Return to 30A or Try Sanibel? (In June)
 

Hi

I was about to book a return trip to 30A but I've gotten distracted by Sanibel. I like looking for shells. Any thoughts on how these beaches compare? What's the sand like at Sanibel? Is it similarly quiet like 30A or are there a lot of teenagers/college kids etc?

thanks!
Laura

What is 30A? I've been to Sanibel but I don't know what 30A means so I can't be much help with a comparison.

The sand at Sanibel is fine-grained but has many shells. Some folks don't like walking on it because of that. It's not wall to wall shells but large patches of them and crushed shells mixed with sand. I usually wear water shoes to avoid any discomfort. The sand quality doesn't keep me away from the beach.

Overall it's quiet. I haven't seen large crowds of teens/college kids. Lodging tends to be expensive and the nightlife is a bit pokey so it tends to keep the loud party people away.
I have, on occasion, had to listen to loud groups of people partying after beach weddings, but not very often. Of course, I tend to go off season—Late spring to early summer—so it might be different in busy season.

I love Sanibel and go there every year.

Hope this helps!

I think the OP is talking about the Seaside area in the Panhandle of Florida. If that's so, then I can answer your question about the sand. It is not similar at all. The sand in Sanibel has shells in it and is not as white. I think since you like the Seaside area, you'll like Sanibel too.

Sanibel is quiet and uncrowded. The sand and water are much prettier along the panhandle but the shelling on Sanibel is THE best.

our kids were shelling easter week at Sanibel and found a LIVE conch, a real big one... what a thrill for them... after a quick look they carefully placed it back in the water, and a half hour later a local fisherman landed a 20 inch Shark... they thought it was JAWS... along with the Dolphins playing just 20 feet offshore, Sanibel treated us this year...

If 30A IS the Destin/Mexico Beach/ Indian Pass area, there are big differences.

Sanibel is THE place for shelling (along with Captiva).

The beach there reflects that. The beach is more fragmented shells than pure sand.

The 30A area beach is soft white "sugar" sand.

Neither area (sans Panama City) are big draws for teenagers/ college kids.

Both are good for nice, relaxing vacations. For the most part, both are "quiet".

Can't lose with either choice.