Our family is so disappointed that our vacation to Destin was cancelled due to Dennis. The condo we were to rent had mild damage and there was not any power or water the days we were to start out on our trip and they were not sure when it would be restored. As I read all the other postings now, I see that several of you got to take your vacations and Destin is returning to normal again. Be thankful!!!! We were so anxious to go to the Gulf that we went to South Padre Island just to stick our feet in the water. I will never do that again, it was horrible! I had never been there before and I can tell you I will never go there again. Emily ran us out of Padre, "Praise the Lord".
I am very happy that NW Florida has and is recovering from Ivan and Dennis. I will see you next year.
Best wishes to you all.
Coastlover

I hear what you say! A few years ago we spent three days on South Padre Island following a business trip and it doesn't hold a candle to Destin or any locations we have been to in the Panhandle. But, that's okay! Let's keep that secret!

Yeah... don't tell anyone about how horrible South Padre is! I know why you only stayed 3 days, that is all you can stand! The place even has a smell. No.. No.. I mean a SMELL!!! I know the coast has the ocean smell but this was different. I can't seem to get it out of my nose. YUCK!
You know, I really can't feel good about not warning someone about going to SPI instead of Florida, it's like I'm sending them into doom.

Hey.. My house toped over 100 degrees until power was restored. Take my advice and avoid coming here between july and early part of september. You will kick yourself when you will find out that the rates are lower and the chances of severe weather slim down after september. I don't know what idiot decided to consider the summer months the busiest time of year.but the season here should be early spring till july then mid fall on. There considering having year round school here so that will change things (I hope)

Again if you or anyone else wants to come down here in the summer wait a few months and your vacation won't be ruined.

-Rob

Comparing Florida to South Padre is like apples and oranges.

South Padre is probably the best beach in TEXAS, but a poor beach when compared with any other beach in the country, I am sure. I grew up down there and I loved it, but Destin blew it away.

And, if you think South Padre is bad, don't ever, EVER go to Galveston!