[Willbegone]

I know this is shocking but we are not going to WDW next year. I can't talk family into going every year just every other year. Anyway, we usually vacation in Daytona Beach but want to do something different next year and go to the Gulf side of Florida. We are thinking about Panama City. Has anyone been there that can tell me if this is a good choice? What about a place to stay? Thanks so much I know somebody can help me and I trust y'all thus the reason I asked.


Oh and how far is it to WDW from there?? Could we go for a day??

[dab]

We've been there lots of times. We live north of Atlanta so every spring break or summer growing up was spent there. I think it has gone downhill in the past 10 yrs though. If you have older kids it is a good place because there is something for everyone. Thre are great water parks, mini golf, giant maze, a small amusement park called Miracle Strip with county fair type of rides and some very good seafood restaruants. The thing that makes me not like PC Beach very much is that there are lots of bars, tattoo parlors, night clubs etc. lots of teens which equals noise and traffic! Parts are very run down with cheap motels. I think you can get the picture. I do think there are some very nice places to stay but I haven't been there in the past 7 yrs. so I would hesitate to recommend a place as things can change a lot in that time.

We prefer Destin and SanDestin which is on the gulf coast about an hour drive from PC Beach toward Ft. Walton and Pensacola. The beaches are a lot less crowded and great dining and shopping (outlet malls!) water parks, mini golf... typical beach recreation. I can recommend a fabulous place in Destin if you are interested. Just send me a PM. I'm sure I can find some website links to send you to. We like Destin because it is a little more upscale (no snobby intentions here!). It is just a cleaner, nicer, more family oriented place.

I was qurious about how long it would take to drive to WDW from PC Beach so I entered it in mapquest and it came up with 6 hrs 38 mins. Not exactly a day trip IMO.

[jwdj4lfe]

Im going to Fort Myers this upcoming August. IMHO that is a great place to vacation. Maybe even Tampa, thats also on the gulf coast and atleast you have Busch Gardens to go too!:D . If you want more of a relaxed trip, maybe try Captiva Island, its beautiful there and so cut off from the modern world. I think all these places are less then 4 hours from WDW, that would make one longgggg day trip, lol. If it were my choice, Id stay in the Tampa/ St. Pete area, and make a day trip to Busch Gardens, and spend the rest of the time soaking up the gulf coast sun!
Joe:)

[DisneyTeacher]

I second Destin. Very nice area.

Does it have to be Florida? Would you be will to drive a little farther? We went to Gulf Shores AL last summer and just loved it. Very clean and well kept area, just like Destin. We had a 3 bedroon condo (about (1400 sq ft) for $1500 per week. It has been a while since I have been to Destin but I think condos run about the same.

[BDavis932]

On our way to and from Orlando, we are staying the night at Fort Walton Beach. I'm very excited about seeing the deep blue water and the white sandy beaches. We have beaches here in Texas, but I can't say they are "beautiful".

Our neighbors stayed at Dauphin Island, Alabama last summer and LOVED it. You might want to check it out, too.

[DisneyAnne]

Okay Will... I have been to PCB, Destin and Tampa numerous times. This is my take on it all...

Growing up, we went to PCB. Its basically Myrtle Beach on steroids. As a child, it was cool because of the multiple putt-putt courses and various tourist traps. As a coed, it rocked. I have no interest in it now. Too tourist-y... :nervous: :nooo:

Destin is gorgeous! After college, this became the destination of choice. In fact, since we moved to SC, I have been hankering for a glimpse of the snow white beaches of Destin. There isn't as much of the putt-putts, wet-n-wilds, bungee cords or park rides as PCB, but they still have enough for a family to do. Have I told you I LOVE Destin? :love:

We really enjoyed Tampa the last two times we have visited. We were there with the team for the Outback Bowl. Busch Gardens is great if you love roller coasters. There is a variety of other rides as well. For nightlife and shopping, Ybor City is the best. There are both horse tracks and dog tracks. If you are into site seeing, they have beautiful homes on the Bay. Although I didn't get to see it personally, our children were taken to the aquarium which we were told was one of the best. The zoo and children's museum are pretty good too. But best of all (if you can talk the fam into it) is that WDW is about an hour and 15 minutes away.:p

Hope this info helps...let me know if you have any questions!

[jonesee3]

Growing up I lived an hour away.........basically party central for college students. I do not really recommend PCB if you have young children. Don't get me wrong---beautiful beaches, but Destin, Pensacola Beach, Ft Walton Beach would be just as nice with less overtones of partying. I lived in Ft Walton Beach & Pensacola for 2 years each----loved it! Highly recommend it! Anywhere along the coastline there is GREAT, beautiful beaches! Have fun! :D

Heather

[mattomouseman]

Originally posted by Willbegone
I know this is shocking but we are not going to WDW next year. I can't talk family into going every year just every other year.

GASP!!!!!!!!

[jgriff2388]

I absolutely love Destin and SanDestin too! We live in NJ but have family that lives in Niceville FL, which is very close to Destin and Fort Walton Beach. These beaches are beautfiul and and water is this gorgeous tranquil emerald color. We've been going there for years now, and my daughter (now 11) has loved it since she was a toddler.:heart

[Willbegone]

Thanks for the info I'm printing to show to my family. I had looked at Destin but we have heard alot about it. We are looking for a quiet family place so Destin sounds great but Tampa does too. We visited Tampa when I was around 7. So it will between these two. I knew I could count on y'all!

DisneyAnne, thanks for the description when you said "Myrtle Beach on Steroids" this will DEFINETLY change DH's mind he only can take MB for short trips not a week like we plan on in Florida!

[DisneyAnne]

You are so welcome... Another point you might want to make is that PCB is about an hour or so away from Destin... Convince him to stay in Destin and you will visit PCB one day to take in all of the touristy stuff. He will also be able to determine if he ever wants to stay there for another vacation. If I can help you with a place to stay in Destin, let me know. I know of several rental businesses that can help you to find a home or condo for your stay. (There is one in particular that we always used, but I do know the names of several others.)

Happy planning!

[Willbegone]

Okay to help clarify would you choose Destin or Tampa with a 3 year old, me, Dh and my parents. Also, which has the best seafood we LOVE seafood!

Y'all are just too good!:D

[jgriff2388]

A 3 year old won't appreciate Bush Gardens yet, so go to Destin. If you are going during the summer months, the crabs are very large. There seafood at most of the restaurants is very fresh and delicious. You are only a few hours from New Orleans, so there are plenty of cajun restaurants too. You are in the shrimp capital of the world, and smoked amberjack is to die for. If you have some extra $$, rent a home by the Gulf, you will not regret it. But there are very nice condos to rent too. Enjoy.

[spike]

I will be in Sandestin in about two weeks for the 17th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival later this month. We have been going to Destin and Sandestin for years, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. My kids can't get enough of it. Next best place to WDW, and alot shorter trip from N.O.
Sandestin has info @ http://www.sandestin.com/search.asp?...ring=WINE+FEST

:)

[jwdj4lfe]

Speaking of Destin, My mom was looking for places to visit on our spring break trip and she came across Destin and the Ft. Walton Beach area! If you go to FLA USA (which is Florida's website) and click on th interactive map, you then click on Destin/ft. walton beach, and info. on those places will pop up! Plus it has info on hotels, events, and attractions. If I stop by there next week, I'll let you know what it's like!
Joe:)