Gulf Shores, Pensacola, Destin?

[shorty]

Am thinking of taking a much needed vacation end of the month or next month. I'm looking to stay on the beach with oceanview and a balacony. What city (Gulf Shores, Pensacola, Destin) you guys recommend that has nice beaches, pretty clear waters, activities during the day, and a nightlife? Also what beach area should I stay at as far as being centrally located to activities?

Its 9.5hrs to Gulf Shores or Pensacola and 10.5hrs to Destin by car. Would like to go to PCB but don't think I want to drive it both ways. Wasn't there a No-Name Airline last year doing flights to these areas for a inexpensive price?

[Panama Grey]

Far as I know - Delta and Southwest are the only two. Last time I went (on Southwest) I had a short layover in Houston. (Or you might bounce through Nashville.) Delta was about the same price for the ticket - but they add a ridiculous charge for checked baggage, starting with the first bag.

The new "code" for the airport is ECP - might check the various cheap-ticket sites and see what they can do for you from (whatever your local airport is). It would be faster - but you would need wheels. I'm sure there is a shuttle from way out in north bumphuque where they put it, but PCB is "spread out too far" to be walking all the time. The traffic will give you nightmares anyway - but at least you would be in charge of your own misery

If you end up coming this way - I'm sure one of us would be able to give you some tips about how to avoid the "worst of it". One beep-and-creep trip along front beach is enough for about anybody.

PG

[Ms.MeganFL]

Destin is definitely where you want to be! There's plenty of shopping, nightlife, and several sumptuous restaurants PM me if you like ..I know A LOT about the area.

[rrabbit6926]

You might want to check into the airport outta Ft. Walton. I think they run South West. If you do make it up to PC, let me know Shorty. Would be nice to meet ya buddy.

[Cpalmson]

Southwest only flies into Panama City. As mentioned, the airport is in the middle of butt fuck Egypt. Same is true with FWB/Destin airport. That one actually shares runways with Eglin AFB and the terminal is located a good 20-30 minutes from FWB and probably another 10 to Destin.

Having said all that, Destin is probably where you want to go for the normal vacation stuff. 2 areas of Destin come to mind. Right downtown. It is a compact area within walking distance of shops, bars, restaurants, etc. Then there is Sandestin which is about 15 minutes east of Destin. I think Hilton runs a resort there, but it is pretty well self contained with a nice selection of eateries, bars, et al. When you think of the Sandestin resort; think Disney resorts minus the theme parks. If you want to come to Panama City Beach, you will want to look into the resorts near Pier Park. It is pretty much the only central location on PCB (which stretches nearly 15 miles). The east side of PCB is the touristy part go-carts, Ripleys, putt put, etc. That location is about a 10 min drive from Pier Park. I only mention Pier Park b/c it has some nice theme restaurants like Tootsie and Margaritaville. Pier Park is in reality a mall.

I'd stay away from P'Cola Beach. First off, it is about a 20 minute drive and 2 bridges from downtown P'Cola. It is really off the beaten path. Gulf Shores is kinda isolated but is quite similar to PCB or Destin. There are some nice resorts right on the beach.

The draw back to all these places is the traffic. It is a bitch trying to get from point a to point b. PCB is probably the least traffic bound b/c it has 2 parallel roads to the coast-- Front Beach Road and Back Beach Road, but it can still be bad at times. The absolute worst traffic is Destin as it has only 1 main arterial road along the beach.

As for "adult" activities, your best bet maybe P'Cola. There's a lot of BP activity there, and P411 tends to have about 10 or so consistently active providers. Some of the P'Cola providers are willing to travel as far as PCB (which is probably a 2.5 hour drive).

Hope this helps.