We are trying to plan a vacation that is convenient for multiple family members and it seems like the Florida Panhandle or Gulf Coast might work best for flights and time. Unfortunately we don’t know anything about the location and the info I can find on Florida is mostly about the amusement parks. There is some info about the beaches, but having never been there I am looking for more. We definitely need the beach, but would also like decent restaurants and a little night life. Not so much bar scene but things to do after dinner or on a rainy day.
If anyone has visited the area and could make some suggestions I would appreciate it. Thank you.
We go to Pensacola beach. Not as developed as some areas (Destin comes to mind) because it’s surrounded by national seashore. But there are restaurants on the island and more if you drive back across the sound. There’s also the naval air museum–don’t know if that would interest your group but it was great for entertaining my kids on rainy days.
Haven’t been there yet but hope to soon. The water gets clearer and the sand gets whiter once you’re on the East side of Mobile. From there to Port St. Joe it’s all beautiful.
I’ve been to Destin, Seaside, and Watercolor. Very nice beaches, probably is pretty touristy, but that is because it’s a very desirable location. White sand beaches if I recall correctly.
Siesta Key/Sarasota - best beach in the world and Sarasota is a good-sized city with things to do and see. Also, other islands nearby with boutique shopping, etc.
My son’s a student at Bama and in 4 years of visits I haven’t made it all the way down to the coast, but this summer I will be travelling with my sister and her young kids and after a quick visit to see son, we’re spending the rest of the week in Gulf Shores.
I’ll be travelling with kids (age 6, 7, and a toddler), so what we’ve looked into may be different than your interests, but here are some of the things we’ve found -
We’re going to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (http://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org/) - even I’m excited about the prospect of holding a baby kangaroo!
We’re taking the ferry to Dauphin Island and stopping at the Esturaium (http://www.disl.org/Estuarium), even though some reviews say it’s REALLY small. There’s also a civil war era fort there that I’d stop at, but not sure it will hold the attention of kids. Plus Shell Mound state park and bird watching for those with an interest in nature.
The Wharf (http://alwharf.com/) has a ferris wheel, mini golf, and a movie theater.
And we’re going to drive to Foley, AL to stop at the outlet mall and http://www.throwedrolls.com/ (how can you vacation with children and not stop at the restaurant where they throw rolls at you? )
I looked into going to Pensecola one day to Aviation museum and watch the Blue Angels, but they won’t be there the week we’re in town, so guess we’ll just spend that day on the beach.
Now if I were instead travelling with my son, now in his early 20s, instead of the kids, he’d prefer to keep driving to the casinos in Biloxi.
My parents retired to Panama City Beach, which has its own airport because of how popular it has become for spring breakers (in distinction to nearby Panama City, which also has an airport.) It’s about a half hour drive to Seaside from there. Mom and Dad loved living there.
I’ve been to Destin and it’s very nice. Beautiful water and beach. But my favorite, hands down, is Siesta Key/ Sarasota. Tons of stuff to do by the beach and just 20 minutes away in the thriving Sarasota downtown area and St. Armand’s Circle.
Look at the 30A area, this is the stretch of road from San Destin to Panama City. Some high end places ( Seaside, WaterColor). We have been going to this area for 20 years and have watched the growth. You can still find the charm of small beach communites along the stretch.
Bike rental very common, beautiful beaches and great restaurants. We tend to stay closer to Destin at Santa Rosa.
Moved to Tampa- living away from hurricane evacuation zones, thank you. In the summer the area beaches will have water temps around 90 degrees (now 88 per local weather, “like bath water”) as the Gulf warms up. It is hot and humid- think 90’s. Not sure if the Panhandle follows this but you can expect scattered daily storms- no big deal as they pass quickly. The beach is a nice place to be. Pay attention to the weather- hearany thunder, see distant lightening- get away from the water. Also pay attention if there are any algae bloom warnings along your stretch of beach. Also pay attention to keeping up on your sunscreen! Many options in the Tampa Bay area- the Clearwater pier is fun and there are many quitter options along the west coast barrier islands.
)