[cmsgop]

Don't forget to go to the "John Boy" Pier.......

[kms61]

Haven't been in several years. As i recall it was nice. Caters to a young-ish crowd and I'd avoid during Spring Break and other holidays. It's next to Eglin AFB...the NCO club there has the nicest beach along that part of the coast, IMHO.

[strela]

I've been there (was stationed in Pensacola years ago and FWB was a favorite retreat). Never been to the "Conquestador Suites" though - sorry. Now, if you want to ask me about a certain club near Corry Station that I got thrown out of, repeatedly ...

[Dakotabound]

Paging a semi-local...paging a semi-local...

[Atchafalaya]

Been there, and Destin. Great beaches, beautiful water if no seaweed. There is a breeze on the beach most all of the time, but hot as hell once you get 20 yards from the beach (I swear there is a wall that stops the wind but I never could find it). Lots of military planes buzzing around all day if you are into that. Pay heed to any surf warnings; the Pensacola area has already had something like 6 or 7 drownings this year (people ignoring heavy surf warnings). I hope you have a good time; I'm going to the Cajun Rivera (Grand Isle) in two weeks for a week; all specs and reds beware, I have a hook with your names on it!!!

[dixiechick2000]

The Miracle Strip (Alabama down to Panama City) has the most beautiful beaches in the country. That area has some of the best food you'd ever want to eat, and the nicest people you'd ever want to meet.

It's the Redneck Riviera...

I didn't mention the fishing...es muy grande!

[dixiechick2000]

I love the whole coastal area of the panhandle. But, then again, I guess I'm partial...

I'm from Mississippi, and spent a lot of time there when I was growing up. I went back to Panama City in '96, and wasn't impressed. But Ft. Walton and Destin have really made a name for themselves. Also, if you do go to that area, there's a quaint little town, Seaside, that's a must see. The last time I was there, the beach at Ft. Stewart was ranked the best beach in the country.

I don't mean to do a whole Chamber of Commerce thing on ya'. I wish I knew your criteria.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Ping to my friend BeachBelle.

[wardaddy]

Traffic is horrible in Destin/Ft Walton but the beaches are arguably the prettiest sand and clearest emerald water in the lower 48.

You get over towards the east at St George's or Alligator Point and it's not as pretty but less crowded and a but less pricey.

Go west towards Pensacola to Gulf Shores and it's about the same thing....a hair less pretty and a bit less money.

If money is no object...go to Rosemary Beach around 15-20 miles east of Destin between there and Panama City...ritzy and well kept.

Panama City is great for chasing young girls in thongs but I'm way past that....a bit tacky too...lots of amusement stuff.

I'll probably do Ft Morgan road just west of Gulf Shores...quiet and more economical and I have kin in Fairhope and Mobile....I also have a family of 6 so I usually get a 3 bedroom house on the beach...about 1500/wk.....at Rosemary, it would be 3000-5000.

I keep wanting to go back to Destin but it never fits in with time or budget...it is lovely. I went fishing there with my dad as a boy every year back in the late 60s and early 70s and there was only one 2 story hotel(Holiday Inn).....now it's like Ft Lauderdale.

In my dreams.....St Barts...no kids...and the wife topless in a thong while she can still pull it off.

Damn I'm so housebroken....to think I used to travel the world for a living and now getting the tribe from Nashville to the Gulf or New Orleans or Manhattan or Dallas is a mucho preparation ordeal.

Big families mean compromise kids but it's worth it....still, enjoy the freedom and hedonism while ya can!

We're gonna go down the week of July 5th after stopping in Jackson Miss for the kinfolk tribe thingie and then probably pop into Meyer's real estate at Gulf Shores and see what's the best deal on a last minute opening. I did that 3 years ago and got a 3 bedroom house on Fort Morgan rd for 4 nights at 87/night....less than half price.

My favorite spot on the Gulf is Boca Grande between Sarasota and Fort Meyers...posh and beautiful shell beaches but way pricey...an old money WASP enclave

[WolfsView]

I'm from Ft. Walton, The Conquistdor isn't bad, we used to rent a suite there to party on new years eve. If ypour older and don't want the younger party crowd stay down in san-destin about 45 minutes away. It's more expensive but quit.

[piasa]

It's nice. I recommend renting a beach house down by Gulf Shores for more private beachgoing.

A Zydecho tape and boiled crawdads are mandatory with your beer.

For fishing see if the guy who captains the Cutty Shark is still around, and go catch some snapper or amberjack.

[UnChained]

One noteworthy thing no one mentioned is the Ft. Walton Bay's VERY gradual slope. Its is like a huge wading pool at low tide. You can walk hundreds of feet from shore in some areas. It's pretty neat.

[sargunner]

Was stationed TDY (2 mos)at Hurlburt Field in the late sixties.
As a 19 yr. old from New York, it was the first beach I had ever seen and had no basis for comparison. In retrospect I do recall that the sand was extremely white and the water clear. The next beach on tap was China Beach.

[capt. norm]

If you want a really quiet retreat in the midst of these beaches, the best place is Mexico Beach,

It's just a few miles from here (Panama City) just south of Tyndall Air Force Base. It's a small town that doen't draw the big crowds and the pompano fishing is excellent right now.

If you do get a chance to go there, stop in at Toucan's...you won't be disappointed.

[BlueNgold]

Excellent area, kinda touristy but quiet, great white sand, and plenty to do. If you do happen to get bored Pensacola is a reasonable drive.

[myprecious]

I lived in Pensacola from 85-96 and visit several times a year now. Here is my guide:

Pensacola Beach for inexpensive family fun and Naval Aviation Museum. Get a cooler of shrimp and the best sushi from Joe Patty's fish market.

Destin is great for fishing, golf, and spending big money. Lots of artsy-fartsy shops in several little villages nearby. Great Fun!

Panama City Beach is best left for college frivolities like passing out in a drunken stupor.

Often overlooked are the wonderful chances to go canoeing down the cold water rivers along the panhandle if the beach has bad seaweed or waves. The current moves you along without requiring much effort. No real white water, just long sand bars for picnicing and letting the kids swim. What a great time!

Great local restraunts everywhere.

ALWAYS watch for the hurricane season.