florida realtor - Destin, Seaside, or wherever. You may find that you are going to have to go where you can find a vacancy.
After you get a general idea of what will be available during your time period and when you are more focused on where & what you want specifically, come back and ask questions about a specific place and people can help you more.
My favorite FL beach (and I'm from FL) is Sanibel. But from ATL you would have to fly. You may be somewhat limited on short notice by where you can find lodging. Most all of the Gulf beaches are similiar. To find a place start with a map and zero in on where you think you might like to be. Then you can google for accommodations. Most accommodations will be condos or resort hotels. I would have to be on the beach or at least across the street. Try a Florida realtor - Destin, Seaside, or wherever. You may find that you are going to have to go where you can find a vacancy.
After you get a general idea of what will be available during your time period and when you are more focused on where & what you want specifically, come back and ask questions about a specific place and people can help you more.
Jun 29th, 2011, 04:00 AM
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We will be driving. Thinking the panhandle just because of time constraints o where we can get to. We normally book cabins in north georgia on a river...thought this would be a good time for the beach 
Was looking at emerald grande last night on a recommendation of a friend...prices are high but looks nice... thoughts?
Was looking at emerald grande last night on a recommendation of a friend...prices are high but looks nice... thoughts?
Jun 29th, 2011, 05:37 AM
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The Panhandle has beautiful beaches. I would think that Destin/Sandestin area to be cheaper than Seaside/Rosemary but it is a large and crowded area. If you would like something not crowded you might want to look into Cape San Blas. It is a 18mile long peninsula with the bay on one side and the gulf on the other. It has no high rises but there are a lot of rentals. We spend winters here. You would definitely want to rent oceanfront as there are alot of rentals back from the water's edge and you want to see the ocean from your front room or deck. There is a marina in St. Joe which is 15 miles from the cape and you can take a fishing tour from there or sail. There are miles of beach to walk and tons of oysters to eat But no night life. It's all about the beach. You can even rent horses to ride on the beach. We rent thru VRBO.com but here is a rental agency: http://www.paradise-coast.com/
But no night life. It's all about the beach. You can even rent horses to ride on the beach. We rent thru VRBO.com but here is a rental agency: http://www.paradise-coast.com/
Jun 29th, 2011, 07:21 AM
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Since you mentioned seclusion definitely look into Mexico Beach and Cape San Blas. Go to vrbo.com and find a condo or house there. Everywhere else in July is totally packed and it's the absolute height of the season so prices will be higher as well.
There are probably some cute little mom and pop style hotels around Mexico Beach that you could check out.
There are probably some cute little mom and pop style hotels around Mexico Beach that you could check out.
Jun 29th, 2011, 07:48 AM
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Jun 29th, 2011, 10:53 AM
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If you are in Atlanta, why not consider Charleston/Savannah or Hilton Head Island? All of those would be much closer driving distance for you. There are lots of condos for rent, they usually go for a week Sat-Sat. www.vrbo.com. If you want to combine city and beach, consider Kiawah Island and Charleston. Just my 2 cents.
Jun 29th, 2011, 11:35 AM
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I'm not familiar with emerald grande - nor which beach it is - but you are going to be limited to where you can find a vacancy. I can see now, that you aren't beach people. As far as fishing, Floridians fish from lots of public fishing piers, and from almost every bridge. You can rent a personal watercraft for a few hours. I would want to rent a place with a pool. I'm not crazy about gulf swimming in the panhandle. You can rent boats but if you don't have experience with boating on the gulf or ocean, you need to be cautious. Parasailing is fun - but basically a one time event (it can be costly and it's one of those 'been there, done that' type of activities.
Some people don't see the fun in beaches. My SIL has lived in a beachtown in FL for 35 years and I don't believe she has ever 'been to the beach'. She hates it. But she raised children that thrive on the beach.
Since you seem to be a first timer to the Fl beaches, be prepared for mosquitos. Be sure you have the sunscreen. Need hats & coverups for when you've had enough sun. Some of the best fun is exploring the resaurants.
