Top 13: Beaches of NW Fla., Ala.

The travel website Tripping.com has listed Destin, Fla., as the No. 1 beach destination for 2017. Gulf Shores, Ala., was No. 3 followed by Panama City Beach. Orange Beach, Ala., ranked ninth; and Pensacola, Fla., Beach was No. 13. The website saw an increase in searches for urban markets such as NYC, but beaches were the most popular destination, according to the report. The three NW Florida beaches were among the overall Top 25 destinations: Destin was No. 2 followed by NYC; Panama City Beach was No. 5, and Pensacola Beach No. 20. Looking ahead to 2018, Tripping.com predicts lake destinations will rise, but southern beaches will continue to gain popularity. (Source: News Herald 01/04/18) The average rental price for Destin Beach was $267; Panama City $195; and $229 for Pensacola Beach, according to the website.