Florida coast rental homes?

October 29, 2009 11:50 AM

looking for an upscale vacation-home in Florida for a long weekend next march (or week if required) - gulf coast - directly on the beach, somewhat isolated/ somewhat near a "town" - with multiple bedrooms (4 to 7?) - know of anything -or good agencies? where to start? (not looking for the Panama City "party scene" -- something more "adult" less-college.)
posted by mrmarley to Travel & Transportation around Florida (16 answers total)

I would suggest Seaside, which is about an hour west of Panama City. Lovely beach, plenty of upscale rentals and enough bars and restaurants to keep you occupied. You could start here.
posted by Evangeline at 12:01 PM on October 29, 2009

I think Destin would also be a good fit.
posted by COD at 12:03 PM on October 29, 2009

If it's not too far west for you, I recommend Navarre Beach. Smaller, quieter, but near to Pensacola Beach and Pensacola if you must get out on the town. I've used this realtor.
posted by JanetLand at 12:32 PM on October 29, 2009

Siesta Key is west of Sarasota this place is great.
posted by bravowhiskey at 12:46 PM on October 29, 2009 [1 favorite]

Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, Alabama. Yes, Alabama - but it's right on the Florida border.
posted by matty at 1:12 PM on October 29, 2009

Naples is as upscale as it gets: Try here. Way too expensive for spring breakers.
posted by dzot at 1:22 PM on October 29, 2009 [1 favorite]

We recently found a vacation home through HomeAway, although not in Florida. This page may give you an idea of what's available, at least.
posted by BlooPen at 1:23 PM on October 29, 2009

St. George Island--barrier island on the Gulf Coast. It's about 2-3 hours from Tallahassee.
It may be too isolated for you.
Lots of homes--old and new--including condos.
Just Google "St. George Island rental" and you will find several reputable agencies.
Have fun.
posted by FergieBelle at 1:23 PM on October 29, 2009

Average high temperatures for March:

Sarasota: 77°F (25° C)
Pensacola: 70°F (21° C)
posted by 2bucksplus at 1:28 PM on October 29, 2009

(c/o weather.com)
posted by 2bucksplus at 1:28 PM on October 29, 2009

Casey Key! And spend some time hunting for shark's teeth on the beach or watching the dolphins feed right off shore.

Oh and Andre Agassi used to have a home there with Brooke Shields. John Gotti used to have a place there, as well.

And my uncle actually went to a township meeting and sat beside STEPHEN KING - he's got a house on Casey Key too!

Jus' saying.
posted by Sassyfras at 1:35 PM on October 29, 2009

Pensacola is fantastic, and March is the off season. You should have no problems finding a good place to stay! Make sure to visit Perdido Key and Fort Pickens if you go! (Also, it's not far from Mobile and Destin, so you could always go to those in addition). Definitely not a party town, with the exception of their crazy Memorial Day beach scene and Blue Angels during the summer. Great beaches, great vibe, great restaurants... it's a nice, quiet beach town with beautiful san, water and sun.
posted by wild like kudzu at 1:39 PM on October 29, 2009

*sand.
posted by wild like kudzu at 1:39 PM on October 29, 2009

My family owns a 80-year-old beach house near Pensacola, across the line into Alabama. It is on Perdido Bay, and is a 30 minute drive from the Gulf. The house was completely renovated after Hurricane Ivan. It has 5 bedrooms, sleeps about 17. The area is rural. The nearest gas and groceries are about 15 minutes away. Rental is about $1,800 per week.

The water will be cool in March. There are canoes to use. The area is very peaceful.

Memail me if you want more information.
posted by Midnight Skulker at 1:57 PM on October 29, 2009

Seconding Siesta Key, Sarasota, and Naples as being upscale places on the gulf coast.
posted by dfriedman at 3:13 PM on October 29, 2009

2nding St. George Island. Pretty isolated, but truly lovely white-sand beaches. There's a state park on one end of the island, the fishing's pretty good all over the place and the little town of Appalachicola is right nearby for antique/nick-nack/grocery shopping. St. George is probably best if you actively prefer having nothing to do, though - not much of a 'town' to go out on there.
posted by Pecinpah at 4:35 PM on October 29, 2009