We are returning to Gulf Coast again April 2001, we have enjoyed Lido Key and area but looking for an alternate. We are family of 5, 3 kids 14,12,and 6, and prefer a quality beach front condo to a Hotel.We are staying 3 weeks so will have 5 -14 days at our regular spots, but looking for something of a similar theme with bars - food close enough to walk.

C'mon somone, answer this...

Sorry, I have no answer for you, as I've never been to Florida. Seems that alot of people like Destin, though. What I'm hearing is that it's not only beautiful, but that it's 'grown up' alot.
Check it out!

Our family of 4 (two boys: 6 and 9) has vacationed often at Seaside, near Destin, and loved it every time. The beach is gorgeous, 3 pools in the town, and the accommodations are individual homes (any size you need) in neo-Victorian style. Beautiful.

Have you been to Captiva Island? South Seas plantation is there along with other condos in the area. Sanibel Island is also very nice.

We were in (on?) Sanibel in June and had a great time. Accomodations there are mainly condos and mainly rent from Saturday to Saturday. You can investigate more at www.sanibel-captiva.com (the Chamber of Commerce). Also, you can look at lots of photos of accomodations at www.propertiesinparadise.com. Good luck.

Try Captiva Island. You can park the car and walk or bike most anywhere. Look at private rentals at sites like vacationspot.com or captivavacation.com.
Captivavacation.com has some interesting activity links and restaurant links on it. Restaurants there are wonderful.

We just returned from 10 days in Florida, 5 of those days spent on Longboat Key. We stayed at the Resort at Longboat Key Club. While nice, I thought it was showing it's age somewhat. The beach is beautiful, food is good, but it is expensive. We looked at a condo called Beachplace that is down the beach on Gulf of Mexico Drive. They rent monthly and were nice and clean, good beach and pool, good security. I think the pool view that we looked at was $2400/month. While not within walking distance of restaurants, St. Armand'd Circle is not far. They have great shopping and restaurants. We will rent a condo next year instead of staying at a resort. Much more reasonable with nicer rooms.

Hey Donna! You are no more welcome to advertise your house than Larry is. You two know the rules here. No advertising. If you want to give us specific restaurant and activity recommendations without sending us to YOUR website, which promotes YOUR house, that is fine, post away, otherwise, you need to clear out!

You could come stay with me and I could give you a guided tour of "Noach's Apartment" Not quite as large as Disney, but just as nice. I've got an assortment of travel magazines you could read.

Panama City Beach is wonderful, especially with kids the age of yours. Within the last couple of years, the beautiful white sand beach has been widened. We have been to Panama City Beach several times and truly enjoy it. I would NOT, however, go there if the April timeframe you are talking about is during Spring Break in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, or Tennessee. If you want a quieter place, stay somewhere on Thomas Drive instead of on Front Beach Road. Front Beach Road is the street used for cruising each night which makes getting around difficult. It is also noisy, but your kids would probably love it. You hear a lot about Panama City Beach being for college students and not necessarily for families. However, most of the hotels/motels/condos will not rent to anyone under at least 21 or sometimes 25. Most of the kids like the Holiday Inn or some of the more local hotels, all on Front Beach Road. There are nice resorts on Front Beach Road (Long Beach Resort, Edgewater, etc.), but if you have never been and want it quieter, the best bet would be to stay on Thomas Drive. Panama City Beach has many wonderful restaurants and all kinds of activities for kids. There is, also, an amusement park and a water park. Be sure to have dinner at Captain Andersons and at Angelo's Steak Pit. Also, go to St. Andrews State Park and snorkel at the jetties. The water is not deep and the fish are beautiful.