It has been years since I went to Destin and I was wondering if Destin or some other area ( Ft Walton Beach, Seaside, etc..)is better now.

Can anyone suggest a nice hotel or condo for 2 people that is located ON THE BEACH. Nice bed and bed linens and a clean place is must. It can be a studio even. It is an anniversary trip, so we would like a nice place, but don't want to be too secluded and would like to pay under $200 a night. Thanks!

What time of year are you going?

The last time we went there we stayed at Watercolor and liked it better. It's an easy bike ride to Rosemary or Seaside, and not crowded at all. (We were there in August.)

I think Destin has become too crowded during the peak summer months. Try the beaches of South Walton if you'd like to stay under $200/night (not Seaside or Watercolors, however, as they will run you at least $300/night in summer). I've used garrettrealty.com in the past.

I vote for the Beaches of south Walton too.
http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/

http://sowal.com/

kswl, From Watercolor, it is a short bike ride to Seaside but Rosemary is at least 12 miles away. Maybe you are thinking of Grayton Beach. It is a short ride in the other direction. There are so many beaches along there it is hard to keep them straight!

I'm in agreeement with previous posters. My wife and I have been doing an annual friends & family group trip to the panhandle for the past 15 years. We started in Destin years ago and have moved further East over time. We've been staying in/around Rosemary Beach for the past 5 years or so. Much less crowded and more laid back beach feel. I think staying anywhere between Seaside and Rosemary Beach on 30-A might fit your plan.

Oh Sunshinesue you are right! We drove to Rosemary and biked past Grayton!

I should have remembered because Rosemary is where those fabulous Southern Accent houses are Sorry for the misinfo, beth!

I live about 40 mils east of Seaside. We rented a two bedroom condo at the Dunes of Seagrove through resortquest last year and were very pleased, so we are going there again this weekend. "We" are five friends from college, now middle-aged. We love the location -- it is a few miles east of Seaside and not very congested. However, it is not within walking distance of anything. Anything east of Seaside and west of Rosemary beach will be much less expensive. Fort Walton Beach will also be less expensive than Destin, Seaside, Watercolor, or Rosemary Beach. However, FWB lacks the "charm" that some people prefer. Me, I just want a less crowded area and a great beach.
Please note that the high season here is from Memorial Day through Labor Day, then all of March until the first of April.

I second Seagrove or other South Walton Beaches. I go several times a year and usually use VRBO.com to find a place. Have gotten to know several owners and they are all very fair and will even accomodate special requests if possible.
I've stayed a few times at condos at Emerald Hill in Seagrove. Very small complex on the beach. Great sandwich place and ice cream across the street, bike ride to seaside.