My husband and I are trying to plan a trip 2nd week of June. Our Caribbean plans are out due to overbooked flights as we fly standby... trying to decide between Destin, the Keys or somewhere even better in Fla. Love to snorkel, lay on beach, sightsee, dine out, most of the usual stuff! Any really good recommendations? He's thinks the Keys, I'm thinking Destin, any happy medium? (no Disney please, been to Orlando!)

For water sports, including snorkeling and diving, the keys can't be beaten. For a good beach, Destin wins hands down. Both Key West and Destin have great restaurants, but in Key West you can walk to them all, while in Destin you have to fight bumper-to-bumper traffic. In my opinion, there really is no "sightseeing" in Destin.

We're heading to Panama City Beach later this summer. Their website lists the following information. I'm sure you could apply this to the rest of the Panhandle.

"The Surfrider Foundation, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches, released their top 10 ranking of America’s most healthy urban beaches.
1. South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
2. Waikiki Beach, Honolulu Hawaii
3. Panama City Beach, Florida
4. East Beach, Santa Barbara, California
5. Newport Beach, California
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
7. South Padre Island, Texas
8. Cape May, New Jersey
9. Main Beach, Santa Cruz, California
10. Seaside Beach, Oregon"

My wife and I have vacationed at both Destin and Key West (as well as Seaside Florida, about 30 miles east of Destin in the FL panhandle). Susan's post is dead-on as to the primary differences between Key West and Destin/FL panhandle. However, I would disagree slightly about "sightseeing." If you drive out of Destin along the often scenic beach road, you'll see some beautiful beach/sand-dunes scenery (especially near Grayton Beach State Park to the east of Destin and just before Seaside).

We loved Key West for the overall feel and the fact you can walk or bike anywhere. Destin has beatiful beaches, good restaurants but not as much of a sense of "place" as Key West; on the other hand, Key West has no beach anywhere near as good as Destin.

Lastly, you may want to consider Seaside (mentioned above). It is a small but fairly self-contained resort town, where you can walk to the beach, grocers, wine bar, shops, galleries, at least one good restaurant (Bud & Allie's on the beach). Some may find it over-planned, but we loved it--have been several times. Beautiful homes for rent, plus a bed & breakfast (Josephine's)--all pastel colors and tin roofs. You may want to consider. Lots of great restaurants within easy driving distance, and as of a few years ago, they were a little better IMHO than those in Key West.

Can't go wrong either way--have a grat time!

Thanks everyone... (I couldn't find my 1st posting so I posted another email like the 1st one, so maybe I will get alot of help!) Guess we'll try the keys and maybe South Beach one day too... We'll see. Any recommendations on what to see in the Keys and where to stay?

TFurman,

In Key West, we liked visiting the Hemingway House and the Mel Fisher Museum (famous treasure hunter) and just seeing the sights on DuVall Street.

Definitely worth it to do a search of Key West on this site, as there have been numerous informative posts in the last few months. One caveat--there is a thread called "how gay is Key West?" or something to that effect. The thread speaks for itself, but unless you are extremely homophobic, I'd ignore the thread for trip-planning purposes. Key West is a haven for more unusual people of all types than most other destinations, but isn't that part of the point in going to Key West?

My husband and I went to the keys 2 years ago and loved it. We stayed at The Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada - it has been written up in many guide books and is also on the 100 World's Best Resorts and Great Hotels list. Islamorada (located in the center of the Keys) is a good area if you want to explore the Keys both to the north and south. Hope this helps and be sure to catch a sunset.

Keys vs Destin - 2 totally different experiences - Destin has beautiful beach and golf courses, that's about it other than relaxing - Keys have best snorkeling but no beaches, Keys have many "alternative lifestyle" types while Destin is more family oriented - food is a toss up - Keys eclectic, Destin all-american beach experience

Please look again for your first posting. I spent some time giving you the names of places to stay and eat...I think you will be pleased with the recommendations...work that mouse girl!