We are considering Destin FL as a family vacation. I would appreciate any comparisons to Destin to Ft. Lauderdale, which we dearly love. Beaches, dining, accommodations, things to to etc. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciate. I have check web pages, brochures, etc., but would love some first hand information. Thank you for any help you might give.

Think of comparing Fargo, North Dakota with San Diego, California. Each may have its own distint "charm", but I'd take San Diego any day.

Big differences between Destin and
fort Lauderdale. Went to Destin two summers in a row and just got back from
Fort Lauderdale.

Beaches in Destin are bigger and better.
Lodging in Destin alot more affordable.
Destin is alot more tourist oriented.
Sometime referred to in the negative
as the vacation destination for middle
america hoosiers (sp?). Destin beaches
are very overdeveloped with alot of
high rises but once again the beach
itself is beautiful. Not much good shopping in Destin. My only complaint
with Destin was the overdevelopment.
May want to check out loding in nearby
Grayton Beach. very quaint town right
outside Destin. Further down the highway
(probably about thirty minutes) is Seaside. very neat town but my be above
your budget.

Fort Lauderdale is okay. neater shopping areas but I found the lodging to be way overpriced and not any good ones to pick from. We stayed at the
Sheraton on the beach which was just okay. Fort Lauderdale my least favorite so far of Florida Destinations. (Fort Meyers/ Sanibel is probably my favorite.

I agree with the difference being huge. If you are like us however and prefer the beaches over everything else.......look into Longboat Key as an option. In my opinion this part of Florida has been overlooked. There is a decent Hilton on the beach with - nice suites if needed. Very private. St. Armand's Circle is about 7 miles away with some nice little shops and a few great cafes - lots of dining selections too.

Ft.Lauderdale has become more of an affluent retirement community, losing its desire to attract tourists (after so many years of Spring Break, go figure...). Destin used to be a sleepy little fishing village and has grown probably 300% in population and developments in the past 5 years. However, where you have cool Atlantic currents and grainy tan beaches in Ft. Lauderdale, you have the bright, warm, more placid waters of the Gulf in Destin. Not to mention fine, white, soft sand on the beaches. I have lived in both So. Fla., and now currently on the Fla. Panhandle. I much prefer the beach, the hospitality, and overall vibe of the Panhandle. Destin also offers great deep sea sportfishing, as the shelf dropping off into deep waters is only 3o min. out. If Destin is too developed for your tastes, check into Seagrove or the Beaches of South Walton. Both are in between Destin and Panama City and are not touristed-out yet. And you get the same beautiful beaches and water. Hope this helps!

What youdescribed is Captiva or Sanibel. Visit http://www.captivavacation.com for places to rent and interesting local links.

I haven't been to the beaches of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale in years -- I've only been there on business or passing through. However, I have lived in the Panhandle for over 20 years. Two big differences not already mentioned: 1. Flying to Destin --It isn't as easy to fly in to this area as it is to south Florida. Not as great a selection of airlines, schedules, or ticket prices. I have heard good things about Airtran, which flies into nearby Ft. Walton. 2. Another difference is our off season is usually during the peak season in South Florida. Lodging is generally cheaper in the Panhandle from Sept to March. Prices incresas for Spring Break and Easter, then go back down until the week before Memorial Day. Our high season is Memorial day through Labor Day.

Suzanne--
Have you considered Pensacola Beach over Destin. There was a fantastic article in the last Frommers' Budget Travel magazine listing Pensacola as one of the Cheapest vacation spots for a family. Get it if you can or check their web site ar Frommers.com . Inexpensive Hotels/Motels, restaurants, the Naval Air museum, beautiful uncrowded beaches, and a historical downtown area make it an alternative worth checking out.

Destin has been seriously overdeveloped. Traffic during the summer is horrendous. But the beach is a lot nicer, cleaner, and whiter at Destin than at Ft. Lauderdale.
Ft. Lauderdale is "old" Florida. Generally, the eastern side of Fla is what most of us think of when we think of Fla. But the west coast -especially the Panhandle area- has much nicer beaches. However, the types of people who visit the panhandle are different than those who visit Ft. Lauderdale/Miami.