JBJ

We are planning a trip to Seaside in late May or early June and would like recommendations on where to stay. We are traveling with 3 small children (4,2,7mos) and would like to be on or very close to the beach, and have access to a pool.

Thanks!!

syd1

There are lots of really nice (and expensive) communities in and around Seaside. The seaside community (www.seasidefl.com) is one and there's a newer development called Watercolor (www.watercolorvacations.com) which is a few blocks down the road. I hear the Rosemary Beach Community is also very nice. We've stayed at both Seaside and Watercolor and liked them, though they've gotten really pricey over the past few years. This year, we had luck renting a place in Watercolor directly through the owner by using www.vrbo.com. A home in Watercolor was 1/2 of the cost of renting directly from the community. Look in Florida/Panhandle/Beaches of South Ft. Walton.
Just make sure you get pictures and find out exactly where the house is located. Also, there are plenty of single family houses for rent at 1/3 of the price along the road but you may not necessarily be in a community with all of the amenities. It really depends on what you want. But Watercolor and Seaside are both fantastic vacation spots and, as someone with children, I feel more comfortable spending a bit more to have the safety of the community and the amenities as opposed to a random house on the street.

Tandoori_Girl

The city of Seaside has three public pools all within walking distance to everything -- the "city" is very small, very walkable. One pool is adults only, according to the seasidefl.com website.

Sunshinesue

If you want to be on or very close to the beach Seaside is probably not your best pick. It is a great place but there are only a few houses on the beach. The vast majority are across the highway.

Your might consider Watercolor (next to Seaside.) In addition to some gulf front houses, it offers gulf front condos, a very nice upscale hotel and complimentary bicycles and canoes among other things.

Check the website.

bamakelly

I have always used Garrett Realty in Seagrove, very close to Seaside. www.garrettrealty.com Definitely a step down from Seaside, but certainly reliable, more affordable, and many locations to choose from with pools.

Fairhope

Google Emerald Coast and you will find many sites to start looking. Seaside would not be my first choice with children. The road is quite busy to cross. Enter Grayton Beach in search above to see my comments on this wonderful beach

Beachvan

You might want to try a vrbo rental
search for Blue Mountain,Dune Allen and
Seagrove. The Inn at Blue Mountain has a nice pool, great access to a quiet beach and other amenities at a much better price than Seaside's proximity to the water. There are also some single family homes w/ pools that are only a few yards w/ no highway, from the beach. Try Abbott Realty as well as Dune Allen Realty. You might want to pull up the website www.hwy30a.com which did have a virtual tour. Also, www.graytonbeach.com has a message board that might be helpful. Seaside is a great community feel, but very crowded, and a distance from the water. In a few years, your children might enjoy the activities and amenities a bit more. But my 2 and 4 y/o grands have no problem w/ a home w/out a pool closer to the beach. The Inn also provides umbrellas and beach set up. Am pretty familiar w/ the area and the rentals if you have any further questions about a particular one.

beachwalker407

If your going to Saeside Florida, I would suggest trying www.scenicpropertiesfl.com, they do a great job and have great portfolio of wonderful homes and can answer anty questions you might have . I have stayed with this company many times and the results have always been fantastic

nicenancy

Staying in Seaside or Watercolor, you won't find beach front very affordable or available. The miles of bike paths that stretch along 30-A make it easy to walk or bike to Seaside or Watercolor, but the other unique villages offer more gulf front. Good comments from others on Blue Mt. Santa Rosa Beach has several nice condo developments with gulf fronts that are affordable. San Remo is one of them.

MAP

We are leaving today for Seagrove Beach where Seaside is located. We have been going there for 25 years. There is a wonderful area, great beaches,houses and duplexes, called Gulf Trace...they have a website. You could also rent individual houses, some with pools, by looking at www.rivardnet.com or calling Garrett Realty.

This year we are staying for the 4th time (with our 5 yr. old granddaughter)at the highrise One Seagrove Place which has 2 bedroom units, tennis courts, and a nice, big pool. Great place and good price....right on the sand. Family oriented. Also have a website...www.oneseagroveplace.com and condos availability right now.

We also almost rented from [email protected], a lovely coupld who owns 2 wonderful beach properties. Lisa will tell you about the fabulous Villas of Santa Rosa and her other condo which has a good set up for you....on the beach, pool, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bunkbeds in a hall alcove. You can e-mail her.

It is a wonderful area and you'll have a great time. Get something right on the beach if possible.