The Florida Panhandle is the place to go during the summer months. The summer is their prime season and the cool gulf breezes and the ten to fifteen degree differences in temperatures makes the Panhandle the perfect summer vacation.

The Panhandle, between Destin and Panama City offers the best accommodations at a price most families can afford. Compared to the East Coast of Florida, prices can be fifteen to thirty percent less during the summer months. And the beach can be as crowded as you like. Panama City and Destin have more people in their many story condominiums and hotels and offer more in entertainment than the quaint and quiet villages in between on Route 30-A. You can decide whether you like the fast and furious pace of the bigger tourist areas, or the slow pace and laid back atmosphere of the smaller areas on the Gulf. You have to make this decision.

When deciding where to vacation in Florida during the summer months, make sure you consider the Western Panhandle and all it has to offer. You will find the most beautiful beaches, the nicest people, and an affordable vacation that will bring you back time and time again.

Most Rental Agencies receive a 25-30% commission on rentals, so naturally the agents are going to try to sell the most expensive rentals. And again, if you can afford it and you can’t live without looking at the beach the whole week, you should rent beachfront. But if you are trying to get the most for your money while having great accommodations with all the amenities, but don’t mind a short walk to the beach, you should consider properties on the west side of 30A. At about ½ to 1/3 the price of beachfront, you can rent a three bedroom, two bathroom condominium with everything you could ever want in a rental, and the money you save, your family can enjoy all the fun activities including dining out without spending any more than you would for the beachfront accommodations.

SeaCrest Beach offers a fabulous 12,000 square foot community pool to most of their guests. This amenity gives you the option of the beach during the day, and the pool in the early evening. The pool is more than anyone could expect and you will forget about the short walk you take to the beach. Again, with the economy the way it is, the money you save can make a huge difference.

For those who can not make a walk to the beach but still would like to save and stay in a great location, The village of South Walton offers a free shuttle to and from the beach. This will accommodate those who cannot make the short walk.

Remember to look at all of your options when considering a rental at SeaCrest Beach. You may be surprised at the savings you will find without giving up the amenities.

Government officials decided several years ago to allow the development of 30-A, but put tight restrictions on the developers. They wanted small villages with master plans that would not allow for over crowding that had occurred over the years in Destin and Panama City. There were restrictions on the number of Condominiums that were to be built and how many stories tall each could be. The villages were encouraged to have commercial properties such as eating establishments, shopping and others that would fulfill the needs of the people visiting.

Villages such as Rosemary Beach, Seacrest Beach, Alys Beach, were developed along the eastern part of 30-A, while Seaside, Santa Rosa, Blue Mountain, and WaterSound were developed to the west. These areas along with all the amenities they had to offer created a great investment opportunity for many.

Along the beaches on the Eastern part of 30-A, the properties being developed were many feet above sea level, which was encouraging to investors who worried about flooding. The properties being purchased strictly as an investment property could be rented out during the prime summer season, and also many of the month’s off-season too. This allows for an investor to rent the property out as much as possible while using it for personal use during the off-season.

Long distance travel to the Florida Panhandle could sometimes be a long process. It could take all day to reach your destination and many changes of flights. In November of 2007, Panama City broke ground on an International Airport, which should allow travelers easy access to this part of Florida. The airport is expected to be completed by 2010, and this should open this area to a wider market of tourism.

Investing in the Florida Panhandle seems to be a win/win situation with all it has to offer. With the unstable stock market, and low interest rates, you could own a piece of paradise and make money on it too!!!

Areas such as Panama City and Destin have beautiful beaches, activities for all water enthusiasts, and all the action you would want to encounter. You’ll find all forms of fishing, waverunners, parasailing, kayaking, water skiing, and many others in water activities. After a fun filled day, you can eat at one of many restaurants and bars and sample the local catch, grab a burger and fries, or have a gourmet meal at one of the finest dining establishments in Florida. And after dinner, the nightlife begins for those who care to participate.

For those who prefer peace and quiet, small towns and villages along 30-A offer a soothing beach with it’s fine white sand and the water which reflect hues of aqua blue like you see in the tropical commercials. You can sit and relax with a good book, or stare out into the calm gulf. The swimming is great because you can see through the crystal clear water and float until you can’t float no more.

After a calm and relaxing day, you can retire to one of the many pools these villages have to offer or find a small quaint bar or wine courtyard to sit and sip on some wine or beer. Dinner may be the toughest task of the day because there are so many unbelievable restaurants in this nineteen mile stretch that your decision of which one to dine my be too much to handle after a day of nothing but beach. The brain seems to slow to a calm after hours of relaxing on Florida time.

The hospitality offered on the Florida Gulf, particularly in the panhandle is the most impressive of all. Everyone makes you feel like they are your best friend. Welcoming is not a habit, but a daily ritual that everyone seems to offer. The Florida Panhandle is a must when visiting the Sunshine State!

My wife and I stayed in an upscale condominium located on the nineteen-mile stretch of Rt 30-A called “The Village of South Walton”. This quaint complex of commercial property on the first floor and condominiums above is where we found our paradise.

1. Southern Hospitality

The first thing we noticed with twenty-four hours of arriving was the southern hospitality we received from everyone we encountered. With the southern accents, everyone seemed extremely friendly, almost like they have been our friends for many years. Coming from the North East, we welcomed this warmth and kindness.

2. White Sands & Aqua Blue Water

When we went to the beach, we were shocked to see what beauty we’ve discovered. The aqua blue water and fine white sand made us feel like we were on a tropical Island somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. There was plenty of room for us to spread out and enjoy the sun and fun.

3. Fine Shops & Restaurants

All along 30-A you would find quaint villages with many shops and restaurants for everyone’s taste. We really enjoyed The Village of South Walton with its shops and restaurant, and were looking forward to the infamous steakhouse “Chops” coming in the spring of 2008. Other villages such as Rosemary beach, which was only a few steps away, offered fine dining, shopping, and even a wine court to enjoy.

4. Warm, Not Stifling Hot!

The Florida Panhandle, although warm in the summer stays much cooler than the rest of Florida. The cool gulf breezes help to keep everyone happy and the 12,000 square foot pool allowed for an oasis of tropical fun with the many levels and fountains.

5. Water Sports, Biking, Snorkeling & More

The fifth great thing about the Florida Panhandle was that you could enjoy any activity imaginable. All water sports were within a short drive and you could be as active, with biking, golfing, boating, tennis or whatever activity you would want to take on, or as quiet and calm as sitting with a good book on the peaceful beach.

And don’t forget the most fabulous sunsets in the world. Every night can be an amazing event that you would never tire of. All this can be enjoyed at the Florida Panhandle. Come visit. You will be amazed!!!