Destin/Fl Panhandle vacation help
 

We are 2 couples headed for the FL panhandle (Destin and surrounds) in mid-May for a short stay, and are looking for suggestions for specific condos. Requirements are on-the-beach, gulf view and "relatively quiet" (we don't need to be next to a bar & don't want to be head-to-head with jammers BUT realize this IS the panhandle) with newer-or-recently upgraded/nicer accomodations being a plus and perhaps some biking/walking options. I've read some about Majestic Sun (looks gargantuan but nice from pics), Sandestin Westwinds/Beach One/Beach Two, and Sandestin Bayshore area. Help!.....there are too many choices.

What are jammers?

Male and/or female laying on sand, boom box volume full blast, tuned to local rap station, oblivious of surroundings. iPods are a blessing at the beach.

If you are looking for relativly quiet, I suggest anywhere along highway 30A, just east of Destin rather than Destin proper. Personally I prefer the 30A beaches because they are much less crowded and have less traffic. The beach communities along 30A, such as Seaside, Watercolor, Blue Mountain, Rosemary, and Grayton are charming and there is a bike/walking trail that runs the entire length of 30A.

If you stay in Watercolor, bikes, canoes, and kayaks are complimentary. (The canoes and kayaks are for the lake-not the gulf.)

Here are some web sites to get you started:

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/

http://watercolorinn.com/

http://www.watercolorvacations.com/

http://www.seasidefl.com/

http://www.rosemarybeach.com/

By the way, I have never stayed at Majestic Sun but it looks very nice from the outside and has a good reputation.

Sunshinesue, thanks for the weblinks. Your suggestion of the areas east of Destin makes sense, and though we found some reasonable rates at Majestic Sun, we would appreciate a quieter beach. Watercolor looks awesome but is a little more money than we had planned. Do you know anything about Seagrove Beach, or specifically the Dunes of Seagrove? Also, I will try to find out more of what is offered at Blue Mountain Beach. Do you know of a website with a map that lists some of the beach areas and their respective resort or condo complexes? Or a site that lists the ages or how recently they were refurbished? Thanks for your help!

I haven't stayed at Majestic Sun but have stayed very close by and I think you will find anywhere along 30A more relaxing, peaceful and much less crowded than the beach in front of Majestic Sun.

Here is a link to a map that can help you locate the various beaches along 30A

http://www.panamabeachrentals.com/south_walton_map.htm

I have not been in any units at the Dunes of Seagrove but I understand it is very nice.

If you want to investigate further, I suggest you call some property rental companies and tell them what you are looking for and how much you want to spend. Here are a few:

http://www.southernresorts.com/

http://www.destinresorts.com/

http://www.garrettrealty.com/

And, of course, VRBO.com

Have a great time!

Sunshinesue. Thanks for all your help. I have contacted all the websites and have a lot of "feelers" out there, but the nicest places seem to have been mostly booked already. I'll try phoning directly and similarly with VRBO. I was particularly attracted to Dunes of Seagrove because it is relatively new and the location. Those traveling have decided they would like to be right on the beach, and want to avoid the traffic/noise of Destin, so Majestic Sun is probably not an option at this point, and we'll look east of there. Thanks again.

philsbert1,
Definitely phone some of the rental agencies. You shouldn't have any trouble finding exactly what you want in mid May. The busy season doesn't start until Memorial day.

For some current photos of the beaches, go here:

http://www.sowal.com/photos.html

This website also has rentals and other good info.

By the way, for a fun, funky, place for dinner don't miss the Red Bar in Grayton Beach! Famous for their crab cakes. Cash only. Go early!

Other restaurants I can recommend are: Bud and Alley's in Seaside and Pandoras, both casual. For a splurge, I love Cafe 30A and Criollas. For a real splurge, Fish Out of Water at the Watercolor Inn.

I wholeheartedly agree with the previous recommendation not to go to the main portion of Destin during this period. We mistakenly went last year in Mid-May and it was not relaxing at all: many kids and college kids out of school that could be described as "jammers." We stayed at Sandestin Hilton which is little kid heaven.

Next month we have reserved a condo thru Garrett Realty of Seagrove (www.garrettrealty.com). It's in Seagrove Beach, which is near Seaside. This area along 30A is very nice, with beautiful beaches and good restaurants, without nearly as much crowds/jammers.

There are some specials on their website for 10% off. We got a fantastic rate of $80 night for a very nice, updated one bedroom condo that is directly across the street from the beach and along 30A. We are staying at Beachwood Villas, which gets good recommendations. The people at Garrett Realty were very professional and only put a $100 authorization on your credit card for damage deposit which is only charged in the event that there is damage. We aren't being assessed the $45 cleaning fee, either.

We recently booked a vacation in Destin at Sterling Shores Condominium. Completly dissatisfied with the property and management. We vacation in Destin during spring break every year and have never had a problem until our experience with this property and management.I would encourage anyone planing a nice family vacation to avoid this property.