I am planning a trip to FL panhandle 4/5-9 with several kids (12-16) and adult friends for spring break. Florida seemed the best bet in driving distance from Atlanta. I haven't been to Florida in 15+ years, and never to this area during spring break time. I would like to go somewhere with nice beach, a few things to do, but maybe avoid some of the craziness I have heard/read about (such as Panama City). Is this a pipe dream? Are there possibilities? Specific locations/beaches/properties would be very helpful. Thanks in advance for any help....phil

You won't have worries about college students -- only four (4) colleges have spring break the week of April 5, approximately 24,000 students. (During the two weeks in mid-March, by comparison, approximately 750,000 college students are on spring break.) Rowdy high schoolers might be an issue, of course, but I don't think it should cause you any real concern.

What SHOULD concern you is the weather and water temperature in the Panhandle area in early April. The Gulf of Mexico will be COLD, probably too cold to enter (unless you're used to very cold water). Yes, the air temperature could be in the 70's & 80's, but at that time of year the weather is fickle and it could be much chillier. It's a risk everyone takes who ventures to that area in March & April. Also, even when the air temp is acceptable, a cool sea breeze can make the beach unlivable. In that case, St. Andrew's Bay is an option if you're in the Panama City area.

Good luck with your decision!

The last few times I've been down to the Gulf coast, I've stayed in the Seagrove area. Its perfect. Very nice, quieter beach area. (Between Panama City and Destin. Next to Seaside) For things to do, you can go east to PC or west to Destin. Specifically, I've stayed at Emerald Hill Condos. Great beach access and pool on property. There are many others in this area to choose from. Check out any beaches in Fort Walton area...Seagrove, Blue Mountian, Rosemary Bch.

Check the link for this one and others in the area.

http://11alive.beachguide.com/resorts/AreaID12.asp

Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestions. I figured that the ocean would be pretty cold that time of year, and the fickleness of the weather there is a concern as well. But where else does one take the kids for spring break, when driving from the Atlanta area?

If you're OK with the relatively cold water (it won't be much warmer further south), why don't you try St. Augustine/Jacksonville area? They have beautiful beaches and as a backup I'll bet you could find a water park that's open there about that time -- the one in Tampa (Adventure Island) has heated water. There's lots to do in St. Augustine. If you decide to look into it, post again for St. Augustine/Jacksonville spring break. I don't have a lot to contribute as I've not been there to go to the beaches. But there are some great beaches there.

Unfortunately, you either drive further south on I-75, down the FL peninsula, or you fly to someplace warm.

If you choose the Panhandle, you cross your fingers and hope for the best.

How about Seaside? You could rent a house for the group and feel like you live on the beach. It's in the Panhandle.

If you go with the Panhandle, I'd strongly suggest Panama City Beach, and here's why:

St. Andrew's Bay State Park. If the weather is cool or the sea breeze keeps you off the Gulf beaches, St. Andrew's offers beaches and activities on the Bay. Trust me from experience, in April it can feel 10 degrees warmer on a sheltered Bay beach than on the ocean. The Bay's water is also warmer.

And of course there's tons to do in the PCB area, for all ages.

We've been taking our kids (now 15 and 17) to the Panhandle for years, both summer and spring break.

Here are a few rental agencies that we've used (all with good experiences).

www.seasidefl.com for rentals at Seaside. We haven't visited since last spring, but at that time they were doing a lot of construction in the next communtity of Watercolor, which backs up to Forest Street in Seaside. Don't know that I'd recommend any house on Forest for that reason. We've stayed at Another Dream, which is our favorite there.

www.rivardnet.com for rentals in Grayton Beach, which is charming and funky, though most of the houses don't have a pool. They also handle rentals in Seagrove, Santa Rosa and that general area.

www.beachrentalsofsouthwalton.com is a new company but very good. They handle several rental areas around Seagrove extending down towards the community of Rosemary Beach. The rentals we liked best were the cottages at Summer's Edge. They look like the ones at Seaside. Small subdivision with its own pool, far enough away from busy 30-A that you don't hear the traffic noise, but close to the beach (2 minute stroll).

I'd be very cautious about renting any place, condo or cottage, on the north side of route 30-A. The traffic has gotten horrendous in the last few years! And the noise is no fun to listen to. It can take several minutes to cross the road sometimes. Rent on the beach side of 30-A; you'll be much happier, even if it costs more. The only exception is at Seaside, where there are crosswalks, and the traffic will wait for you.

Don't worry about the water being a bit nippy. The kids will find plenty to occupy their time. All of the websites I've posted for you have additional info about events and activities. Have fun--it's no pipe dream to have a good spring break on the Panhandle!

Time restraints have pretty much forced me to take my chances on the Destin-to-PCB area, even with iffy weather in April. I am thinking about the east Destin area mainly because there are 4 teen/near teenagers with us and figured if the weather turned sour, there would be more for them to do around there (heated pools, shopping, theatres) as opposed to the more remote (but far less congested Seagrove/Rosemary Beach area). Does anyone have any experience with Edgewater Beach condos in east Destin, or any other recommendations in an area with alternatives to the beach if the weather is not cooperating?