Anyone familiar with Destin/Fort Walton Beach, FL?

My husband has to travel to this area every year for work and this year we want to tag along and at the end of his work stint get a beach rental but I don't even know where to begin. A hotel or condo with a pool, walkable to the beach, family friendly, etc. Anyone?

Re: Anyone familiar with Destin/Fort Walton Beach, FL?

I have been researching the gulf coast for spring break. I was looking into Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Hilton Sandestin Resort. This area looked fantastic. We can only fly to Pensacola and it would be a 1.5 hr drive so it was a bit far for us.

I was also looking into Four Points Sheraton Ft Walton because we could stay there for free using Starwood points. It is right on the beach, walking distance to Gulfarium and the boardwalk.

We still haven't booked our spring break so these are still considerations for us.

Re: Anyone familiar with Destin/Fort Walton Beach, FL?

I researched this area also for spring break also. People seem to really love the Destin area. There is a lot to do and the beaches are supposed to be amazing!!! It seems that there aren't many hotels in the area, instead people rent condos. There are many agencies you can book them through. I've never rented a condo for vacation and wasn't sold on the idea so I've tabled the idea for now and will revisit it another time.

Re: Anyone familiar with Destin/Fort Walton Beach, FL?

Thanks ladies, I was leaning towards a rental but have no idea where in Destin would fit our needs best.

My husband stays at the Holiday Inn Express in Fort Walton beach and says it's awesome for kids, FYI. We just like spreading out in a rental so we're leaning towards that after the work part of his trip is done.