OT: Bama/Florida vacation question ( Break from Stansbury posts)

Aug 5, 2011
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The BogeyGolferfamilydoes what most southern families do when they go to the beach. We've been to Gulf Shores, Destin, and Pensacola Beach. I have reached the point to where I had rather have my balls in a vice than to fight the Destin and Gulf Shores traffic coupled with all of the same ole bs. We haverecentlyvacationed in Pensacola Beach because it is less "touristy" and you can get a great condo at areasonableprice and cheap golf, unlike Destin and Gulf Shores ( other than state park course). I haven't been to Panama City Beach since I was a senior in high school but I assume it's about the same as the others I mentioned. What Florida beach vacation spot/condo do you recommend without having to put up with the usually "wait 1 hour" to eat fried shrimp crowd? Any hidden gems that I'm missing out on? Otherwise, I'm headed back to Pensacola Beach but I've noticed in the past couple of years that it'sslowlyheaded in the Destin/Gulf Shores direction. Anysuggestionswill do....
 
Aug 5, 2011
1,222
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The BogeyGolferfamilydoes what most southern families do when they go to the beach. We've been to Gulf Shores, Destin, and Pensacola Beach. I have reached the point to where I had rather have my balls in a vice than to fight the Destin and Gulf Shores traffic coupled with all of the same ole bs. We haverecentlyvacationed in Pensacola Beach because it is less "touristy" and you can get a great condo at areasonableprice and cheap golf, unlike Destin and Gulf Shores ( other than state park course). I haven't been to Panama City Beach since I was a senior in high school but I assume it's about the same as the others I mentioned. What Florida beach vacation spot/condo do you recommend without having to put up with the usually "wait 1 hour" to eat fried shrimp crowd? Any hidden gems that I'm missing out on? Otherwise, I'm headed back to Pensacola Beach but I've noticed in the past couple of years that it'sslowlyheaded in the Destin/Gulf Shores direction. Anysuggestionswill do....
 

The Peeper

Heisman
Feb 26, 2008
15,107
10,102
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Grayton Beach. If you have small kids not much to do but the beaches are uncrowded and the fishing is great. You are still close enough to Destin so if you want you can make a quick grocery run in the early hours

http://graytonbeach.com/
 

ronpolk

All-Conference
May 6, 2009
9,071
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I live in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area and have to agree with you about the traffic during the summer. It sucks. I also think Pensacola Beach is the way to go, especially if you have kids. Pensacola just offers a little bit more than just the beach. Dawgebag mentioned Grayton Beach and it is nice but I wouldn't do that with kids. That whole South Walton area is nice and there is several cool places to eat. South Walton is cool because it's so different than Destin and Panama City Beach but there is the beach and some restaurants, that's it. However, for me, South Walton is always a fun day not week. I'd get bored after a few days. If it was just you and your wife I'd probably recommend somewhere in South Walton but with kids you either need to go to Destin or Pensacola.
 

boomboommsu

Redshirt
Mar 14, 2008
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Take 98/Daphne exit right after Mobile bridge, and take it till you have to turn east, then keep on the back roads almost all the way to Gulf Shores. I switched to this the last two or three times i've gone down there, and there was absolutely zero traffic until the last few miles, when you have to get on 59 to go over the Gulf Shores bridge. If you're going to Ft Morgan you can get back on back roads as soon as you go over the bridge. Taking 59 the whole way down is for the suckers.

Alternatively, stay somewhere in Fort Morgan and take the ferry over. It doesn't really save that much time, and costs a bit more, but it's something different, and is sure less stressful. But there's only a handful of places to go out over there, and it's a good 20 to 30 minute drive over to Gulf Shores. Great for a weekend or extended weekend trip, where you only want to go out one night and spend the rest at the beach and in the condo (or rented house).
 

coach66

Junior
Mar 5, 2009
12,678
286
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doing the Portofino resort for the past two years and have enjoyed it. No crowds, no hassle, and the beach/water is pretty close to Destin. Plus it is easy to get there, minutes off<div>I-10.</div>
 

Coastdog28

Redshirt
Oct 16, 2007
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http://30a.com/

Grayton, Rosemary, Seaside, Alys, and WaterColor are all really nice developments in the area that are unique and will be a nice change of pace from Destin/Orange Beach/etc.
 

PickleHead

Redshirt
Sep 2, 2011
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Never too crowded, not too pricey, and the ocean/sand is almost as nice as Destin. Another bonus is you're about a 10 minute drive to Joe Pattis, which is an AWESOME place to buy fresh fish and shrimp (I don't waste my money on tourists trap restaurants).<div>
</div><div>I've been everywhere from Point Clear to Panama City, and Perdido is the perfect place for me.</div>
 

Purebred Dawg

Redshirt
Feb 3, 2009
580
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Its a long drive...from Jackson at least. But its layed back, hasseveral good bars and restaurants, is kid and pet friendly and is far removed from all the tourist trap bs.</p>
 
Aug 5, 2011
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in Pensacola, it's on Bayfront Parkway not too far from the bridge that carries you over to Gulf Breeze. Order the shrimp andcheesegrits....thank me later.
 
G

Goat Still Grindin

Guest
obviously depending on exactly what you want to do. PM me with that info and I'll give you the low-down.
 

mcdawg22

Heisman
Sep 18, 2004
12,976
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Navarre is great to stretch out, I go there because you can surf fish without someone swimming over your line. PCB is crazy touristy unless you do a VRBO east of the firehouse toward portofino as Coach said. Destin keeps growing eastward past Seaside so unless you want to pay big bucks for VRBO you will be amongst the hordes. As far as food is concerned @ Pensacola the Fish House is Superb. Best Mexican in Pcola and Navarre is Cactus Flower, best Steak is Jackson's (pricey). Best homemade Sunday Brunch Native Cafe, best typical restaurant brunch Hemingways. Best soul food/Cajun momma's place Milton. Best burger oval office Milton. Best golf for the buck Marcus Pointe. #2 with twillight special Hidden Creek.
 
Aug 5, 2011
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and let the grass grow. It could be a decent course if they maintained it a little better. As I state the other day, Marcus Pointe is my favorite and by far the best value, I often wonder why they don't charge more but I'm sure glad they don't.
 

GhostOfJackie

Senior
Apr 20, 2009
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Most beautiful beaches in the country. There are plenty of bars you just have to find them. All of these places are a little slice of heaven on earth. <div>
</div><div>Edit to say: Mad sixpack cred if you take pictures for us.</div>
 
Mar 3, 2008
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I have been to both several times. Going to ft Morgan tomorrow. Went to watersound on 30a last year. Fort Morgan is a bit more peaceful but you still have gulf shores close by if you want to do the kid stuff. 30a is nicer but much more crowded. There is definitely plenty to do between seaside, Santa Rosa, etc. The water around 30a is prettier as well. If you're looking for tranquility go to fort Morgan down past the beach club. If you're looking for activities but with a nicer feel than gulf shores proper go to 30a.