My family of 5 ( 2 adults, 3 teenage girls ) will be coming to the area at the end of may and staying for 7 nights . I have looked for weeks at condos in the area and also at this sight and Fodor's Forum and I still seem to be confused on the condition of the area down there ,( beaches and roads etc.. )We need a beachfront property with a nice pool . Not sure which area to stay. Would like to stay under $2000.00 a week .
There are plenty of condo's available on vrob , but I don't know which area to stay in.

Destin is a nicer area. Navarre can be a bit seedy, IMO. The roads are in driving condition. Things that can be repaired, have been. The stuctures that are left (that aren't inhabitable) are mostly caught up in some type of insurance mess.

My suggestion would be to call the realty company you would be renting through and ask them directly.

Thanks for replying ,Any suggestions on condos inthe area? I've looked at tons of them online , but it is hard to tell really how they are . Need something with anice pool directly on the beach.
Thanks for your help

We went to Destin last summer (before the hurricanes) and had a wonderful time. If you have teenagers, then Destin is the better choice -- more for them to do!

I have no idea what condition the beaches are in -- I've heard most of the structural damage has been repaired, but there may have been heavy beach erosion. You may want to check in depth.

We stayed at Sterling Shores, which was very nice and had a great pool. You have to cross a small side street w/limited traffic, but the views from the upper floors are great.

Crystal Dunes is another complex that I have heard great things about -- I've never stayed there, but I have been on that section of the beach and it was one of the nicest areas -- seemed quieter, with less traffic. Emerald Dunes (next door) was also very nice. Both have pools.

Try the Abbott Resorts Web site: www.abbott-resorts.com

Another great source is Southern Resorts -- they have excellent photos and virtual tours of their properties. www.southernresorts.com

Thanks for yor help I'll give destin a try . I usually go to Gulf Shores , but we wanted to try a different area this year .
Thanks Again

You can find user review of hotels and condos at tripadvisor.com!

I made my final choice for a place to stay in Treasure Island based on a poster her and all the fantastic review it received on tripadvisor.

Have fun!

Destin is pretty much recovered, but don't think Navarre is (P'cola is still clearing out and there are STILL many "blue roofs" over there...). IMO I think Destin is the better area/beaches too. Can't help with the condos though (native, I don't stay in them) sorry!

Destin-SanDestin...That is the area that the kids will really like. The thing I like about Emerald Dunes is the three bedrooms. We stayed in a newly decorated condo on the third floor. It was perfect. King size bed/bath, queen size bed,bath and another room with three bunk beds. The palm trees painted on the wall were fantastic. The balcony overlooked the beach. I think it was around 2,000 a week. Good luck!