Cheap and good places to Panama City or Destin, FL?

I am Planing to take my family on vacation in Destin, or Panama City in Florida. We really low budget for this trip and will be still driving around 12 hours. I know that one of these cities is less expensive to stay. Want to ie, hotels, food, gas … etc. .. Also, could you tell me about the names of the hotels (cheap and good) or maybe at the campsite you can do ???… What other attractions can be found at these sites. I have a 4 year, so I'm trying to think about activities for her … Thanks

I've only been to Destin once, but I've been in Panama City Beach many times. For low-cost housing, find a place away from the beach. Also a lot of places have much lower rates after Labor Day. It's much less people too. We like the income of private owners. The first place to assure that VRBO. Rent a whole apartment instead of a hotel room can help you save on food as you will have a kitchen and can eat in We like eating out at the time lunch from meals are generally cheaper and then set something light and simple like sandwiches for dinner. Buffets are a good deal for lunch, especially with children small. We like Golden Corral is on 23rd St. in Panama City. Some also have Pizza Hut lunch buffet. What to do with children, Frank Brown Park has a nice park and also a public swimming pool, there are plenty of mini-golf and going to shopping sites, sand castles and playing on the beach are fun. Not super cheap, but a pirate cruise. Something free and worth doing … Sharks and crocodiles on the island of Alvin can see at any time in the shop (which seems a rock) is open. For more fun go to lunch. http://www.panama-city-beach-vacations.com/family-activities.html has more ideas for entertainment family. Do not forget the drive. For a less stressful trip http://www.panama-city-beach-vacations.com/are-we-there-yet.html has ideas to keep children entertained in the car ride.

book review The Best in Tent Camping Florida by Johnny Malloy