Welcome to the forums! Comparing late-October weather conditions to Spring Break is pretty accurate... although it's usually nicer in October.

If you've been down on the Gulf during Spring Break, you know that whether the water is warm enough to swim in is a personal thing... you'll find alot of people in the water then, but maybe more just hanging out on the beach.

It's defintely warm enough to lay on the beach! You'll see quite a few people doing just that. You'll have a great time, fall is the best time to visit the Gulf Coast!

Check around and you'll find specials at restaurants and bars, and there are great daytrips in the area - Gulf Island National Seashore to the west near Pensacola, the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base, Blackwater River State Park, and Eden State Gardens all are close and entertaining.