Panhandle Beach Getaway
 

My wife and I are considering planning a 4 or 5 day getaway this upcoming February or March to the Panhandle, but have never been there so we are looking for suggestions. We love the beach, swimming and snorkeling, and bike riding, but hate crowds and a honkytonk like atmosphere. If anyone has suggestions of some off the beating path type places it would be greatly appreciated.

The panhandle of Florida is distinctly different than the rest of the peninsular. I spent many years in the military both in the Panama City and Fort Walton beach area, and my inlaws live in Destin. The weather is often not conducive to swimming and the water is cold. Lots of rain as well. If you are looking for warm and sunny you might be disappointed. That part of Florida is known as "LA".....lower Alabama. Also if you're looking for no crowds..forget it. If the weather is forecasted to be nice, hw 331 fills up with GA and AL folks. An option for no crowds is Mexico beach, the town that got blown away a few years ago. May be rebuilt by now

You might want to try looking at the “Forgotten Coast” (of Florida) to fulfill some of your wish list. I’d highly recommend St George’s Island. There is a state park at one end of the Island. We were there in early spring one year and it was amazing…..it will fulfill your wish for deserted beaches and long walks along the beach looking for shells.

The area is undeveloped and the you won’t find pristine waters. But it was a very nice getaway if you don’t want all the glitz and crowds.

40's during the day and below freezing temps at night are possible that time of year. I've seen condensation in parking garages forming icecycles.

Spring and fall are nice in the Destin area.

Water won't be swimmable, it will be at least 15 degrees colder than here. Go to siesta key. Not near as far of a drive and best beach in the country iyam.

Maybe try an all inclusive Caribbean resort. Wife and I did a Sandals resort many years ago and loved it. Thinking it is time to go again.
Good luck finding a getaway to Paradise.
🌴🐬🐠🍹🍷✈

For about 25 consecutive years we spent a couple weeks each year at the greatest (in our opinion) off the beating path Caribbean get away ever, Maho Bay in The USVI of St. John. Unfortunately, it’s no more and much of the beautiful island has been ravaged by Hurricanes over the last few years. This winter or early spring we are hoping to find a place for a shorter beach getaway within driving distance of the Villages. Our expectations obviously need to be downsized as we know nothing we find will hold a candle to our very fond memories of Maho Bay.

Niceville.

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