South Padre Island or Destin, FL? For a family trip. (Dallas: hotels, movies)

[David Dollar]

Originally Posted by DiverTodd62

I go to the Florida panhandle about 3 or 4 times a year. In fact, I'm leaving tonight for a 4 day trip.

Everything said so far is spot about the water clarity and beach quality. I think Destin compares favorably with South Padre on price. SPI hotels and condos are very proud and I've always been able to beat them in Destin. One place I use on VRBO is Sandpiper Cove where you can get a 2BR condo under $200/nt. Also you can get a few miles off the beach like in Ft Walton or Niceville and get a cheap hotel under $100. In Pensacola you can find places for $70 along I-10 and only be 15 minutes to the beach. You have to go all the way to Brownsville to do that in SPI.

Pcola beach is great, in fact it is much more concentrated so if you stay near Casino Beach and the pier you will be in the middle of dozens of restaurants and shops and it is a very walkable area. The public beach facilities are MUCH better than anything at Destin.

I moved here from Pensacola and will second that. For FAMILY activities I would go to Pensacola. The have gazebos with grills right on the beach, you can snorkel for crabs, etc.

[EasilyAmused]

Pensacola hands down... or Gulf Shores Alabama.

[HoustonRonnie]

That's like having to choose between Galveston Mardi Gras and Nawlins Mardi Gras.

Ronnie

[txstate]

Destin Panama City without a doubt. None of Texas beach cities come close.

[texas7]

If you do opt for South Padre, you really don't have to worry about the travel advisories, that applies more if you are planning to drive the 20 or 40 miles or whatever it is to the border and cross over into Mexico. Definitely don't do that. S. Padre is a lot of families in other beach resorts (with the exception of Spring Break when you definitely want to stay away). I feel pretty safe in S. Padre. Not as much to do there though.

[luzianne]

I like the Destin area, but it's so crowded. We always travel west. Seaside is our favorite but it's very expensive to rent there. We rented a house once in Seagrove - five minute walk from Seaside - for an entire week and it was very reasonable. There is also Rosemary Beach west of Seaside/Seagrove and it's new and very nice, although I've never stayed there. I know some like Panama City, but it has a different feel to it/not as nice (in my opinion) as Destin and Seaside. Pensacola is crowded, but nice.

[texas7]

Seaside area is great but more expensive and more laid back. If you have kids, there isn't as much to do for them - other than the beach. If you have kids and want to be near the activities, you'd want to be closer to the main part of Destin.

[luzianne]

texas7, there are all kinds of kid/family activities at Seaside. Yes, it is expensive, but there is a lot to do!

[texdav]

I have been to both many times. I'd have to pick Destin for it beaches;especailly sand and its waters.I can recommend The Islander condo which is in one of the best location with patio looking directly to the beach and easy walk on property to the beach.Sandpiper cove I've stay at much not near as nice altho Louisana Lagniappe restaurant located on property is very good.Don't misss Brooks Bridge barbeque if you have kinds as it good and very resonable.I use to stay in Destin for october when they had the fishing rodeo which is fun also.Summer can get kind of crowded tho but kids will love the white sand and the beaches.

[texas7]

Originally Posted by luzianne

texas7, there are all kinds of kid/family activities at Seaside. Yes, it is expensive, but there is a lot to do!

I never notice much "entertainment" for kids in Seaside - lots of beach and shopping. That is the reason I like 30A - less kids than in Destin. My kids are grown so now I travel to less kid-crowded places