Destin or Pensacola?
 

I usually go to Destin in the fall, but it has gotten more crowded every year. I am thinking of staying on the beach in Pensacola this fall - I haven't been there in years. Is it recovered from Katrina? Are the beaches OK? Thanks for the input.

Pensacola Beach has come a long way since Ivan (when most of the damage to the beach occurred, one year before Katrina). The beaches were renourished, the fishing pier rebuilt, and all of the hotels, restaurants and shops are up and running. There is, however, a lot of construction on the island. But, I wouldn't let that stop you from visiting. It's definitely less crowded than Destin!

Thanks, we really just want some down time for a few days and there aren't a lot of hotels on the beach in Destin - besides, if I really need a "shopping fix" I can always drive to Destin for the afternoon:-)

Agree with AustinTraveler about Pensacola but have you considered the Beaches of South Walton? I highly recommend you check them out. Start with these websites:

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/

http://sowal.com

If you have any questions, I would be glad to help.

We have stayed in Fort Walton before, and the beaches are beautiful and not as crowded as Destin. But we are looking for a suite hotel that will accomidate four adults (a Marriott suite hotel is right on the beach). My understanding is that condos are usually rented by the week so that will not work since we will only be there Wed-Sun. We are also working on a budget (we have two more vacations planned this year). It has been years since we visited Pensacola so staying on the beach, a visit to the old town, NAS museum, etc. fits the bill. But we are always open to suggestions.

We stayed at the Springhill Suites in Pensacola Beach two or three years ago. We loved it and can't wait to go back. Right on the beach, and it was never crowded. The beach was gorgeous, and this was maybe two years after Ivan. We could walk to some restaurants or about a two-minute drive to others. However, there wasn't the selection of fast-food and "name-brand" restaurants that some people like and that you would find in Destin. But it was so nice for us to avoid the traffic of Ft. Walton/Destin (and we've stayed there before and won't again).

Springhill is the one that we have picked out. It will be great to walk to restaurants - we don't really care about name brand restaurants, we usually try to go with local ones even in Destin. This vacation is mainly to unwind and relax - a quick get-a-way. We are going to the Boston area in May and on a cruise in November - both will involve a lot of site-seeing and moving. The beach is to de-compress... I wish I were there now!