I had reserved a weekend at my husband’s favorite beach in St. Pete, Florida for the first week of November. Our adult daughters are also coming along to celebrate. Currently, we don’t know the condition of the small beachfront inn we had reserved or how extensive the damage is in the area. However, preliminary photos of the area tell me that we may have to consider other options.
I am looking at Key Largo, Myrtle beach, St. Augustine. My husband loves the beach. We don’t golf but do love to walk small towns and enjoy good food. Looking for your opinion of these three choices during November or any other beach recommendations you may have. We only have 3 days two nights over a weekend to do this.
Thanks Thumper1. We are flying in. My husband and I are flying from NY/ La guardia and our daughters from Boston. Our current tickets are with Delta so looking for areas where Delta flies into.
We have not been to Myrtle beach in 30 years so not sure what to expect. Also, not our first choice.
I think you’ll be fine. I call on a car dealer in that area and my cousin lives there. No issues.
But I’d go to Pensacola Beach vs the others - you keep the white sand, flights are easy, etc as you have Southwest and others. Secondarily Destin and Panama City - also have Southwest and others but I’m partial to Pensacola. But all have the same white sand.
There is no comparison - gulf (white sand) to the Atlantic beaches you mention. And as you say your husband loves the beach. Pcola Beach has enough great restaurants within walking distance to make your trip a success.
I was just in Charleston - Folly Beach and Wilmington’s Carolina Beach.
The sand itself on the Atlantic is just - ugly in comparison. You should find him white sand.
Pcola Beach should have better weather too - certainly vs Myrtle.
Of those you mention St Augustine but I’d pivot away from the Atlantic.
We are used to the Atlantic, hour drive here in NJ. During COVID my sister rented a house right on the gulf in Florida and drove. First day was a tropical depression, so nice waves, next day was calm, her kids were so bummed! For my kids, the best part of going to a beach is to swim in the waves or boogie board. Not as pretty but way more fun.
The trip was already on the gulf and for good reason - those who haven’t been will be amazed when they go and never go back to the Atlantic when journeying from far.
Our first trip from TN was Hilton Head. Nice. Need a car but nice. But the beach - brown.
Second trip was Destin. Still need a car. But would never go back to the Atlantic after that one - short of when we are already near.
Third was Pensacola Beach. No car needed unless want to explore the surrounding areas. When we went it was undiscovered. No more. Everyone goes. It’s got a tight stretch of hotels and restaurants so can do car less if want. Uber from airport through Pensacola, then over the bridge to Gulf Breeze and finally another bridge to Pcola Beach. Maybe 20-25 mins from the Pcola airport.
There’s just no comparison of Atlantic to gulf. Understand your point but then they were on the gulf already.
Color of the sand has never factored into my enjoyment of the beach. I grew up going to the beach in the mid-Atlantic, have been to black sand and white sand beaches in Greece, Asia, FL, the Caribbean and even lived in Hawaii blocks from the beach. They were all beautiful and enjoyable in their own way.
Perhaps the OP’s H might prefer a white sand beach, she didn’t say, but not everyone shares your dislike of the Atlantic.
From my weekend at an Atlantic beach two weekends ago - it was easy to enjoy despite the “brown sand.”
I love watching and listening to the waves break, as a kid I remember being thrown around all day in the ocean and feeling rocked to sleep at night in bed. My grandparents had a large house 3 blocks from the beach at the Jersey shore.
@lia_b, just out of curiosity, what drew you to those three choices? Was it proximity to airports that Delta flies in to?
There are some lovely small town coastal beaches in NC and SC that I would choose over Myrtle Beach. Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Holden Beach (just north of Myrtle Beach) to name a few, but I’m not sure how close they are to an airport that services Delta. I’ve only been to those in spring and summer so not sure how sleepy they might be in November.
There is currently no sewer service south of John’s Pass in Pinellas County. The Don Cesar (obviously not your small, planned inn, just trying to give you a frame of reference, location-wise) does not anticipate opening until October 10th.
My knowledge of the current situation is further up the beach, north of St Pete Beach, but I’m sure it’s just as bad down there. Things might be better by November 1, but the entire island north of John’s Pass was basically covered in 3-4’ of water.
Any option for 30A? Seaside/Sea Grove/Rosemary Beach?
Be advised that hurricane season technically runs through November
Thank you for the replies and suggestions. The local facebook groups have also been helpful in posting videos of the local damage. I have yet to see my Inn and while some buildings are still standing, I am sure there is plenty of water damage inside that will take time to repair. Yes, the sewers are down, which must be awful. @4kids4us, I was initially drawn to the three choices posted as I wanted to be away from the Gulf Coast where the damage happened. I was also looking for a nice beach town that was not overcrowded with larger condo buildings. Finally, also considering places where Delta flies. Husband only liked the Key Largo option but not by much. We have been to the Keys and there is so much traffic. He suggested Panama City, which is mentioned above. He does prefer the Gulf beaches due to the calmer blue waters and more laid back vibe. However, I see another system developing following same path as Helene and it only takes a little change in path to hit the Panhandle. I will keep an eye on that system before I change any flights. Yes, I know Panama City has the large condos and hotels but hopefully, it is not as crowded in November. I am looking at Springhill Suites.