Vacation - Atlanta,GA

I am new here too but have heard Tybee Island off the coast of Georgia is really nice. Here is a link.
http://www.tybeeisland.com/

I'm living in North Fulton area of Atlanta/ Dunwoody area and am from Florida. Lots of really nice beaches there on both coasts. It's worth the drive for better weather, as long as, you check out the Weather Channel before any major vacation trip. Hurricane's can be a real bummer!
Oh yeah, the area I'm from in Fl is Central Gulf Coast est. about 432 miles from where I live in Atl. & about 6 - 7 hours. You could be in Panama City Beach in way less than that.

If you don't want the drive I'd suggest Savannah, GA - it's beautiful and only 3 hour drive!

Enjoy!
M.

Try Destin, FL. It's on the Gulf Coast. Or, another beautiful place is Captiva Island, near Ft. Meyers, FL. Captiva may be warmer in December, since it is further down.

Destin and Panama City are both 5 1/2 to 6 hours and not a bad drive. We love both! Panama City Beach used to be kind of run down but there are TONS of brand new condos there now and it's really nice. Lots of nice ones in Destin too but it's generally more expensive. It's not as warm as Miami, but it should still be pretty nice and not a bad trip. We love going the gulf coast. If you haven't been before, the sand is like sugar (white, fine, soft) and the water is blue, blue! Beautiful!!

We have condos for rental in both places - I'll put the info in below in case you're interested. December is "off peak" so rates are pretty attractive :-).
B.
mom to Morgan and Sydney 10/12/02

Sunrise Beach Resort, Panama City Beach - #1011 (3 bedroom, 3 bath)

This brand new unit has 3 full bedrooms and 3 full baths. Two of the bedrooms have king sized beds and private baths while the 3rd bedroom has twin beds. It's a beautiful unit with an enormous wrap-around balcony facing west for great sunset views. This unit has a pack n play. The balcony is also sunny in the afternoon so that I can get some sun while the kids are napping inside. It's worked out great for our visits to the beach! There is a "mushroom" fountain for the kids as well as two swimming pools and two hot tubs.

http://www.homeaway.com/index.cfm/preview/34AE1852-1422-0...

Calypso Resort & Towers Condominiums - #1401 (3 bedroom, 3 bath)
Beautiful brand new unit nicely decorated. King master bedroom has private bath and direct balcony access. Queen bedroom with private bath has east-facing window for beautiful beach views, Twin bedroom has "jack and jill" bath that opens to the bedroom and also to the hallway. The resort has two beautiful pools and a few steps down for beach access.
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/26239.html

Calypso Resort & Towers Condominiums - #301 (3 bedroom, 3 bath)
Beautiful brand new unit decorated in "Tommy Bahama" style. King bedroom w/ private bath, Queen bedroom with private bath, Twin bedroom with bath that opens to the bedroom and also to the hallway. The resort has two beautiful pools and a few steps down for beach access.
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/21936.html

Calypso Resort & Towers Condominium - #1204 (3 bedroom, 2 bath - 1 bedroom has bunks)
Beautiful brand new unit - decorated in fun beach style. Bright, cheerful colors, fun artwork. This unit has one king master bedroom with private bath and direct balcony access. Second king bedroom has "jack and jill" bath which also opens to the hallway. Third bedroom has bunk beds - perfect for kids! The resort has two beautiful pools and a few steps down for beach access.
http://www.homeaway.com/index.cfm/preview/34B597B6-1422-0...

Silver Shells Resort & Spa, Destin � St. Croix #305 (2 bedroom, 2 bath)
Silver Shells in Destin has a really nice large baby pool as well as a tiki bar, workout room, spa and many other amenities. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse just opened this spring on site. It's almost next door to The Back Porch in the heart of Destin and is a beautiful resort! We redecorated top to bottom this spring including brand new kitchen appliances, furnishings, carpet, bedding and all.
http://www.homeaway.com/index.cfm/preview/34AE1833-1422-0...

Splash Resort Condominiums, Panama City Beach - #1701E & 1101W � Opening Fall 2006
We expect this resort to be great for fall/winter trips. They are building lots of indoor water activities to include a lazy river and "dive in movies".
http://www.sterlingsplash.com/

Savannah/Tybee Island might be a consideration for you. In December, it would be hit or miss for warm temps.

Savannah is only about a 4 hour drive from Atlanta.