Galveston/Corpus Christi vs Gulf Shores/Destin

[Pokes_Rock]

At the time of travel, I will have a 28 month old and an 11 month old. Our desire is to go somewhere with sand and water. We will most likely be driving where ever we go, which is a draw back to the Gulf Shores/Destin destination, but not a deal breaker.

My question or purpose of the post is, has anyone been to either place? Can you recommend one over the other? I have been told that Galveston is not all that special (it was compared to the beach at Canton lake). If you have been, do you have recommendations of places to stay or things to do?

[AnniePokely]

I was just in Houston a month or so ago, and everyone i asked there told me to skip Galveston. Nothing special at all. They told us to go to Kemah instead. Nothing there either, besides a boardwalk and some shops. It wasn't great...

[frankeaton]

I have done both.

Galveston is 5 hours from Dallas and the beaches are getting better especially if you go south of Galveston about 5 miles, a place called Pirates Cove, across the street from Galveston Country Club. The docks are interesting to walk around the big ships. Moody Gardens is good to see. Overall there's alot more activities to do in Galveston vs Destin

Destin/Seaside yes the beaches are pretty but it is 12 hours from Dallas and more expensive than Galveston. I would like to retire there someday. If you stay on the west side you run into alot of rednecks. The OSU school of eng has a big contract with Egland (SP?) Air Force Base hence on our payroll. Depending on when you go, hurricanes are more pronounced in Destin vs Galveston

[Verb]

I can't advise you about the gulf, but I have to say that your kids are adorable!

[Pokes_Rock]

I can't advise you about the gulf, but I have to say that your kids are adorable!

Thanks. I cannot argue with you on that.

[MemphisPoke]

Gulf Shores, aka: "Redneck Riviera", less expensive than Destin. A lot of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee folks there. Mostly rebuild after the hurricanes of a couple of years back. Very good beaches.

Destin: Beautiful beaches, good golf courses and nicer stuff to go too. Therefore more expensive.

Galveston: Skip it.

I have some friends that have a rental property in the Destin/Ft.Walton area. Check it out.

www.RnRRentals.com

[OSUchris]

Galveston is absolutely overrated. The beaches there are garbage compared w/ the Destin beaches. Depending on the season that you go you can get some really good deals on condo rentals right on the beach in Destin, or in one of the other Gulf coast cities near there. That area of Florida is called the 'Emerald Coast', the sand is almost white and the water is very clear. We took our 9/6/4 year old to Florida over Thanksgiving last year, and they had a great time and it was warm enough to swim and play on the beach.

[topdaug]

Just say no to Galveston...my roommates and I went down there for Spring Break a couple years ago, and well, it was pretty awful...there really wasn't much that we were able to do (outside of breaking in to the aquarium...well, the door was open, but it was well after hours)...there's really no way to sugar coat it about Galveston....it's just not all that fun....

Destin, on the other hand, is awesome...I'd definitely go there...

If traveling distance wasn't a factor, and you're looking for a fun family vacation spot, I'd suggest Hilton Head Island in South Carolina...I went there pretty much every year of my life until the last couple...it's an awesome place to visit and very family friendly....

[T. J.]

I've never been to Destin, but anywhere, ANYWHERE (your backyard, Detroit Michigan in the winter, a garbage dump in the summer) anywhere is better than Galveston.