kymom2

We are planning our still planning our trip to Destin. We had originally planned to go in September but now have an opening for mid August. I'm thinking about chaning it. Any recommendations as to what month would be best? We have two small boys ages 3 and 1 so we just spend alot of time playing int sand and at the pool. Any recommendations would be great and thank you! We love Destin but have always gone in the spring or early summer.

Cranachin

kymom2--

When in September?

School starts before Labor Day, so crowds should be smaller in September.

If you are there in mid-September or later weather might be cooler than in mid-August.

Something else to at least consider, though, is maximum activity of hurricane season generally occurs in early to mid-September.

bkluvsNola

kymom2,

September will be much cheaper and yet still beach weather. As far as the oil, they say that the well won't be capped until well into the fall, so I bet that there will be no difference oil-wise between August and September.

GADAWG

Kymom2, I agree with bkluvsNola. We stayed in Santa Rosa last year in mid Sept and it was wonderful. Water was perfect and rates were ALLOT cheaper. Until my grandkids become school age, we will continue to go in September.

julieinlex

We just returned last night from Destin/Miramar Beach area. It is beautiful. The beaches are clear and the water is safe. There were a few small tar balls that washed up in the Henderson Beach area, but were easily cleaned up. The wind had shifted and the oil is once again moving away from shore. There is no detectable smell of oil in the air. We had a wonderful time and hope to be able to return again in the future.

thethreesisters

This is my first time posting and have been on here the last 3 days. My sisters and I are headed to Panama City next week and I am very worried about the beaches and the smell. Can anyone give me an update today on Panama City? Thanks!!!

fishinkim

We'll be in Seagrove Beach Saturday...everything I've read here has me so encouraged! What a bout seafood at the local restaurants? Are they offering it and is it crazy expensive?

blondie414

Just wanted to say thanks for all the posts from everyone! We will arrive at PCB this Saturday! Can't wait...will post info wish I could put pics of the water and beaches! I just know it's going to be awesome!!!!

FightinIllini

bkluvsnola.....yes, Sharky's on PCB has great atmosphere and the food is pretty good too. Went to Schooners tonight.....had an excellent Fried Grouper Sandwich.......so big, had to bring half of it back with me, for lunch tomorrow. Beaches and waters were so pretty today. Water was exceptionally clear. Cant wait for another beach day tomorrow....

moomoo1920

Hey! Seafood is still great and available for purchase. The Gulf from Destin east to Panama City is still open for offshore fishing since the oil has not made it this way.

The average price for a seafood platter at local restaurants is about $20. You get a lot for your $: fish (usually grouper), shrimp, scallop, oysters, sometimes stuffed crab. The grouper basket at Pineapple Willies is $11, I'd say most places have fried fish baskets between 8 and 11 dollars in the PCB area. Destin and the Seagrove area will probably be more.

If you want oysters on the half shell, Shuckum's is a popular place in PCB, Hunts oyster bar (a PC legend) and Montego Bay. If you guys get brave enough to cross the bridge, Uncle Ernies is a popular place for locals.

All is still clear in PCB. The winds are expected to shift this weekend, which isn't good. But we keep getting lucky!

thethreesisters

Thanks moomoo!! We are trying to wait until Monday to make a decision on coming to PCB or not. We are about 8 hours away and do not want to make the drive and regret it. We love PCB and feel soooo bad for everyone down there!!!

gracie

As of this afternoon, June 11, there are no sightings of oil in any form off Panama City Beach. We are taking out boat out on Sunday and I will give another first hand view.

jenlynn74

Thanks again, everyone, for all the updates and suggestions on places to go in PCB. We are scheduled to come down June 20th. I am really hoping that wind shifts soon!

moomoo1920

Just remembered another activity us locals enjoy, it's probably about a 30 minute drive from the beach, depending on where you are. Canoeing down the Econfina (Econfina creek) is really fun. There are unbelievably crystal clear springs, and most of the creek is shaded by trees. This is a great thing to do when you need a break from the beach and the sun. There are picnic areas too, so you can pick up some sandwich meat or fried chicken from Po Folks before you go. You can google "Econfina" and "Canoe". I'm not sure how many places there are to rent canoes from.

utjean

I'm hoping to come to PCB on the 27th. We have rented 2 houses and can only get the deposit back if the beaches close, which isn't going to happen ($5K). I'll have 13 little kids. Does anyone know where I can take them to swim other than the Pirate water park? Splash doesn't offer day passes. Pray for no oil!

welchpass

I so appreciate all of you updating. Please don't worry about sounding like a broken record! My daughter has been planning a wedding in Destin for early fall and all this oil talk has made her a very nervous bride. I told her that everyone on this site has been very encouraging. Even so, we have decided to choose an alternate location, just in case. Fortunately, there is no shortage of beautiful spots for a wedding. Keep the news coming!

jenlynn74

Any suggestions for family friendly and non-family friendly restaurants? "Grammy" is coming along and has offered to babysit in the evening for a couple nights while my husband and I go out . I have seen Pineapple Willy's mentioned frequently. Thanks moomoo1920 for the tip on canoeing--will definitely check that one out!

MAP

Jenlynn, just outside Panama City is Alys Beach. We had lunch at George's right on hwy 98, and it was fabulous. You can sit on a large deck with ocean breezes, though no ocean view, and while it is casual, it also has an upscale feel and very good food. The fried grouper basket won my heart. We ate there two days in a row. Dinner there without kids would be nice, and lunch with kids, not out of line.

FightinIllini

Hello all...............PCB beaches are still beautiful and white and the water is so warm and dont know that I"ve ever seen it clearer.
: Thethreesisters: If I were you, I'd come sooner rather than later. From what I've been hearing....even if oil does come, it will first be in small amounts and/or tarball form, so that means beaches will unlikely be closed for quite some time, if ever. Please note that this is my opinion only, and formed from newspaper articles and talking with the kind residents here in PCB.
We were out on the beach all day today, from 8:30 am, til about 8 pm......took a short break to go to Pineapple Willies (right down the beach from our condo) for a salad and a shared grouper basket. mmmmmm. The sunset was soooo beautiful. I hope and pray that all of you, will be able to enjoy as I have been so fortunate too.

fishinkim

Arrived at Seagrove Beach today. The water and beaches are as beautiful as ever. Traffic on the way here was the heaviest we've ever experienced. So happy to have my toes in the sand and a drink in the hand!