Where to stay in Destin or 30a

Check out Seacrest Beach. It's on 30a right between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach, can access both by bike. I will be there this weekend, got a 3 bed/2 bath - $1,450 for 3 nights. It's actually less, but VRBO and the mgmt company hit you with fees. Plus I'm splitting with another couple which keeps cost down. As steep as that sounds, it's a reasonable price for a 3 bedroom on that stretch. There maybe some other properties for less if you search hard.

Highpointe Resort in Seacrest. Right next to Rosemary with huge pool and Crabby Steves grill/beach bar.

30-A is expensive but Seaside proper is bullshite expensive.

Unless you have wipe your arse with money kinda of money, I'd stay in Dune Allan or blue mountain beach on 30-a. Way more beach to yourself, could be 1/2 price of those busier areas, and it's super easy to get to those nicer areas by bike or car.

When specifically are you looking OP? The first week in August is still summer rates, after that they start to drop 20-40% each week. The 3rd week in August can easily be 1/2 the first week. Most kids are back in school by then so it's all about demand.

Unless you are talking first week, there will be tons of places available that 2nd and 3rd week. Wait until a week out and call a couple of large property management companies until someone makes you a great deal. If they don't wanna deal that third week tell them to gfy.

Adagio is a nice condo complex on 30a. Beachfront but they have off the beach units also with a solid pool. Too many to choose from in Destin to give you suggestions without knowing price range and other details.

Miramar Beach -

huge outlet mall close
All private beach condos around.


Close to all the restaurants either way.

If you want my honest opinion, Destin sucks.

Quick hijack

Is the Big Kahuna water park in Destin a nightmare? My kids want to go today and I'm sure it's going to be crowded as hell. If it is run well then might be worth the time. If it is a cluster then will have to find something else to do. We have done the beach everyday since arriving Saturday.

End hijack

To OP we are staying on Old Beach Rd in Santa Rosa. Very nice. The dune lake makes it.

I've never driven past Big Kahuna in the summer when it wasn't packed, but it's also such a tiny place that may be deceiving.

I have season tickets we go many sundays on their slow days, It's not that bad. It's busy but not unbearable, I mean your longest wait for a ride will be like 10 minutes and many of them are like 1 minute waits.

They sell booze and you can just chill in the lazy river while they run all over.

I was there last Tuesday. Get there close to when they open at 10. The lines weren't bad. The clientele changed in the late afternoon. I suspect they must offer discount tix for the last few hours.

His boy and mine throw balls and dive in that little lake till their arms fall off. Usually end up w a whole pile of kids out there.

We look forward to being back there next 4th.

A day at the beach, a bike ride, a fresh piece of fish from Goatfeathers and pass out.
We go down to Seaside twice. But other than that we just stay right there. We like that little Cottage neighborhood on the right. Boys ride their bikes around it with no traffic worries...but the pool sucks