Holiday Isle

[St. Louis18]

Hey everyone! Coming down in May to Holiday Surf and Raquet Club in Destin. Haven't been down since the storms but have been coming down since I was a young one. This time, I'll actually have a kid of my own to enjoy the ole vacation with!

Hey what is the deal with the beaches? I notice there are alot of locals in this forum, hopefully you can give me an honest answer. Chamber of Commerce and Holiday Surf and Raquet both say the beaches are "shorter" but still able to handle the amount of tourists than before the storm. This true you think?

The way I look at it, this area has so many things to do, we'd come anyway. I guess if the beaches are half as nice as they were before the storms, I still think they are nicest in the US!

Look forward to a reply and furthur info. as I try to plan this trip...

 

[Smiling JOe]

Welcome St Louis!
Holiday Isle is a far cry from SoWal, and I rarely make it west of the Outlet Mall. I have heard nothing lately from anyone on Holiday Isle. I have a friend who lives there and they are always having problems with flooding when the storms come. I have never bothered to ask about the beach there, because his problems seem so much greater.

 

[St. Louis18]

Holiday Isle is a far cry from SoWal, and I rarely make it west of the Outlet Mall.

Thanks for the reply! Geographically, where is "SoWal." Are there some Destin folks who visit this board?

 

[dbuck]

The beaches may be fine, but many of the condos are under major renovation. They were hit hard last year and the year before.

 

[Smiling JOe]

SoWal (South Walton) is the portion of Walton County which lies south of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Walton County does extend about 1 mile east of Destin Commons (Bass Pro Shop), but most people regard SoWal to include the area from the Bay County line to the east, west to the Outlet Mall, and south of the Bay. When you get past these marks, the scenery changes drastically going from laid back nature lifestyle to that of Big Box Corporate America and the land of high-rises.

 

[St. Louis18]

Duh, after doing one minute of research I realize now about SoWal. For some reason I was thinking Fort Walton Beach area, but I was way off!

Last time we were down we stayed on 30A (forgot the actually building, but it was at the intersection of 393 and 30A, across the street from the beach). Had an absolutely wonderful time. How is the beach around there since the storms? I like that area because it seemed alot less crowded than Holiday Isle where we usually stay. I will say, however, I'm a fan of Holiday Isle because of the locality to the jetties, I like to snorkel and all that...

I do have a question, though, that relates to SoWal. I'd say 7-10 years ago, while staying in Destin, we would always venture down Hwy. 98 about a half-hour to eat at this steak place. It was right off 98 on the north side of the road. All I remember is the place had some good steak, and off all things there was always a bonzai tree salesman in the parking lot. Anyone know of this place, and if it is still there? Wouldn't mind grabbing a bite there come May!

 

[dbuck]

Between Destin and Panama City. Have you been to Seaside? Then just say around in that area, although if covers much more than that. Of course if you haven't been there in a few years, you will not recognize it.

 

[Smiling JOe]

This is what the beaches looked like on this past Sunday. This is Grayton Beach.

 

[St. Louis18]

...the scenery changes drastically going from laid back nature lifestyle to that of Big Box Corporate America and the land of high-rises.

That is true indeed!

 

[seagrovelover]

St Louis 18 I live in Missouri as well!! you really should venture off Holiday Isle and give 30a another shot......its so much nicer, and since you have a little one now the not so crowded beaches will be a plus!!!
good luck!!! and have fun planning your vacation :clap_1: