Destin Lodging Info

[WillWork4Horns]

So me and a female friend of mine are looking at doing a weekend in Destin in May. It will be the first time to visit there for both of us. I am needing some lodging ideas. We are looking for something really nice directly on the beach. It would be good to be near some great eating and drinking spots as well. I would really like to impress her so please help me out!

 

[Basketball Jones]

Tons of nice condos on the beach -- go to one of the online services to compare (they all have pictures of the condos and even the units).
We went 4 years ago, and stayed at the Sterling Shores -- nice and right on the beach. It had a large resort-style pool, then you walk across the service road (a small road that runs behind a lot of the condo developments -- not a thoroughfare) to the beach and there is another smaller pool on the beach.
We had kids, so we didn't go to any high-end restaurants. The seafood place right by the condo (The Back Porch, if I remember correctly) was really good, and right on the beach.

 

[RoughedUpSuspect]

If you are going before Memorial Day weekend, the prices are really really reasonable. You can get a house or condo rental online. We've used ResortQuest or even VRBO.

We only stayed at a hotel a few times, once in Sandestin and once in Watercolor which are 2 nearby developments with beachfront lodging.

As far as eating, Destin Chops is good for a nice dinner. But for more casual beach fare, we usually get fresh crab at the Crab Trap or the Back Porch. I wouldn't say the food is great and they're a bit touristy, but they are right on great beaches and drinks taste better right on the beach.

You need to go to Another Broken Egg for breakfast. Expensive but will hold up as your meal for the day. There is the original "downtown" and one in SanDestin.

 

[KazooMan]

If you don't want to do the condo routine, try the SanDestin Hilton - very nice, and right on the beach. Great spa, if you want massages, etc. Only downside is that the food there is not so great, and you have to drive a ways up or down Hwy 98 to get good food.

If you want to stay in a condo, check out the rental agencies as mentioned above. There are a LOT of condos right on the beach - you shouldn't have to cross any roads, and it is great at night to have your bedroom patio door open, and listen to the waves crashing against that pretty beach.

I second (or third) the nomination for the Back Porch - still, after over 20 years of visiting, my favorite place to eat in Destin.

 

[MAROON]

If you really want to impress her, rent a place in Seaside. Pricey as heck, but the town is great for beaching, restaurants, etc.

 

[Smurfette]

The Hilton Sandestin is Awesome. I got an email from them a week or so ago advertising 199 a night for the summer months. You might check them out and see if that's still available-- I believe you had to call the front desk and ask for it though.

They have a shuttle that takes you to and from the Wharf-- which is an area that has some nice restaurants and stuff.

Make sure you stay in Destin, not Oskaloosa Island-- it's just not as pretty.

Good lunch--- Destin is Awesome!!

 

[Summerof79]

San Destin is nice, you could also rent a house in Blue Mountain beach and blow her away. Think of a house on top of 3-4 story dune. Views and seculsion.
I agree ont he "Back Porch" in Destin- but be SMART and know they have a call ahead list. Always fun to walk past the folks waiting an hour because you know how to work the system.

Miramar Beach is nice and is closer to the high end eating in Destin, Flemings etc. In my life I have found that I have had better results with lower key lodging (like a house) and mostly lower key dining. If they like you they joints and the atmosphere of a beach front "dive" will hit the mark more than a high end dining experience you can get in ANY city in the USA.

If you are by chance driving from Texas stop in Winnie Tx west of beaumont at Al's Seafood for some great canjun grub coming or going. It's worth planning to stop.

 

[jimmyjazz]

Is SanDestin the choice for a family-oriented resort? Can you immerse yourself like you do at the Disney properties in Orlando? We want to take our 4 kids to a beach resort this summer, but we'd really rather drive than fly and we like moderately upscale resorts with lots to do (swim, shop, play tennis, kids clubs, etc.).

 

[KazooMan]

jimmyjazz - we used to take our kids to the SanDestin Hilton all the time. They have rooms that sleep six (two queens and two bunk beds built into one wall), and pretty good children programs. It is not quite as good as a Disney vacation - nothing beats Disney for kids - but if you want to go to the beach the SanDestin is not bad at all. Check out SanDestin Hilton

 

[Basketball Jones]

By the way -- check the Blue Angels schedule at the base in Pensacola (they have a website). They have practices on certain weekdays. It's an easy drive over, and you can watch the practice and go to the flight museum they have there.

 

[KazooMan]

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