How's Destin?

[Kalani]

I was planning a trip to Destin for the beginning of June and was just wondering how everything is after the damage from the hurricane? This will be our 5th year in a row to vactation in Destin and I can't wait. I remember seeing pictures after the hurricane and things didn't look good. The area near Pompano Joe's was looking pretty bad, but I'm sure most of it has been fixed by now. Has anyone ever stayed in the Sundestin resort? I haven't made reservations there yet, but was concidering it.

[missingdestin]

We were there the month after Ivan and the only part that really had any significant damage was the backroad around from the Lighthouse restaraunt. I can't remember the name of the isle, sorry. From what I could tell, Okaloosa Island got hit harder a lot harder IMO. You won't even notice it this year. As for the Sun Destin, we stayed there about 6 years ago and loved it. Looked at it again this past year and thought it looked aged (probably just the unit that we looked at). We decided to try the Crescent this year and see if it's any good. Enjoy your trip.

[Kalani]

Really, so what's the story on the Crescent? We are still looking around for a place to stay. Sundestin looked cool if you could get a gulf view. We are looking for something that is around 1,000 to 1,250 for five days. We have stayed in really nice places in the past, but there is only a few of us going this year and won't be able to get as big of a place.

[missingdestin]

Nothing was really wrong with SunDestin IMO, the wife just didn't care for it and I've come to learn if she doesn't like it, it isn't going to work for the week :) . She also likes to stay somewhere new every year. The only place we ever stay year after year is Destiny by the Sea in October. The whole family goes for a week. Last October, we checked out the Crescent and she liked the room we looked at so much, we booked it on the spot. If you need any specifics, let me know and I'll see what info I can get. Good luck finding a place and I hope you enjoy your stay.

[NWOhio]

Robert:

We have been traveling to Destin for Spring Break for the last 5 years and we stay at the Surfside Resort. It is a great place (Pool, Hot Tubs, Beach Front) and a very reasonable price. It is +/- 3 miles West of Sandestin on the Old Highway 89. You can get more info at www.surfsideresort.com. We have stayed near downtown Destin and near Sandestin in the past but prefer to stay at Surfside. It's close to everything, yet out of the traffic that you will find near the downtown area. It is near the Silver Shells Outlet Mall and several good restaurants. For my money, Surfside is the place to stay. Good luck in your Destin travels!

[cbowman]

We are returning to the Crescent Condominiums for the third year this summer. I would highly recommend it, if you enjoy a large pool w/o large crowds. We have been to Sandestin, and the pools are too small and too crowded.
Crescent has all the amenities, all the beach toys, and not nearly as crowded as the others.

[Ty_Webb]

Hi Kalani,
I just back from Destin Monday the 28th. Everything looked great. We have a place in Sandpiper Cove, and things there are still a little touch and go as far as the beach and parking lots go. They have recently bulldozed the Bruno's shopping center across from us on 98. They are putting in a Target in its place. You will still see some occassional reconstruction, but all in all everything looks normal. Hope you have a great trip!

[Kalani]

Thanks for the update Ty.

[jen]

am planning a visit to Destin in June, but recently heard the condos we are staying at had been damaged. I am sure the one I will be at is fine because it is not on the beach. However, I am concerned about any construction on the condos loacated on the beach. I do not want to be laying on the beach listening to the sound of construction crews mixed in with the peaceful sound of the ocean. Does anyone know any up to date information about Sandpiper Cove Condos and their beach area? I keep getting conflicting information.

[missingdestin]

Don't mean to rain on your parade but construction is going on everywhere. If it isn't being repaired, then it's new construction. If I remember correctly, they have a new one going up around where the cove is located on the 98 side. We stayed in Miramir Beach at the Crescent and they had construction going on there as well. The furthest I went down the isle was to the Lighthouse restaraunt so that tells you I didn't go very far and don't know what was happening on that side of Sandpiper. Funny thing though is when I was by the pool or on the beach, I didn't hear anything. Try to not let it ruin your trip.

[jen]

Thanks for the info. I am sure we will enjoy our stay. Even on a bad day the beach is a great place to be.

[slaprest]

Just got back from Destin yesterday. There is quite a bit of new construction as well as repair work on existing buildings taking place. Our building is under repair now and will be throughout the spring. The beaches are fine where we stay and the noise wasn't that bad. Good luck

[robfwb]

Humm is it time for me to start up my webcam? The things needed

1)tower
2)cam equipment
3)money!

Then you will see what's going on here in the area.
Expect some construction and foul weathar.
on 98 there are a crap load of accidents. Every night I hear smash..crash since people think that 55 means 85 or higher.

Ohh stay away from the more expensive restraunts in Destin Commons. One of them I ate there and from our party of 5 it was a $300 dollar bill and I was still tasting the food..ICK! (avoid going out to dinner from 5:00 till 8:00 or YOU WILL WAIT)

Rob in Fort Walton Beach, FL

[swn5363]

Oh... it's not quite that bad... but traffic does get crazy at rush hour.

We've eaten out at Destin a couple times recently with no wait.

And the weather has been nearly perfect the last few weeks, with only a day or two of rain.

(Hey- I just realized this is my 1,001st post. I spend waaayyy too much time on here! LOL!!!)

[tedinvegas]

People that fine dine on a regular basis use this newfangled concept: Making a reservation. Usually means you can be seated within a few minutes of arrival. Since $100 a head is not uncommon for nice restaurants, $300 for a party of five sounds normal for a decent meal.