South Walton questions

I have a few questions for you concerning our summer vacation. We spent a very hectic but absolutly wonderful week in Orlando starting New Year's Day. I am looking for a restful non-Disney (hahah) vacation that my family of 5 will love. The kids will be 9-11-13 will we travel but hopefully my brother will be bringing his 5 year old also. We are looking for an uncrowded beach with lots of shelling and looking for crabs at night. All this while having something close by for the adults too. Am I asking for the impossible-oh and I also want to be very close to the beach with a budget of $1,500.00 for lodging. My husband has put me on an extreme limit since we blew it out on the Disney trip. hahahahshshahhha Anyway-if anyone has any suggestions for areas in and around Santa Rosa or anywhere in South Walton please send them my way!!! I love this board and hope you guys can help me.