My husband and I are planning a trip in mid-October and considering Pensacola Beach, Destin, Gulf Shores AL. We'd like to stay somewhere with a nice beach that's not exceptionally busy, and within walking distance to restaurants. Any suggestions? Thanks

can't comment on the others, but have stayed at Pensacola bch a few times and loved it. there are several hotels along a strip of beach near a resturant/shopping area. there's also a state park nearby w/ beach access and a civil war era fort (fort pickins); the naval air station museum on the mainland and another fort near the base (fort barancas).

Memorial Day to Labor Day is the "in" season for the Panhandle. In October, the whole area should be fairly quiet. That's when the snowbirds start showing up for the winter.

Walking distance to restaurantS? To satisfy that requirement (in the plural), you would have to pick a place that is fairly dense and busy. That's 2 opposing requirements.

Fort walton beach
Breakers condos under $100.00 a night.
Great beaches and close to several restaurants.

Just got back from Destin. Breathtaking, stayed in a hotel room/condo on the beach 15th floor under $100. Try Abbott Resorts/ResortQuest, our property was the Surfside Resort and we had an awesome time. Previously lived in Pensacola 5 years ago so I wouldn't bother with that. End of August, pretty darn hot, October should be great.

What about Gulf Shores? Anybody been there recently? Are there many restaurants or other entertainment available. We are looking for Spring Break next year with 15 year old daughter and her friend. Need to have things for them to do, but don't want to get to close to the college crowd at PCB.

I vote for FWB/Destin as well. October is a great time to be there. The Destin Fishing Rodeo will be going on then. Go by the docks in the late afternoons to see the boats coming in with there amazing cathes. The State parks are great for beautiful, uncrowded beaches and nice, clean facilties. My favorite places to eat are Harbor Docks, The Back Porch, Fisherman's Wharf, The Crab Shack, and Goatfeathers.

Don't forget the Whale's Tail, AJ's, the Lucky Snapper and of course the Red Bar in Grayton Beach!

We stayed just east of Gulf shores in Orange Beach and it was lovely. Some of the nicest beaches on the Gulf and lots to do. The fall is very nice because the weather is perfect and there are no crowds. We found a web site that has lots of pictures and recommendations for the huge number of restaurants in the area. Also, they had a list of all the sights to see. The condo was excellent, too.
http://groups.msn.com/orangebeachgulfshoresalabamacondo

I think Destin and points east are the best areas on the northern Gulf Coast. To me, the beaches are not as pretty and the water not as clear the further west you go. Between Pensacola and Panama City is the best. Destin would be my pick if you like an active vacation, eating out, shopping, etc. If you prefer a quieter time, I would stay just east of Destin around Seaside/Grayton Beach. Be sure to visit the Destin Harbor in the afternoon to see all of the boats come in with their catches. Then eat at one of the seafood restaurants along the Harbor.