de

Hi
I recently received free tickets to anywhere in continental US. I am very much in need of a total relaxation vacation (no tourist stuff, just me, a book and a beach). Looking for mid April time frame, 1 week. Would like on or very near beach, warm water (so California coast is out) and not super crowded (no Miami). Am thinking about Florida gulf coast or Alabama shore but have never been to either. There are a lot of good websites but I would rather have recommendations from people who live in area or have been there on vacation. Any recommendations would be very helpful. Dede

ro

The Florida Gulf Coast is a must! It is relaxing, quiet and absolutely beautful! Anywhere from Clearwater south to St. Pete Beach!

I can't speak for the AL shores, but the FL coast is fantastic!

arjay

Alabama Gulf coast (spec Gulf Shores and Orange Beach) has the most fantastic sugar sand beaches. Somewhat developed, condos etc...but not as bad as other places. And not too crowded at that time of year. On the other hand, having been there...we hope next to explore the FL panhandle area...so please come back and let us know what you decided and what it was like.

Jeannie

I have lived or vacationed all along the Alabama Gulf Coast as well as the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, which is called the Panhandle. Emerald green water and fine, sugar white sandy beaches. However, in April, the water in the Gulf of Mexico usually has not warmed up enough for a comfortable swim.

Colleen

Last year we stayed with relatives on
Madeira Beach which is between Clear-
water and St. Pete. It was quite lovely
and very quiet--in fact we liked it so
much we are going back in a week.

Brian in Atlanta

I would agree that Alabama or the Florida Panhandle beaches will not have the warm water you're looking for.

Consider Sanibel/Captiva for a laid-back quiet stay. Fly into Ft. Myers I believe. Water will be much warmer.

Molly

We own a place in Gulf Shores, AL and stay there at least once a year. We are farther down the beach, west of the condos and I can attest that it is very quiet & relaxed. The summer months bring crowds, but April should be low-key. Stay away from the condos and you will also avoid the spring breakers.
You can take walks every day on the beach and then perch yourself on a deck chair for the rest of the time. We always go in March or late November and the water's just fine. As long as the sun is shining, we will get in. Only the weak are afraid to try it.
We take day trips into Florida and it always seems more crowded. We found Gulf Shores through a friend's recommendation and after 3 visits decided to get our own place. We've never regretted it.

xxx

I like Destin, FL the best, hands down.

Eva

I highly recommend Sanibel Island off Fort Myers, Florida. It is a very special place. Quiet, relaxing,long walks on beach, a good book, dinner in a pleasant restaurant. We have used Priscilla Murphy Vacation Rentals,toll-free nrs: 1-888-265-1740/1-800-237-6008.
They handle condos and homes. Enjoy!

Jason

I am from Destin, FL, on the Florida panhandle. It is the nicest spot on the Gulf Coast. It is very similar to the Alabama coast, but the beach is a little whiter and the water a little clearer. Also, Destin is more upscale than Gulf Shores, AL, or Panama City, FL. It has great restaurants, from inexpensive seafood houses to ritzy gourmet fare. There are numerous golf course and what is reputed to be the country's largest factory outlet mall. But what Destin is really known for is fishing. There is a bustling harbor with hundreds of charter fishing boats that go after red snapper, grouper, king mackeral, and others. I will agree with a previous post, though, that the water will be cool in April. You'll see some people swimming, but not a lot.

Liz

We have been to both Gulf Shores and the Destin area several times. I agree with the previously posted message-the Florida panhandle-in several spots-is less touristy and the beaches are prettier. The Fort Walton beach area near Destin is lovely-the Seaside development or the Sandestin development are great getaway places. Also, individual homes and condos are readily available for rent.

Jim Rosenberg

Go to Gulf Shores and stay here:
http://www.bestwestern-onthebeach.com/

It's great. You'll love it. The water is fine in April. The beach is fabulous. Book now!

Debra

I have to agree with Jason...We go to Destin every year either the last weekend in April, or first of May, and my children will not go in the water past their toes. It can be quite cold, but if you rent where there is a heated pool, the air temperature will be warm enough. If not for that reservation, I would heartily recommend Destin. The beaches are great, wonderful resturants, but lots of traffic at the dinner hour. Enjoy!

angie

I agree with several of the other posters. Orange Beach is wonderful but . . . much too old until around Memorial Day, maybe middle of May if its an early summer. Remember just because its warm outside and it should 70-78 in April, the water will take much longer to warm up! i have even been to to Clearwater Beach FL (north of Tampa) in late March and it is too cold for ocean swimming! You will need to go further south. Marco Island is nice and you could fly into Naples. Look for something aroung Tampa/St.Pete or further down. The gulf takes a while to warm and the panhandle will be no different than Alabama.

Chris

Destin on the FL coast has lots of nice accoms. Instead of the AL coast, try Biloxi or Gulfport, Miss.

All three places are "underdeveloped" and as non-tourist as a beach town can be.

EC

Hi,
I am surprised no one mentioned enchanting Seaside just east of Destin. They have a website, try www.seaside.com, and it is an entire community with tennis, pool, shopping, charming restaurants, shuffleboard, perfect sugar beaches. Also could call Rivard Realty to inquire about nearby rentals....the area is so much nicer than commercial Destin and Ft. Walton.

Allie

I've lived in Florida for more than 35 years now and when it comes to beaches I consider myself an expert. Pass-a-grille, or the southern end of St. Pete Beach is THE BEST IN THE WORLD. And I've been to a few of those as well. You'll want to check into the Don Cesar hotel as it's about the only decent hotel in that vicinity. Former President Clinton once stayed there, but it is not pretentious at all. There is little or no entertainment, so bring a good book and your suntan lotion. If you decide to visit the Florida Panhandle I would also recomment Destin, however, in April we still have a cold snap or two and you might want to be where the weather is a bit warmer. I would recomment Key West (please do try it sometime) but there are few beaches and the night life will definitely get to you. As a matter of fact there's more night life than beach life in Key West! Have fun wherever you decide.

dan

Fort Walton Beach is our favorite. Look at the web site for Islander Beach Resort. Get package deals.