We are trying to decide on a vacation destination. We have been to Destin and many other areas of Florida, but we would like something "different" this year. Anyone familiar with SPI and where to stay or not to stay! Anyone been to the Schlitterbahn there? Also, I have heard the beach areas there are dirty - is this the case? We like remote areas and not looking for a party or resort atmosphere. Destin is so beautiful, but so crowded and no shells to be found!
Thanks everyone!
I grew up in the Panhandle of Florida and now live in Texas. SPI doesn't hold a candle to the cleanliness and beauty of Panhandle beaches. If you are looking for places far less crowded then Destin, I recommend Seagrove Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Rosemary. The area is FAR less developed and deals can still be found on beach houses.
I agree with most of what has been said...there is no comparison, however we don't stay IN Destin anymore...we go to Santa Rosa or Ft. Walton Beach (we stay at the Surfdweller or camp). You could always go on to Georgia or South Carolina and find some less populated beaches, but it's been so long since I've been there I couldn't tell you which are still less crowded.
My choice has always been Sanibel Island. So beautiful, full of shells and coral and you can see your child all the time as there are no obstructions.
I have not been to South Padre Island, but as far as Destin goes, I have heard that Okaloosa (sp?) Island is not far from Destin and just as pretty but without all the crowds.
We've been to SPI many years and I book through www.pirentals.com . We usually rent a condo/townhome, and have always been able to get a great place within walking distance from the beach. SPI isn't a FL beach, but there are lots of shells and my kids (now 8yrs and 5yrs) have been really happy with it and always ask to return. We don't go to Schlitterbahn because I think it's probably overpriced for my kids' ages. Maybe we'll go when they're older... We do go on bay fishing trips and visit the Sea Turtle rescue area, and generally hang out on the beach. We usually stay for a week and I've enjoyed it every time. =)
It's a 10 hour drive from Dallas, and we've flown before and driven, both. Driving was better for us because I didn't have to be as efficient for packing, but when we flew, we flew American into Brownsville and rented a car. I mailed 3 boxes to PI Rentals' management office and bought perishables at the local supermarket.
C.
DESTIN IS THE PLACE..................yes, beach are not like Destin by all means....Schillerbahn is fun, also tubing in the area is also nice....good luck and enjoy, whatever you decide....
DID you ever think about Watercolor, Fla.????
I've been to both and Destin is far better in my opinion that SPI. Just my opinion. Destin beaches are beautiful, sugar sand, pretty water. SPI has very rough beaches (lots of seaweed, driftwood), not "soft" sand, and brown water.
Just my two cents,
R.
We too are fans of Destin and go there every year. My Aunt rented a condo in Navarre at the same time we were staying in Destin so we decided to visit her and feel in love with it. I didnt want to leave it was so peaceful. I would try Navarre Beach, Fl. Its pretty and less crowded. It is mostly condos and houses so you do not have the big hotels. When we were there we were the only people on the beach for yards and this was during Memorial Day weekend.
If you are not locked in to FL, check out coastal NC. We have a condo near Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, NC and it's beautiful there. The beaches are nice and full of shells. It's not too crowded. There are intercoastal cruises, lighthouses, wild ponies to watch on the islands, etc.. If you need more info., check out www.emeraldislerealty.com. They handle our rental condo. Have fun!
We have been to both and Destin has gotten to be really crowded. And you are right not a shell to be found. But Destin is beautiful. South Padre is not as beautiful and still crowded. And we didn't find large shells there either. The turtle sanctuary is a fun visit. But in my opinion, Destin is the better trip. If you'd like a suggestion, check out Cape San Blas in Florida. We went a few years ago. Like you we wanted the beauty of Destin, but not the tourist crowd. We went in Mid- August and still felt like we had the beach to ourselves. There are many houses for rent and choose from. The beaches are beautiful...morning walks we always saw Dolphins, sea turtles, and rays. And we found many a large shell :)! It's a little further out, so we had to drive from Ft Walton and stock up on supplies to avoid too much road time, but it was one of the best beach vacations we have had in a long time. We went with my family and the hubby's family. ..there were 15 of us and we all loved Cape San Blas
You can't compare the 2. Destin is by far better. We go to SanDestin every year and stay at the Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort and Spa. LOVE that place.
That said, we have enjoyed a couple of short trips to SPI. It has been a while since we went and ti might be better now. We were not that impressed with food, lodging, etc.
If you are accustomed to Destin and some higher end things to do then you will be disapointed.
The main thing our daughter absolutely loved at SPI was riding the horses on the beach. She did that every day for about 5 days.
I took my kids to SPI last summer. They were 9 and 11months and they both loved it. We rented a condo and is was very much like home and had a pool that only 8 units shared so it was not bad. The beaches weren't really crowed but we went in mid August so it was the end of tourist season. The Schlitterbaun is great down there and it has its own beach access as well as the water park. Even my 11 month old loved it. They have the children's area and in that they also have a small covered area for the really little ones. They have double tubes which have bottoms in one of the seats so you can even take small children with you around the river.
