I love all of the great responses to the many Destin questions. Some of them mention Sea weed and Jellyfish. We have to go in the summer due to our schedules. I teach so June, July, and the first two weeks in August are all I can do. Givin this time period which is the best to avoid lots of jellyfish. Or even the worst of the crowds.
Our Sandestin trips are usually late July early August. Only once about 2 yrs ago in August we saw jellyfish but not that many. I say that because all the other times we've been, we've seen none.
We just got back from staying a week last week and saw none. We didn't see seaweed either. The beach where we were is beautiful, white sand like sugar....one of the prettiest I've seen.
Well in my State, the box jellyfish invasions occur when there is a full-moon and tide shifts.
I don't know about Destin. Or if all jellyfish around the world are the same. LOL
Meat tenderizer... is a good remedy for jelly fish stings. Maybe keep that on hand, just in case.
All the best,
Susan
July is by far the busiest, and usually when the June grasses come in (seaweed). Anytime there is a lot of seaweed, you get more jellyfish and other types of marine life. Also the MS bar hosts its annual summer conference at Sandestin in July (generally the first 2 weeks) so it is really packed then. I'd say go early or late as possible, the first weeks of June are amazing in my opinion, and not nearly has stiflingly hot as August will be (but if you have to do August, the worst of the crowds and seaweed should be gone then too).
Also if you aren't into the big resort feel (Sandestin), look for condos on Okaloosa island. It is the barrier island off the coast near Destin, much less crowded, still plenty to do, less 'high rise' and more 'low rise'. Also would save an hour or two driving if you're coming from the west.
And don't let the seaweed/jelly idea freak you out, you can usually wait them out (they'll come and go in a day or two) or do something else on those days, it is not really any different than a chance of rain. I just wanted to mention it so you'd be sure to have pool access for any little ones on those days. I just moved from the gulf coast & we went to the beach frequently, feel free to PM me with other questions, suggestions, etc.
re: resevations, you can also sign up for Sandestin's emails & get specials they don't advertise & you can find good deals on Okaloosa island and in Sandestin on vrbo.com
We've been to Destin five times during the month of July and have seen jellyfish every time. Nothing major, they usually post flags at the beach if there is an unusual amount in the area. I wouldn't let this stop you from going, Destin is beautiful and you will fall in love with it. Stop by the Back Porch restaurant for an evening of casual family dining on the beach.
And I've heard that yellow mustard works well should you get stung, but take some meat tenderizer, too. I'll have to try that one when we go again!
Have a wonderful trip!
Crowds and jellyfish will be in Destin and surrounding areas during those months, suggest you try another area. Those jellyfish do sting!
Meat tenderizer is the way to go on the jelly fish stings. It makes all the difference in the world. Keep it in your beach bag.
Good luck!
L.
