West Coast Gulf Beaches-vs- Alabama/Florida Panhandle

I'm confused. Are you asking about the west coast (as in California?). You've got west coast gulf beaches in the subject so I'm not sure.

But I'm assuming you mean California. I've been to the beaches around L.A. and I wasn't a big fan. The only thing that was better was how big the beaches are. Lot's of space between the water and the businesses/condos, etc.

No, I’m not talking about California. I’m talking about the west coast of Florida. I’ve never been to a beach past PCB. We are trying to sneak in a vacation next week before our kids go back to school and would like to try and avoid the Labor Day rush. We usually go to Orange Beach and have been to Panama City Beach a couple of times. My wife and daughter prefer Orange Beach and I’ll give that to them but, I believe the beach and water is better in PCB.

We are just looking for something different that actually isn’t shut down. My daughter is 9 years old so we would have to have stuff for her to do besides the beach and pool. We are open to anywhere along the coast but, I was just interested about areas past PCB since I’m not familiar with any of those areas. If the coast is our best option then we will do that. Of all the places between OB and PCB, what areas currently have the most family friendly things open and restaurants open?

I think he is asking about Clearwater Beach and south to Naples.

Past PCB until Clearwater, there really isn't much in the beach towns other than the beach. I love Mexico Beach, Port St Joe, and St George Island. They're old school beach towns though, and with that comes little in the way of other attractions.

It's been some time since I've been to Clearwater, but it had a lot going on last time I was there. My grandparents had a condo there growing up, but that was in the 80's. Last time I was there was 96. I don't think it offers anything additional above the Gulf Coast beaches to make it worth the extra effort to get there.

Your phrasing had me super confused....now that I know you’re talking about south Florida on the Gulf side, I’ll say that I like the area around Naples. Superb fishing, especially tarpon at the right time of year, without having to chase far offshore. Around Manasota Key, you can find fossil shark teeth along the beaches by the bucketload.

The beaches aren’t snowy white powder sand, but it’s also still a little old Florida feeling, with less high rise construction and less congested, overall.

Sanibel/Captiva are really cool, too.

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I’ve never stayed in Destin or Pensacola but I’ve been told there aren’t a lot of condos on the beach in Destin.

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There are plenty of condos in Destin along the beach. Get on google maps and look at the areas near Henderson State Park, especially east of there. You can see the condos and then go search for them.

If you've never been to Destin, that is what I would suggest. It's better sand, water, and entertainment/food than any of the other places you have mentioned. If you are not opposed to a hotel, the Hilton Sandestin Resort is pretty nice.
I haven't been going to Destin much in the last five years because it gets to crowded though.

Pensacola doesn't have as much kid activity stuff, but it still nice.

When people ask about value, I usually just suggest Orange Beach and to stay at the Phoenix 10 or a similar place. I also like the Orange Beach area for shorter trips like this.

Have fun.

If you are looking to truly get away look into cape San blas or st George island OP. You’ll have half a mile of beach to yourself. Water isn’t as clear as Destin but great shells. Something different to do.

Anna Maria island is beautiful.

We decided to just head to Orange Beach. We’ll be there from Wednesday to Sunday. We booked a room at the Phoenix VII mainly because we like that area. When we’re not on the beach or the pool, we can sit on the balcony and watch the boats go in and out of the pass. That’s always pretty cool. We may ride over to the base in Pensacola to see the museum. My daughter hasn’t ever done that and I’m hoping that will be something she can appreciate even if it’s when she’s older. We know about most of the good restaurants so I won’t ask unless there is a hidden gem I don’t know about. I would like to know if any of you have recommendations on dolphin cruises. My daughter would really like that. If you have any recommendations on the best one, I’d appreciate it. Also, what would be the best time of day to go on one?