Outer Banks or Fla panhandle? Compare

Well from my experience you won't avoid the crowds on Hatteras. The setting is completely different than the keys too, as I recall there is a sand dune blocking the view of the ocean from the road for most if not all of the way. Not to say we didn't enjoy it, which we did. It just isn't the keys. As a nitpick the sand is very fine and gets in everything as opposed to Florida beach sand which is coarse being mainly crushed shells and such.

The panhandle doesn't duplicate the keys either, I never got that balmy day feeling along the gulf coast. You don't have the azure water for one thing. Again it's a great place to go but different. We are heading to St Josephs Peninsula in a few weeks ourselves. And depending on where you go, you'll find plenty of crowds. More so the further west you go.

I've been to both and while I enjoyed the OBX, I prefer Florida's gulf coast, specifically the section referred to as Florida's "Forgotten Coast" along HWY 98. That section boarders on the east from St. Mark's lighthouse, west to Mexico Bch.

Today, it reflects a coastline similar to the way much of the State's coastline appeared 50-60 years ago; a lot of forests, miles and miles of sandy white, relatively uninhabited, beaches; pull over and go for a stroll, drop a line, or take a dip; a small working waterfront keeps the local dives and residents stocked with fresh seafood and gator tail, in season; roadside stands with fresh produce, fruits, gourmet sauces and preserves. One of my favorites is Tupelo Honey, from the White Ogeechee Tupelo, found in NW Florida. Tupelo is a choice table grade honey with a delicious flavor with a delicate distinctive taste. Honey produced from only the White Tupelo is the only honey that will not granulate.

There are several SPs and a city park along that route that offer great camping at a reasonable cost. The pace is slow and the traffic is relatively light. Wakulla Springs State Park is one of the world's largest springs. And while camping isn't permitted, it's a great day trip. Nearby Myron Hodges city park in Sopchoppy, Fl offers camping for $15/nite, 15 FHUs and 13 W&E sites, same price.

Everyone should go to the Keys at least once. I lived in Key West back in the early 60s. A lot less crowded back then.

The Florida Gulf coast has some of the finest beaches and beach state parks in the world.

While we've been to both I much prefer Florida for the beaches, golf, temps, sundry other things to do. :C

If you enjoy swimming the Florida water is warmer.
If you enjoy surf, the OBX water has bigger surf

Jack L

Outer banks = Ocean

Fl Panhandle = Gulf of Mexico

I prefer the warm calm waters of the Gulf

The national park at Ocracoke has no hook-ups and the two campgrounds in town are not on the beach. Much windier on the ocean too. Generators are allowed until quiet time.

Henderson Beach is right in Destin with a WalMart across the street and LOTS of traffic in the summer. W/E only. You can still see condos along the 3 mile stretch of beach.

St. Joseph Peninsula is about 30 minutes from the closest supermarket so take what you need. Just a short boardwalk to the beach. Ocean Breeze area is more open than Shady Pines, so you catch more of the breeze there. Six miles of beach so there is plenty of room. W/E only.

We had never been to the FL Pandhandle other than Panama City/Pensacola area before this April. Had been to the OBX several times. To us OBX and the Pananma City/Pensacola ares are about the same - tourist kind of places. We time we did the St Joe area and stayed at the St Park on the Peninsula and were very impressed. Great baeches with few people. A long drive to things but we liked it much better than the crouds at OBX.

Lots of good info and opinions, thanks. The 'forgotten coast' stretch sounds like just the place for me. Glad to hear that the St. Joe Peninsula isn't crowded and the beach is so close. Big surf and strong breezes aren't a plus for me, although some breeze to keep the bugs away is a good thing. I think I'll leave OBX for some possible future trip along the east coast.

If you like beautiful beaches and don't like crowds....St. Joseph SP is your place. You can see individual campsites here.

http://www.campsitephotos.com/campground/St-Joseph-Peninsula-State-Park