Which beach would you recommend for the week after Easter?

Looking for ocean front condo for simple R & R, beaching it during the day, good dinners out, with a little shopping and maybe a few activities and attractions.

We will be traveling with two 16 y/o girls, who are mostly interested in getting tan --since their boyfriends will be at home!

Did a search but would like updated info. TIA!

Topping....anyone?

Definitely Destin! There's lots to do for you and your teens...the outlets, great restaurants, tennis, golf, and the best beaches. You better book soon as Spring Break is very crowded. Check into the Sandestin Resort. They have a selection of beach condos, plus an inn near the bay. Have fun!

I second Destin. Of the places you listed, Destin will definitely have the most to do and the best restaurants and shopping. If you get tired of eating seafood, one of my favorite restaurants in Destin is Callahan's. It serves great sandwiches for lunch (especially the ribeye sandwich) and is a very good deal. Check out www.destin-fwb.com for more info on the area.

If you want to avoid the 1 1/2 hour drive from one side of Destin to the other, come a little further west to Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, AL. Not nearly so crowded. Great beaches, great food and lower prices. Easy to get to Pensacola if you must. If you love crowds, go to Destin. If you want simple R&R, come to Gulf Shores.

I fully agree with the observation of congestion versus relative tranquility, when comparing Destin to Gulf Shores. However, depending on which direction you will be driving, Gulf Shores could be a beach too far. If it isn't, it should probably be your choice, but the variety of attractions is a bit less.

Actually, Pensacola Beach is not all that crowded during Easter week, but remember that almost everyone takes that week to vacation. And there is certainly more varied activity in Pensacola than in Destin.

All up and down Santa Rosa Island are hundreds of large and small beachfront hotels where you could stay. Even in Easter season, I'm sure you could find a place. Good luck.

I forgot to mention my favorite beach area that isn't overwhelmed by tourists. It's Grayton Beach, a bit farther east along the Gulf than the other spots I named. It's much more like an old Florida beach community, (if there is such a thing these days) but there are plenty of places to eat and quite a few motels up and down that strip of beach. Good luck.

Thank you so much for your replies!

We've decided on destin, but plan to explore the other areas for future trips.

However, how bad IS the traffic? We're used to traffic, living in a major metro area, and the usual cruisin' the coast type traffic each evening...is it worse than that? Any ideas how to avoid it?

Also, any other ideas for good, fun, unique restaurants...that won't break the bank? (made a note of callahans, carte005!)

Thanks, all!

Also....anyone familiar with the Crystal Beach area of Destin? Is it really that much quieter and nicer, but yet also 'close to all the activity'?

Thanks!!!

What is the weather usually like during
the first part of April? Is it still
cool in northern Florida? Would the
weather be better for swimming further
south?

ellen: The traffic is not that bad. The main highway (US 98) get congested because it is the only main east-west road. But Destin is not that big, so it won't be too bad.

Crystal Beach is a nice area, but I don't know that it is less congested. This area has mostly houses and smaller condos. Many of them are across the street from the beach. Crystal Beach is right in the middle of everything.

auty1: The air temperature in NW FL in April is usually very pleasant (see www.weather.com for average highs). The water will still be cold from the winter, but you will see many people swimming anyway. The water here in April is still warmer than it ever gets in California.