Northwest Fla -- where to stay?
 

My husband just found he has to go to Fort Walton Beach in mid-March for business, so we decided to take our kids and make a spring break vacation. We're not sure whether to rent a condo/cottage or try a resort. We haven't been to this part of Florida before -- Sanibel is our usual Fla. go-to spot, and we like the Sanibel Inn there. We're trying to find a comparable type of place on the Emerald Coast.

I know there are many places to stay, but what do you recommend? We are a family of 5 -- two adults, two teens and a 9-year-old

The beaches of Fort Walton and Destin are beautiful. You will enjoy the sugar white sands. It may or may not be warm the middle of March so I would suggest, with children, you choose something with a heated pool. For example: http://gulfcoastrentals.com/florida-...erM-destin.htm I have never stayed here but I would choose something like this on the beach with heated pool and close to activities the kids would enjoy. Pensacola will be close to you and they have a wonderful Air Museum you could visit http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/

Henderson Park Inn is an outstanding place to stay right on the beach. The Hilton Sandestin may be your best choice with 3 kids. Enjoy your visit.

http://hendersonparkinn.com/

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/DESHIHF-Hilton-Sandestin-Beach-Golf-Resort-Spa-Florida/index.do?WT.srch=1&pSearch=true&searchdef=2144778& k_clickid=71722938-7056-98c8-43a2-00003c00ef14&002=002%3D2144778%26021%3D606780&006= 9217345862&007=Search&008=&009=b&011={QueryString} &012=+hilton%20+sandestin

UPDATE:

We stayed in Grayton Beach in a cottage. It was so great. Very few college partiers because there were no cheap motels. Literally steps from the beach and the state park. We enjoyed visiting Watercolor and Seaside but were happy to be in a funkier place. We're going back next year!!

So glad you had a great time!

I love the beaches here and love the bike path.

So did you go to the Red Bar?

We did go to the Red Bar -- it was right at the end of our street. But frankly, I wouldn't necessarily go back. My favorite place was the Seagrove Village Market.