@crazered wrote:
Planning a trip to Destin Florida in March ..Any suggestion on what to do, hotels (NOTAir BB)
Thanks
Went to Destin for the first time last April. It was a very last minute trip decision, literally the day before. I'm glad you said NO Air BB. That's what we did. While the location was good and the place clean, etc., it was such a pain dealing with Air BB. There are plenty of places to stay. Most, I'd say are condos/time shares and many who own them rent them out. Either on their own, with a local real estate company/agent or thru Air BB. We stayed at HIlton Sandestion (don't get confused with anothe place with a very similar name) but didn't stay on beach side, were were across street on Harbor side but if you stay at one or the other, have access in and out thru gate. We went to the beach side and liked it there better. The pool is right there, the beach, a nice restaurant and bar. I'd look into that if we go back. There are 2 towers. I think it's technically considered Miramar but it's right on Harbor Blvd. Harbor Blvd is the main (and very busy) road up and down Destin. The futher you're into Destin, the busier and louder. The accomodations directly on the beach, like Silver Shells and the like, are all condo's that are rented out. Like I said, it's a lot or that. There are hotels but not as many (at least that I've found/seen). There is a Harbor Walk Village. It's restuarants and shops. Popular place, not enough parking. We stayed right in that area so we could walk to it. There is also a Destin Harbor Boardwalk. I didn't care for this area very much. Very little to so and do. In the heart of Destin is where most things are. There's a little amusement park area. Plenty of good restaurants. Our favorites were: The Back Porch, The Donut Hole, Mimmo's Italian Restaurant. We also ate at McGuires Irish Pubs, which putting is midly, is extremely popular and busy, but I thought (food wise) it was just okay. Lots of seafood places, Dewey's is one of the most popular (very little parking). There is a highway called 30A which we didn't get a chance to drive it. It's a highway with several very beautiful, cute towns all with charm. Some famous people have homes there. I know there's places to stay, again mostly renting from renters. If you have time, definitely check it out. A movie starring Jim Carey was filmed in one of those towns. The main draw of Destin is the beaches and water activities. I think as far as night life, it's more about the bars. March and April is Spring break time so be prepared for the crowds and mostly the college kids. It's also one of the most expensive times. I grew up at the Jersey Shore....the boarwalks with arcades, rides, shops, etc...lots and lots to do. Destin wasn't really like that. But still, beautiful beaches and water and I thought it was a nice couple days trip. If you do end up in a condo, be aware of the grocery stores....busy, busy, busy. People stocking up. But even if you're in a condo, I don't see a need for a lot of groceries since there are so many good places to eat. Keep in mind (again) very busy in March and April, have a plan for dining out. Get there early and/or make reservations. The Donut Hole, for example, always a huge line and very long wait. Sorry this was long, if you have anyt other questions, just ask. P.S. Henderson has a place to stay (Henderson Beach area), though it's pricey, it's very nice there. That area in general is.
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