Hi. Friends and I have 2 condos rented on Siesta beach in Sarasota in October. We’ve waited to cancel hoping the red tide problem would clear up but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. So, we need to move the party somewhere else.

Can you recommend a beach town that might be a good replacement? We are looking for condos on a beach that is not jam packed. We’re looking for a beach community with bars and restaurants not too far from the beach. Gulf side is preferred for the white sand beaches but Atlantic side is OK also.

Thanks so much for your recommendations.
Pat.

I would look at the communities along Hwy 30A, just east of Destin. I love Grayton Beach, but the whole area is very nice and not nearly as crowded as Destin. October is a great month to visit (unless there's a hurricane, of course).

https://www.discover30a.com/about-di...isitors-guide/

I talked with someone today who spent the weekend in Panama City beach. The red tide was horrendous -- keeping them inside the whole time. When they stepped outside they started coughing. So it's actually worse there now then in the south of the Gulf coast. Naples is actually clear right now, but I'm not sure there's any guarantee.

Reports from the Fort Myers area that the red tide is much lighter and clear on some beaches...

Thank you all for your feedback. All the info has been very helpful. Pat.