Outer Banks or Fla panhandle? Compare

[rexlion]

I'm thinking of visiting either the Outer Banks of NC (Okracoke, etc.) or the panhandle of FL (St. Joseph Peninsula, Henderson Beach, etc) in a couple of weeks. Those of you who have been to both, could you compare and contrast them for me?

I have fond memories of the Florida Keys from when I was a youth. My parents took me there several winters for about a week each time. I liked the ocean views on both sides of the highway, the palm trees, the beaches. But the Keys are farther away than I want to drive right now, and of course they're so crowded with tourists... I don't like crowds. I have a separate reason to travel to South Carolina, and on the way I figure on either going a bit north or a bit south before returning to OK. Which of the two shores would you recommend?

[noe-place]

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

[fla-gypsy]

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

[Eycom]

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.

[agesilaus]

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.