Jif

I am trying to plan a vacation to the Florida panhandle. I am not familiar with this area. We are thinking a house ON the beach. Is there a certain beach in the area that is better than others? I have looked into a few houses on Seagrove Beach. We are looking for laid back with the option of a few restaurants and some shopping, we are not interested in chains or malls. It is 2 families with small children and grandparents. Thanks!

Dana_M

Hi Jif,
I think Seagrove would be perfect for you. Here are some links to threads on the subject. The threads have alot of information on specific beaches along 30A in addition to links to rental companies.


Gulf Shores Vacation, Totally Clueless:
Poster was asking about Gulf Shores, but there is a lot of information on panhandle beaches in the thread.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35097072

Seagrove Beach vs. Destin

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35097072

Which Area is Better Ft. Walton Beach or SGI?
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35102849

tuckerdc

We loved our Seagrove Beach vacation! Booked a condo through VRBO, low-rise unit right on the beach. Liked the location and beach was lovely.

If you do do Seagrove, or anything else in the area, there's a Mexican restaurant (or was a few years ago)a short drive east...we thought it was excellent!

Sunshinesue

Jif,
You can't do any better than the Beaches of South Walton for what you are looking for. The entire 20 mile stretch has beautiful uncrowded beaches. The only "high rises" are in Seagrove so the beach might be slightly more crowded directly in front of them. You might want to ask your rental company where your house is in relation to them.

Here are some websites that might interest you:

http://sowal.com/

http://www.discover30a.com/tour/tour.html
if you are interested in the bike trail that runs the length of 30A.

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/

Have a great time!

FlaAnn

You might also want to look into the cabins at the state park on Grayton Beach... this is one of the area's best beaches and although the cabins are not right on the water and are not fancy, they're very comfortable, have fireplaces and screened back porches, are 2-bedrooms each. You could pick out two side-by-side. See http://www.floridastateparks.org/gra...hotos-Park.cfm for photos of the park and cabins.

This is the "real" Florida, with a beach ranked among the best in the nation. Easy drive or bike ride to restaurants in the town of Grayton Beach (try Picolo's!) or Seagrove, although with small ones, I'd guess driving would be best...

beachtrekker

Hi Jif,
A little late, but wanted to give you some advice on vacation rentals along Scenic 30A on the Beaches of South Walton. Try http://www.BeautifulBeach.com. You will not only find a variety of accommodations, but info on the area as well. Have a great time.