I am planning a trip to Destin on the week of August 16...it'll be my first time in Florida! A co-worker just got back this past weekend, (she went to Ft. Walton) and she told me it was horrible! She said there was seaweed everywhere as well as dead fish!

I didn't think it would be high tide yet...
As you can see, I'm just a bit apprehensive about my planned trip.
The thing is, I will have to go regardless, because I've already put down the payment for the place I'm staying. On top of that, it is the only time I will be able to even take a vacation.

Can someone please tell me what the beaches are like during mid to late August? The only thing I know is that it'll be hot!
Thanks a bunch!

The weather and water will be nice. It's been a little hot lately, but that's what most people like when they come to the beach!

Seaweed is here, but not as bad as the past few years. Panama City Beach isn't bad at all, so I wouldn't expect Destin to be any worse. I'm not sure why your friend saw dead fish, but I haven't heard of any problems like that from anyone else, and I haven't seen any dead fish myself.

You picked a great time to visit Destin and I'm sure you will enjoy your vacation 100%! No worries!

For more info on Destin, including restaurants, attractions, shopping, nightlife and more, visit the Destin homepage of TripSmarter.Com!

Come back and let us know how much you enjoyed your vacation!

Your best bet is to come here in the fall/winter as it's less crowded and highway 98 is less used. Not only that its cheaper also and not as miserable outside.

Your trip may be ruined if you come in august as it's the height of the hurricane season + the forecast will call for a good chance of rain every day. I'm thinking about setting up a weather station here so you can observe and decide for yourself in real time when it's the best time for you folks to come down here.

Rob

http://www.robfwb.com

August CAN be one of the best months since it is still summmer, the crowds abate a bit and seaweed should be gone or less than June/July.

You also may be able to eat out and drive without in the interminable lines and traffic jams in August since school starts in early August for many.

Our fave month is October due to cooler nights, no crowds, water still warm enough and usually beautiful weather.

Make sure you pick up 101 Things To Do magazine when you come and plan a day trip to Panama City to check out Schooners, Pineapple Willys and Boatyard. Also, stay and eat early at Captain Andersons while in town.

In Destin you must hit Crab Trap right on the water and for a special meal from a famous chef hit Beach Walk Cafe right on the gulf in Crystal Beach. Osaka is also nearby and has fresh and delectable sushi. Tell 'em all that 101 sent you.

What do you do work for beach tv?!

August can be horrible with heat index over 100*F. Like I said earllier wait until Sept or Oct (but keep an eye in the gulf for hurricanes or weather that may ruin the trip)

You will have one hell of a time if you come in Aug.
(And if you go to those restraunts he/she mentioned during "prime time" expect to wait 45 min to an hour for a table and no they don't take reservations - trust me I speak from experience)

Rob

Wow...well thank you all for the input so far...
Rob--you kind of scare me...Now I'm stressed out even more because I'm scared my trip is going to stink!

But, there is nothing I can do about it now, since the reservations have been made. On top of that, it is the ONLY time I will ever get to go on vacation this summer, because I go back to college the week of Aug. 23. It's hard for me to get off of work too...

*sigh* I'll be sure to look up those places/restaurants.
Cross you fingers for me--that it doesn't rain the entire week I'm there! I think I can handle the heat--since there's an ocean. Let's just hope it's not infested with jellyfish!

Don't let Rob scare you. He's been lurking on the forums for a while spreading gloom.

You'll enjoy your vacation...

No I'm not just being honest.

Rob

We just got back two weeks ago and will be going back in October. We go at least three times a year. Never is a "bad" time in MHO. And by the way, we did pick up the 101 things to do and brought her home with us to remember our time.

You should have a great time! There is much less seaweed this year than last year at this time. August is nice, too because the kids go back to school so early--it is not as crowded as June and July. Be sure and eat at The Island Steamer on Okaloosa Island while you are down. They have ALL YOU CAN EAT crablegs everynight!! It is only like 5 minutes west of Destin and it is right on Hwy 98. Enjoy your stay!!!:)

I have never been disappointed in the Gulf Coast! Even last
August which was nasty seaweedy. We rented a boat and road around the bay etc Please don't be disappointed. We go approx 2-3x a year and love it! Have a great time!
by the way our next trip is August 21--yes it's hot...it's the SOUTH!