My sister and I have persuaded our husbands to make a last minute vacation to SoWal sometime around August 16th. We visited the area every summer for about 8 years twenty years ago before we moved to Colorado. I'm thinking things have changed. I have seen a lot of threads about varous beaches and their advantages/disadvantages. I'd love to hear more!

We are looking for a house (a private pool would be great, but optional), that is quiet, near or on the beach, clean and with at least 3 bedrooms, two of which must have king or queen en suite bathrooms. We will have two toddlers and a baby with us. We are looking to spend between $1200-2000 for the week.

Where should we stay? Definitely open to suggestions!

Thanks.

We have two favorite areas. We like Gulf Place in Santa Rosa Beach. Just across the street from Ed Walline Public Access and great views from the Inn, Cabanas and Carribbean areas. Restaurants and shops all right there. Really nice beach area and easy access to it, just across 30-A.

Here is their website: Gulf Place

You can find good rentals on VRBO.

Santa Rosa Beach Florida Vacation Rentals by Owner - Santa Rosa Beach Florida VRBO, Vacation Home Rentals, Condo Rentals, FRBO Vacation Rentals, Santa Rosa Beach Florida Travel Information

I also really like Seacrest Beach. Less crowded, closer to Rosemary Beach, and seems closer to Seaside due to less traffic.

We stay at Magnolia Cottages by the Sea and again use VRBO. Magnolia is across from the beach on 30-A, small complex with lots of landscaping, very nice community pool and great access to the beach. I love the screened porches. Most all units are 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, with wonderful kitchens and living areas. Very private, quiet and parking at each cottage.

Seacrest Florida Vacation Rentals by Owner - Seacrest Florida VRBO, Vacation Home Rentals, Condo Rentals, FRBO Vacation Rentals, Seacrest Florida Travel Information

All areas along 30-A are special and each will have alot to offer, I am sure others will offer other suggestion on where they like to stay.

These just happen to be our favorites with Seacrest leading slightly over Gulf Place. We prefer Gulf Place when it is just the two of us and Seacrest for larger group.

Seacrest does seem quieter, but I wouldn't call it "close" to Seaside. Mermy might make that walk, but I wouldn't .

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DD, I toad you it was pucking hot.~~Kitty

Maybe I should change that to seems closer to Seaside> it seems closer to seaside than Gulf Place but that might just be due to traffic.

That edit button is a wonderful thing!

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I love Jesus, but I drink a little. ~Gladys




DD, I toad you it was pucking hot.~~Kitty

oh my gosh Yes, without it I would really look more senile than I am.

Sometimes, senile can be entertaining.

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I love Jesus, but I drink a little. ~Gladys




DD, I toad you it was pucking hot.~~Kitty

I used the ruler tool on Google Earth. I didn't use detailed interpolation points for every curve, but as an estimate Highway 30A measured about 19 miles. Seagrove Beach is about 10 miles from the west end of 30A. So we like Seagrove because it is so near the middle of things on Highway 30A and not congested with a boatload of people or high-density developments. We love to visit Seaside, but it is very congested. Ditto for Rosemary. We love to visit Grayton, but wouldn't want to rent there because the beach is so wide. When it's 90 degrees outside, I wouldn't want to have to walk so far to get to the Gulf. Not wild about the west or east ends of 30A -- too far from where I want to shop/dine.

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Thanks! This is exactly the helpful feedback I need!

Did I hear my name mentioned?

Seacrest and Seaside are too far for even me to walk but I am flattered to think you think I'm up to it! They're like what, 10 miles apart at least? Both of them are on 30-A so I guess they have something in common.

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The area of Gulf Place is quieter yet plenty going on and a short drive to Seaside activities or even closer is Grayton Beach & Grayton Beach State Park.

We are partial to Old Florida Cottages which are very short walk to Gulf Place stores and activities. Have stayed in a 3 BR one called Beached Inn - great views of Gulf and is "beachside".
Pair of Docs is a little larger and closer to beach access by just a few yards. Several homes in there that are nice with neat look to the community. Pool is not private though. That area would fit the price range well I think.

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Where did you stay when you visited 20 years ago?

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But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

You may also want to check out the houses in Summer's Edge neighborhood....which is in the Eastern Lake area of Seagrove Beach.....very family friendly and houses that would meet your description. Easy beach access and a couple of neighborhood pools. About 2 miles to Seaside....easy bike ride for sure....and it is about 5 miles or so down to Rosemary/Seacrest area. No doubt the husbands will totally understand why the desire to return after so many years!! HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!

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30A Forever!! PK