That is a tough question. People's ideas of "quiet" and "busy" are so different. Personally, I like Sunrise Beach s/d, as a vacation spot. All houses are very close to the beach and beach access. As Kurt says, it is very close to Gulf Place, for shopping or dining (walking distance), and it probably has less than 30 houses. However, the houses are densely packed, so you won't be sitting on the front porch without seeing anyone, or hearing other people. The houses have that beachy-feel. It is located in close proximity to Ed Walline Park (public beach), so the beach won't be empty during the summer, but few places will be. If you really want some solitude on the beach, it is a short drive to Grayton Beach State Park or Tops'l State Park, where you can have the beach mostly to yourself.