I have been searching frantically for a place to stay in the Florida Panhandle. Thanks to all of you for your great responses in the past. My new question is--- I have heard that Panama City Beach is very crowded. How crowded are we talking here? I am finding much better prices there, but don't want to have to worry about losing my children on the beach.THANKS!!!

Daphne, I live in the Panhandle of Florida, and just yesterday investigated the beaches from Panama City to Fort Walton. When people say that Panama City is crowdede, they do not mean the beach itself, i.e the sand between your motel/condo and the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, the beach renourishment project in Panama City has resulted in unusually wide beaches, so it is not at all crowded. You will find plently of traffic on the road during any summer weekend, but that is to be expected at any beach community in the Pnahandle. So, if your main concern is that you will have trouble finding a stretch of sand to relax, don't worry. I noticed the beaches at Destin and Crystal Beach were much, much narrower yesterday. If you have any specific questions, you can email me privately.

Daphne,
I am a little slow because it's Monday, but I just now realized you are the same person who asked about Blue Horizon and motels in Destin. I posted a reply last week. See my message above, if you want to email me I can give you some more info. I am not a travel agent, and have no connections to the travel industry.

I agree that Panama City's beaches aren't too crowded, but the area around it is not very nice at all. My favorite places to stay in the panhandle are near Crystal Beach, Grayton, Seaside or Rosemary Beach. Those areas are prettier, and more family oriented. Panama City was dirty and full of drunk 19-year-olds when I was there last June. But, the water and beaches were just as beautiful.