Hope to go to Destin, FL

[mom2one]

We are trying to plan a last minute trip to Destin, FL or nearby area. Can anyone recommend an affordable place to stay on the beach? Not having too much luck trying to find something on the internet.

[specialp]

I've stayed at Blue Surf Condominiums which is just across the street from the beach. Condos are individually owned, so some are nice, some are not. It was affordable in the off-season. www.destinvaction.com, under Newman Dailey properties.

I've had friends stay at the Breakers at nearby Ft. Walton Beach which I may have preferred since it seems they really enjoyed it and got a good deal on the price. I think it was directly on the beach.

[firsttimemama]

Lucky you! We'll be in Destin in July. I love it.

If you want to be beachfront and reasonably priced, I strongly encourage looking at South Walton instead of Destin. The prices are much better. If you have any questions I can try to answer them. We've stayed at Grayton & Blue Mountain Beach

See www.sowal.com

When we go to Destin, we're not staying beachfront. Just too expensive. Staying in a condo in Sanddestin. (and only because we're not paying - otherwise we'd be in SOWAL!)

[Melaine]

We went on our honeymoon...it's lovely! Sorry I don't have any specific recommendations, I really don't remember, but hope you have a great time!

[DietCokeLover]

We were there 3 years ago. I don't have any recs for places on the beach, but we stayed in a condo on SanDestin and took the shuttle to the beach. It worked out great for us.

Just something to think about.

[firsttimemama]

We were there 3 years ago. I don't have any recs for places on the beach, but we stayed in a condo on SanDestin and took the shuttle to the beach. It worked out great for us.

Just something to think about.

that's what we're doing, and my dad rented the condo through vrbo.com

[mom2one]

So we booked a place today. We looked long and hard at www.vrbo.com for places we liked, areas, etc. We were going to go with one who had a "sale" on theirs for next week. You really have to read the fine print, take some money off, but then add on 11% tax, a resort fee, a cleaning fee! Next thing we are over 1k on sale.

I have been searaching for days on trying to find a place. I found a website this morning that listed places and what opening they had. I called and must have sounded so disappointed at the price, she asked what was I thinking price wise. I told her, next thing we are getting 10% off for AAA and then 15% off on top of that for paying it all up front.
So we ended up with a good deal, right on the beach in Destin, heated pool and all. My advice to anyone traveling anytime soon, is to call and see what they can do for you.

I am so excited to be going to the beach. I told my husband that I wanted to turn 40 sitting on the beach, with my feet in the sand a margarita- and now it looks like it is coming true. I am so not ready to be 40, but this makes it more bearable in some way.

Thanks to all of you for your ideas and help.

[DietCokeLover]

Yea! I'm glad you found something. Have a wonderful time!

[joyful mommy]

Highjacking here with another question about the area...


Lucky you! We'll be in Destin in July. I love it.

If you want to be beachfront and reasonably priced, I strongly encourage looking at South Walton instead of Destin. The prices are much better. If you have any questions I can try to answer them. We've stayed at Grayton & Blue Mountain Beach

Firsttimemama,

I was searching on Grayton and found your post here ... We'll be in Grayton at the park cabins later this summer, do you know how cell phone coverage is in that area (specifically Verizon)? I recall when visiting South Walton area a few years ago there were some spotty and/or dead zones near the coast.

Thanks for any feedback on this.

Mom2One, Hope you all had a great time!

-- Joyful Mommy

[firsttimemama]

Highjacking here with another question about the area...



Firsttimemama,

I was searching on Grayton and found your post here ... We'll be in Grayton at the park cabins later this summer, do you know how cell phone coverage is in that area (specifically Verizon)? I recall when visiting South Walton area a few years ago there were some spotty and/or dead zones near the coast.

Thanks for any feedback on this.

Mom2One, Hope you all had a great time!

-- Joyful Mommy

Hmm.. I'm sorry but I have no idea. Maybe ask on Sowal.com? on their message board?

[joyful mommy]

Thanks for the quick reply.

-- Joyful Mommy

[sue_g]

We are trying to plan a last minute trip to Destin, FL or nearby area. Can anyone recommend an affordable place to stay on the beach? Not having too much luck trying to find something on the internet.
Mom2One,
Where did you end up staying? We are considering going there this summer.

[fivi2]

I am not the OP, but we recently returned from a trip to Sandestin (a resort near destin). There are several restaurants, paths, golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds. You can rent bikes. The ocean and beach were perfect. We all had a fantastic time. I would love to go back sometime!

[sue_g]

I am not the OP, but we recently returned from a trip to Sandestin (a resort near destin). There are several restaurants, paths, golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds. You can rent bikes. The ocean and beach were perfect. We all had a fantastic time. I would love to go back sometime!
Fivi2,
How did you book it to get the lowest price?

[fivi2]

Fivi2,
How did you book it to get the lowest price?

No help there - we actually had a free stay! (dh won at an alumni event) We had to travel a long way to get there and I would totally go back even if not free - it was great. But I don't know the way to get the best price. Sorry!

[firsttimemama]

We are also staying at Sanddestin. My dad booked the condo through vrbo.com and saved $ that way (rather than booking through the resort directly)

Since my dad is paying this time ;) That is what we're doing.. but when DH and I go, we like to stay beachfront in South Walton - Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, etc etc (see sowal.com) - We can't afford beachfront in Destin, but we can (relatively speaking.. lol) in sowal. We rented condos there. We went through rental companies. Well we weren't exactly beach front in Grayton.. a walk to the beach, but view of the water. BMB we were actually on the beach.

Of course, there is "less to do" in Sowal. We went to sowal pre-kids and even now, DS is too young to really for water park, etc etc that you find in Destin.

But Destin is beautiful too (just more crowded)