Hope you enjoy your trip.
Some people don't see the fun in beaches. My SIL has lived in a beachtown in FL for 35 years and I don't believe she has ever 'been to the beach'. She hates it. But she raised children that thrive on the beach.
Since you seem to be a first timer to the Fl beaches, be prepared for mosquitos. Be sure you have the sunscreen. Need hats & coverups for when you've had enough sun. Some of the best fun is exploring the resaurants.
Hope you enjoy your trip.
Jun 29th, 2011, 07:51 PM
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Wintersp...you are so right! Lol I'm from the oregon coast originally but haven't done the beach in years. Then it was a hoodie and jeans
Looked at vrbo and the vibe of the places in cape san blas seemed nice. I liked how close some of them were to the water. A coworker also suggested that area. I'm really looking forward to researching more of the suggestions tomorrow. Any other areas like that between panama city and destin I should look into?
My guy has his heart set on some sort of fishing and outdoorsy activities. Maybe a boat rental? Or kayaking? Our trips are normally so low key and less "city" than some of my other travels. Thanks for all the help!
Looked at vrbo and the vibe of the places in cape san blas seemed nice. I liked how close some of them were to the water. A coworker also suggested that area. I'm really looking forward to researching more of the suggestions tomorrow. Any other areas like that between panama city and destin I should look into?
My guy has his heart set on some sort of fishing and outdoorsy activities. Maybe a boat rental? Or kayaking? Our trips are normally so low key and less "city" than some of my other travels. Thanks for all the help!
Aug 2nd, 2011, 11:39 AM
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If you choose to stay in Destin, goto http://www.beachreunion.com
They offer some of the finest luxury beach vacation homes in the are. All of there listings are within walking distance of the beach.
They offer some of the finest luxury beach vacation homes in the are. All of there listings are within walking distance of the beach.
Aug 8th, 2011, 07:13 PM
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www.oneseagroveplace.com is where we always stay. It's right on the beach, chair rentals included in the very reasonable condo rental price. Full kitchen, 2BR/2BA condos, you can view them all and pick your exact unit (and I recommend this as they vary widely depending on owner). Convenient location to restaurants but located in a quiet area of the beach. We've stayed here twice a year for at least a decade.
Aug 26th, 2011, 04:10 PM
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Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to report back that the trip was a success. We ended up staying in Destin at Sterling Shores. It was a great condo with views of the gulf and a jacuzzi. The beach was just steps away. Had some wonderful meals at AJ's, The Back Porch, and McGuire's. We chartered a boat for the day to go fishing...that was a flop...but next time I think we'll just rent one ourselves and go play around at Crab Island.
I am looking forward to going down again and doing some more exploring
Just wanted to report back that the trip was a success. We ended up staying in Destin at Sterling Shores. It was a great condo with views of the gulf and a jacuzzi. The beach was just steps away. Had some wonderful meals at AJ's, The Back Porch, and McGuire's. We chartered a boat for the day to go fishing...that was a flop...but next time I think we'll just rent one ourselves and go play around at Crab Island.
I am looking forward to going down again and doing some more exploring
Aug 27th, 2011, 04:59 AM
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Love Destin sounds like you had a great trip
sandestin.com seasidefl.com condos around Seagrove Beach
cheap great deals for me on vrbo.com
Currently finding even cheaper nice deals off season at
www.orangebeach.com www.zekeslanding.com www.gulfshores.com
Hampton Inn suite for me last week $69/nt beach front also
www.villagetanin.com "Obsession" nice for romance from $100/nt
Cute little carriage house pool walk to beach.
sandestin.com seasidefl.com condos around Seagrove Beach
cheap great deals for me on vrbo.com
Currently finding even cheaper nice deals off season at
www.orangebeach.com www.zekeslanding.com www.gulfshores.com
Hampton Inn suite for me last week $69/nt beach front also
www.villagetanin.com "Obsession" nice for romance from $100/nt
Cute little carriage house pool walk to beach.
