OT: Cities comparable to Destin FL
I really want to go to Destin FL. 
I am finding that lodging is pretty expensive as well as airfare. And where I'd be flying from, the flights are somewhat sparse.
Any cities comparable along the Emerald Coast that we may find just as appealing as Destin?
Goal is relax on the beach in nice calm, clear water and do some scuba diving (charted trip to do that is fine).
Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Have you looked into Orange
Have you looked into Orange Beach in Alabama?
We went there and loved it.
We went there and loved it. However, I have never been to Destin so I can't compare. I went to Pensacola and I would NOT recommend it.
Try Fort Walton- it is just
Try Fort Walton- it is just south of Destin, a bit quieter and an easy drive to the Destin boardwalk. I hated Destin- it is crazy busy and expensive.
Is all of Florida out or just
Is all of Florida out or just Destin? What about the Keys? I've been to Key West and Isla Morada and they were both as you describe. Warm, relaxing, fun stuff to do, clear waters etc
Some friends of ours who live in Mississippi also have a beach home in Destin and their pictures always look heavenly!
Thinking Destin or close by
Thinking Destin or close by because we *may* drive and it would be a doable drive as opposed to the Keys.
The Keys sustained a lot of
The Keys sustained a lot of hurricane damage by the way. A LOT.
I was there over new year.
I was there over new year. And while there is still evidence. Lots is open and it's still beautiful.
You know that I'm in Florida.
You know that I'm in Florida. I really think our very best beach is Siesta Key. It's AMAZING!!!!!!!!
But as far as the Emerald Coast, I have been to Port St. Joe and Port St. George and one of them has a National Park where you can rent cabins or do a tent and it isnt very expensive.
I keep thinking about Siesta
I keep thinking about Siesta Key too! I feel like it's expensive though, same as Destin.
I'm in a toss up between both of them.
I got a hotel not on the
I got a hotel not on the beach and then just drove there everyday. That's how I celebrated my 40th birthday.
It depends on when you want
It depends on when you want to make this happen.
If it's in the next month.. I would suggest the Dominican Republic. With a little looking around you can get all inclusive with flights from many east coast places for 7-1000 for a 3-5 night stay.
continental US.. I would also suggest the keys.
Looe Key Reef resort has rooms for about 100. (they also give you a discount on dives) Fly into Miami and drive down. There is an onsite tiki bar /restaurant with decent food. The rooms are pretty basic but we have stayed there 2x once pre and once post IRMA and it's livable as long as you don't have super high standards. It's a short drive down further to key west so that's nice too.
One of our neighbors goes to
One of our neighbors goes to the Dominican Republic all the time. She says it’s so neat, underrated, and affordable. It’s on my list of places to go.
I would check Seaside Beach
I would check Seaside Beach also. Very quaint town. Some of the other towns close by, on Hwy 30A, are equally as nice. Fly into Northwest Florida Beaches Airport.
I second the recommendations for Siesta Key and the Sarasota area in general. Anna Maria Island, Longboat key. You can fly into Sarasota airport or Tampa
Also check out Sanibel/Captiva.....my faves as long as Lake Okeechobee waste isn't being dumped into the river there, which feeds into the ocean around Sanibel. Fly into Fort Myers.
I have friends in love with Pompano Beach. I have not been there.
I would not go to the Keys at this time.....there is still a lot debris that has not been cleaned up and several business are still closed.
Seaside and 30A are the bomb!
Seaside and 30A are the bomb! Think of the Truman Show....I am blessed to have the area in my backyard.
I live on the Emerald Coast
I live on the Emerald Coast and work in the Destin area. Try VRBO or Air BNB for a lower price rating. Definitely look at Orange Beach and Perdido. Both are just outside Pensacola and due to the fact that they are not bars on the beach, but more laid back natural places, they can be a lot cheaper.
Flying into Panama City (ECP) is a whole lot cheaper. There seem to be more taxes associated with the Fort Walton/Destin airport (VPS). There are a couple of new, cheaper airlines coming into Pensacola as well.
Depending on your travel dates, a lot of the condo complexes have deal going on during the off season. They are doing some beach replenishing at Noriego Point in the Destin Harbor, but it should be done soon.