40th birthday destination???????

Ok, hope this doesn%26#39;t show up twice because I thought it already posted. Anyway.... Next April will be my 40th birthday (ugh), and I am looking for a good place on the beach to go with a few friends to celebrate/forget it. Florida seems like the logical choice since we will probably be driving from KY. (We have done all inclusives in Mexico/Dominican before, but can%26#39;t leave the country because of a passport issue one of our friends has).We have been to Destin twice and like it ok, although our last trip there was a red tide and rain disaster, but I don%26#39;t know that it will be warm enough there in April to enjoy the beach and water. So I am looking for other suggestions for destinations. We are looking for a nice beach and water, because we are used to carribean and Destin waters, nothing cloudy. I would like some place fairly laid back (no spring break kinda atmosphere), but with some activities other than shopping for those who don%26#39;t enjoy the beach as much as I do. Also some places to drink and hang out a couple of nights, especially on my birthday. We prefer to stay beachfront, and will probably be looking for a 3-4 br condo with a pool. Price is kinda negotiable, but I would like to stay in the 1,500.00 to 2,100 range for a 3 br for the week if possible. ( I would be willing to go higher for a great property). We thought about Key West, but don%26#39;t want to drive that far and pay the rates there with the lack of good beaches. Sooooo.... let%26#39;s here it. Anyone got a good suggestion?

40th birthday destination???????

My 1st intial response was Key West.

If you%26#39;re flying that would be the spot.

If you%26#39;re driving you might want to check out the east coast beaches, like Jacksonville or St Augustine.

40%26#39;s are a breeze!!!

40th birthday destination???????

Thanks nemo, but I am concerned the water would not be clear enough on the east coast side. Does it compare to the water in the Gulf?

We will still make it to Key West one of these days-the parrothead in me insists on it-we will just have to do it during a lower season and without other people%26#39;s likes and dislikes to plan around!! Thanks for the encouragement on the age thing! LOL

Take a look at Navarre Beach. It is about 40 minutes from Destin but a completely different atmosphere. It is a small island with views in all directions of the Gulf and Santa Rosa Sound. It still has the beautiful clear water sand without the crowds. The beach just recently went through renourishment and the beaches are wide and the sand is as white as Destin , if not more so. Navarre Beach is considered ';Florida%26#39;s Best Kept Secret';. There are a couple of restaurants on the island and quite a few more on mainland right across the bridge. There is also a nice beach type bar on the island and several on the mainland. Shopping is rather limited but you can be in Pensacola Beach or Fort Walton in 20 minutes . You will find lower rental prices here also. You can get info at the Navarre Beach Chamber of Commerce website. I am rather bias because I live on the island and I can assure you that the beaches are beautiful. Have fun!