[MacFanatic]

For those with experience/knowledge of both of these areas, which would you choose for a winter getaway location: Clearwater or Destin/For Walton Beach? And why? Assume for the sake of this discussion that a suitable condo can be purchased in either area for approximately the same amount.

Looking forward to your comments! And thanks in advance!

kathy

[beachmouse]

Clearwater. The Panhandle gets too cold in the winter, IMO, to really consider it a winter getaway, no matter what the snowbirds say.

But if you like 2-3 weeks every winter where you're lucky to hit 45F-50F during the day and you're worrying about how your tender plants will fare during overnight freezes, then Destin/FWB goes back on the table.

[Novadhd5150]

If you are talking about strictly weather related then Clearwater is your best option. Destin will get too cold in the winter time. Also these cities are not very similar as Destin is small beach town comparitivly speaking to Clearwater which is a hugh metro area with Tampa . The beaches in Destin are nice IMO and is slower pace if that is what you are looking for..Also Destin is more "Southern" culture and Clearwater more "Northern" culture.

[MacFanatic]

Thanks for the comments. Could you give some specifics as to what defines Southern vs Northern culture? I have heard this but am not sure exactly what that means. Manners? Pace? Religion/politics? All of the above?

Thanks again.

kathy

[Novadhd5150]

Kathy, I think you answered your own question.
Yes all of the above.
Both beaches are very nice since they are Gulf beaches .

[texas7]

Destin "used" to be nicknamed The Redneck Riviera but can't see any reason it would be called that today. Travelers from all over.

[Sunny-Days-in-Florida]

Clearwater.

Access to several of the top beaches, food, things to do.

Destin is amazingly beautiful but if you are heading south for the winter then you will want to go to Clearwater or Sarasota areas.