July - white sands, east coast, good food?
 

Thinking of a solo getaway in July - can you recommend somewhere for me? What I want - clean white sands, calm surf, US East or Gulf Coast, good food, walkable town, budget of $150 or less per night (less is more!). What I don't particularly want to run into - party atmosphere, formal dining, meteorites, or Newt Gingrich. I don't mind heat or humidity at all. Any thoughts appreciated!

Although I am FAR from a beach aficionado, the best white sands I've ever seen are at the Florida Panhandle. In addition, they should be fairly calm surf, unless a truly freak hurricane comes through.

In July you won't much any southern beach area in a "party" mood, as the heat and humidity scare away just about everybody but those who want quiet.

Can't tell you about good food, excess formal dining, or a walkable town.

Posted too soon: for an example of the white sands of the Pensacola area, take a look at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pr77x/7...57625646138065

Pensacola looks lovely! Any rec on a hotel in the area?

Anyone else?

The white sand on the FL peninsula is quartz. The sand on the Atlantic coast is crushed up sea shells. So if you want white sand go to FL. You'll have to go through GA to get there-I heard Newt is going home, so be aware :D

If you really don't have a problem with heat and humidity, you can save some real money and avoid crowds by going further south that time of year. Look at Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island on the Gulf Coast.

Destin, FL on the panhandle.

Lovely sugar-sand, great dining and shopping.

I was in Pensacola many years ago and we loved the beaches. I was recently in Tampa, Ft. Myers, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota recently. I think Sarasota has lovely beaches and the people are so friendly - it's not as expensive as other areas.

Have you thought about Key West? It's lovely - the beaches are not as nice as off Florida mainland but it's a lovely place to visit.

Thanks a bunch, everyone!

White sand + calm surf = gulf coast. I like Brian's recommendation of the Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area.

Destin/Ft. Walton area or Anna Maria. Many nice areas to walk/bike ride around on Anna Maria Island and great restaurants - "East Here" is my all time favorite restaurant!
Destin has some incredible outlets (if you want some shopping)and there are places to walk around as well. Both places the beaches are beautiful (especially Destin) and will not have loud crowds at that time of year.