Laura

We're planning a trip to the Florida Panhandle in mid-June. We live in Minnesota so this is the first time our three sons (9,7,5) will get to experience the ocean!

We're looking for a great, reasonably-priced hotel on the beach in either Pensacola Beach, Ft. Walton Beach or Destin. So far we're trying to decide between the Radisson & Sheraton Four Pts. on Ft. Walton or the Hampton on Pensacola Beach.

Would like private balcony facing the Gulf, nice pool area and beach or poolside bar. Nice extras would include playground, kiddy pool, free continental breakfast.

THANKS in advance for any advice!

Laura

PW

Laura: log onto www.abbottrealty.com for tons of places to stay in that area.

marilyn

Laura, would highly recommend looking into condo rentals. There are lots available, and it's really nice to have the space, cooking facilities, VCRs, etc., when traveling with a family. I like the "quieter" locations, on old highway 98 in Destin, and out on County Road 30 in the beaches of South Walton, such as Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Seagrove Beach etc. In addition to realty company sites like Abbott Resorts, you might try vrbo.com, which is owners renting their own condos at lower prices. Great pictures on the web site, and we've had good luck with the accuracy of the info. The beaches are TERRIFIC in this part of Florida, and the drive is do-able from the midwest to this part of Florida, too, if you decide to try it.

Laura

Thanks! I will look into condos -- sounds like a great idea.

We are actually planning to take the train from Chicago to New Orleans and then driving to the Panhandle. I'm sure it will be a great trip no matter where we end up staying!

Thanks again,

Laura

RHM

You may want to look into Navarre Beach. It is about 1/2 way between Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach. It isn't as built up as Pensacola or Fort Walton but the beaches are great.

The Holiday Inn has rooms fronting the gulf, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. Pensacola is about 20 minutes west, Ft. Walton about 20 minutes east.

Enjoy your stay.

RM

Bob

Living in P'cola I am probably a little biased toward our beach but the real question should be what do you and your kids want to do? Pensacola has the Naval aviation museum which is a world class air museum but that can be done in a day even from FWB (about 1.5 hrs away)and should not be missed by kids of all ages. The 2 FWB hotels are on okaloosa island which is a few minutes from Destin with it's world class fishing and many restaurants plus 2 water parks for the kids. Panama city is an easier day trip from FWB than Pensacola(2 hrs.) Pensacola is 1 hr. closer to N.O. You will not go wrong with either beach location. E mail me if you have any specific questions. Good Luck.

Paul

I really agree with the condo. It gets pretty expensive eating out down there every meal. Plus, after a long day on the beach the last thing you feel like doing is loading up the kids and trying to find a restaurant that doesn't have a long wait. Buy groceries and cook in. Condo all the way. Our personal favorite is Destin.