Recommendations for a beach destination

[TheMurph]

Hey everyone, I need some help. I'm planning the family trip for September, and for the life of me I can't think of where to go. The missus has one rule, it has to be a beach within reasonable driving distance from SE Tennessee and have enough stuff to keep a 3 year old boy entertained.

I narrowed it down to Myrtle Beach SC, Panama City Beach FL, Destin FL, or Pensacola FL. Any recommendations, thoughts, alternatives?

When I was a young lad I visited Myrtle Beach and Panama City Beach, but that's been so long ago my idea of those places probably aren't accurate anymore.

I would appreciate any help if any you are beach savvy.

 

[Finn]

What's "reasonable driving distance" to you two?

Since you are considering Pensacola, you might try to go for Gulf Shores in Alabama, not too far off. My wife's family goes to the beaches over there often. It is mostly rental homes/beaches and some dining and attractions. We don't know your 3 year old son, so it would be difficult to say what would be sufficient to keep your kid entertained.

 

[Mr. B]

Of the places you mentioned, I've been to Myrtle Beach and Destin. Of all the beaches I've been too (only been on the gulf and Atlantic coast), the white sands of Destin are unmatched. The beaches there are just beautiful. The town and its restaurant scene are nothing to write home about, though.

 

[Pthalo BlueMoon]

Sanibel Island, FL. I don't know if it falls within "reasonable distance", but it's well worth the drive! Beautiful beaches, great food, and more seashells than you can shake a stick at! I've vacationed there twice, and both times while there, I swore I was going to stay.

Check it out:

http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/

 

[Holdfast]

I've only been to Florida a few times, the last time being a little shy of ten years ago, but the best place I stayed it was this place in Islamorada. Nice beach, nice resort, nice setting. Of course, things may well have changed since then. But it's a nice drive down through the Keys to get there, and it's a good base to explore up and down them too. It may be a bit too far for you to want to drive though.

 

[TheMurph]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Finn, we're trying to limit ourselves to around an 8 to 10 hour drive tops from Chattanooga TN. Or 400 to 500 miles. I don't think I could handle much longer on the road with my wife and son.

As for entertainment for a 3 year old, typical stuff, mini golf, arcades, zoo's, aquariums, that sort. Gulf Shores is a thought, I have a friend that swears by it, goes every year. I discounted it once before, but for the life of me I can't remember why. I will have to look back in to it again.

Mr. B, I've often wondered about Destin. Is it touristy? As for restaurants, as long as there is some local seafood I'm happy!

Pthalo BlueMoon and Holdfast, those two places are most definitely outside my range, but oh man do they look awesome! Though, for Sanibel, I believe I may look into splitting my travel in to two days for that. It's gorgeous. As for Islamorada, I have always wanted to visit the keys, but it is such a long haul. But wow. Incredible.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Keep them coming, I've got a lot of research to do!

 

[Lindley]

Does it have to be a road trip? I can tell you a lot about several islands that aren't too far away by plane....

 

[TheMurph]

Unfortunately no plane rides, I would like for my son to be a bit older before we board one with him. Thanks though Lindley.

 

[Starbreaker]

Go right next door to Pensacola and visit Orange Beach/Gulf Shores in AL. It's practically deserted outside of the summer.

 

[Holdfast]

Pthalo BlueMoon and Holdfast, those two places are most definitely outside my range, but oh man do they look awesome! Though, for Sanibel, I believe I may look into splitting my travel in to two days for that. It's gorgeous. As for Islamorada, I have always wanted to visit the keys, but it is such a long haul. But wow. Incredible.

You should definitely do it when your son's a bit older, then. The drive down through the Keys is amazingly scenic. We splashed out on renting a convertible which somehow made it even better.

Hmm, apart from that recommendation I don't have any others, so hopefully others will chime in instead. I've stayed in the St Petersburg/Clearwater area before and enjoyed that stay too, but that would also be pushing your travel radius too much I think.

BTW, not knowing US geography at all well, I just glanced at a map and couldn't help noticing you could also go to South Carolina's Atlantic coast with your desired travel radius e.g. somewhere like Hilton Head Island. I've never been there, but the pics/hotels I googled seem nice. For instance, this one sounds like a good choice for families, with lots of activities plus a nice beach. I'm sure there's a whole range of options though; it seems like a good resort area. No idea though, having never been.

 

[Mr. B]

Mr. B, I've often wondered about Destin. Is it touristy? As for restaurants, as long as there is some local seafood I'm happy!

It is a bit touristy but it's not really an issue if you spend most of your time at the beach. They do have some decent seafood restaurants but I can't say they're up to my lofty New Orleanian standards.

 

[TheMurph]

Thanks again everyone for the replies.

Starbreaker, now that is an option. Especially Orange Beach. Being that close to Mobile, it might even be worth a drive to the USS Alabama. I've always wanted to have a look at a Battleship. Thanks.

Holdfast, even though I listed Myrtle Beach SC as one of my options, I've not really looked at the East Coast closely. Though I have heard nice things about Hilton Head, and it does look fantastic, I've not even considered it. I really need to though, because that looks nice. I think my somewhat "meh" experience with the beaches on the Atlantic side has colored my search unfavorably. Definitely need to look into it. Thanks.

As for your convertible ride, going off of what I've seen on TV and have heard from my dad (who made the trip way back in the day on motorcycle) experiencing the trip in the open air is amazing.

Mr. B, New Orleanian standards indeed. I work with a guy who is from New Orleans and what he misses the most is the seafood. New Orleans is definitely one of those places I need to visit before I die.


Thanks again everyone, this is helping my search and planning immensely.