we are planning a trip to destin in October...can anyone tell me what the weather is like this time of year? Was there much damage from the past hurricane?

I do not see us being in the ocean due to recent shark attacks but is there a certain boat charter anyone could recommend for seeing dolphins? and what are some other fun things to do with kids......

please advise...

I live in the FL panhandle and my favorite time of the year at the beach is the end of September and October. The weather is usually wonderful-little if any rain, cooler temps. The ocean is still warm enough for swimming. Please don't worry about shark attacks. You stand a much greater chance of dying in route to Destin than from a shark attack after you get there! In fact, more people are struck by lightning in Florida than are attack by a shark. Yes, there was hurricane damage but things look better now and should be even better by the time you get here. Have a great time.

I was in Santa Rosa Beach last year in mid October (10 miles from Destin) and it was heavenly. Still plenty warm and no crowds!

hi agof4
We're going to Destin this weekend so I'll give you a damage/ cleanup update. We're staying at the Sea Oats Motel/ they said they had a little damage from Hurricane Dennis but they were ok now.
As the others have said, October is a beautiful month to go--along with the nice weather (not so hot during the day but still good water temp) there are not so many people and you can get into most restaurants without long lines.
We took a glass bottom boat tour in October 4 years ago and the dolphins followed us--I'll get the name of the boat charter and get that out to you also. There's also an outdoor waterpark called the Big Kahuna that would be fun for kids. Not sure if the water park is open in October, but I do think they have miniature golf there--I'll check on that, too.

Big Kahuna's is great for kids but unfortunately it's not open in October. I've also heard rumors it's going to be torn down soon to make room for more condos or stores...just what Destin needs!

Your kids will probably enjoy just being on the beach the best. Please don't worry about sharks. Believe me, you'll be in much more danger on the roads!

Thanks for all of your input, greatly appreciated....

Well, here's the promised info on Destin, although, after Katrina, it may be all drastically changed.
Destin had quite a bit of damage from Ivan and Dennis although most places are into repair high gear. The beach along scenic 98 is rutted up due to all the front end loader and bulldozer activity trying to shore up the dunes and bring sand back in where it washed away under many of the buildings. The Henderson Park Bed and Breakfast, for example, is closed and I didn't hear any word as to whether it would ever reopen. Our motel, the Sea Oats, sustained substantial damage to their decking and boardwalks down to the beach during Dennis, although this has all been repaired. However, we found out that the motel is in the process of being sold and will most likely become a high rise condo by next year.
Again, due to Katrina, it's too early to tell what condition the beaches will be in in October, although, as it stands tonight, Louisiana and Mississippi will take the brunt. (our trip was cut short 24 hours so we could get home to Baton Rouge before roads were closed for evacuation routes--as it was, it took us 2 hours longer because I-12 west from Slidell was closed until past Hammond).
My advice would be to call the chamber of commerce this next week and find out what is happening.