Question: Jada asks: I want to take my son to the beach this summer.  How are the beaches in the Gulf Shores thru Ft. Walton?  Have they recovered from the hurricane damage?  Any recommendations on where to stay or which beaches to visit?

Answer: AAA Content Development Manager Nancy Jones answers: It's a beautiful area and it has been able to recover for the most part from the hurricanes. Check out these Gulf Shores beach cams! I used to live in Ft. Walton Beach and still consider that area - and a little east of there - my recommended spots for hitting the beach.  The sand in that area is usually sugar white – and it seems finer than other beaches.  I am not a scientist, but it is different.   It makes the water appear bluer.  Put all that together and you have some fabulous areas for beach combing. Going west to east in the Florida Panhandle, here are my suggestions (all linked to TripTik Travel Planner maps and hotel info):

Navarre Beach – it is a small beach between Ft. Walton and Pensacola.  Last time I was there, it was a small community and I would imagine it still is.

Ft. Walton Beach – it is a small Florida town but filled with many fun things to do as a tourist.  It is close to Destin so you can stay in one or the other city and see both beaches.

Destin Beach is by far the prettiest of my suggestions.  The beaches are pristine and the water quiet and beautiful.

Panama City Beach – A lot of fun, with a great beach and enjoyable bike trails – particularly the Timpoochee Trail. All of these cities have great seafood. In the end, if I had to select one of these breaches it would be Destin.  I went there when I lived there and I have gone back for vacations. I hope you and your son enjoy your vacation.