My family loves Florida. Once a year we pick a new location in Florida. This year we picked Pensacola Beach, Soundside Holiday Beach Resort. I was never too sure about the location, but was I in for a surprise. The vacation rental was amazing, as close to being comfortable to home, as possible. Amenities were fantastic, gave my bunch (all mid 20s) a truck load of things to do. Chasing dolphins, dolphins chasing the boat, what a rememberable trip. We love this place and made an immediate reservation for "same time next year." ...and hopefully years to come. Don't miss it, don't cheat yourself, visit Pensacola.

BEST THINGS: Condo was very comfortable and attractive inside and new like. Everything clean worked well. Excellent facilities. Liked on-site pier and complimentary Tuesday breakfast. Did not get approached for sales talk. Daily newspaper provided. No oil problem on beaches.
NOT AS GOOD: Staff service after 5:00 inconvenient to find. Had to cross 4 lane road and walk behind a hotel to gulf beach. Kitchen tools adequate but sparse. Some night music next door until 10 :30. One dollar bridge toll fee per round trip from mainland inconvenient.
TIPS: Have bargain pricing after labor day. Very hot midday in August - Sept or Oct would be better. Bring your favorite frying pan, large drink glasses, and spatula. Wal-Mart 5 mi east of Gulf Breeze on 98. New Naverre Pier worth the drive (19 mi). PegLeg Pete's has moderate cost sandwich baskets. National Seashore park areas $8 for car but good for 7 days entry (no fishing license required). IMAX's "Hubble" at Naval Museum very good. Best gas value south of Hattiesburg, Ms or around Mobil, Al -- higher priced in Florida. "Good Times" tour company offers low cost day trips to Biloxi casino (Thursday only $1). Look up on google maps and see satellite view of resort.

We were able to stay during spring break season. Nothing to worry about though as far as noise and partying. The nights were quiet and peaceful. The rooms were clean and nicely outfitted. Being on the sound side, we were able to walk over to the ocean side and enjoy the beach during the day and then return to our quiet room in the evening. Brenda's brunch on Tuesday morning was outstanding!! My family and I would love to make this a yearly outing at Soundside.

We have been to Soundside Holiday Beach Resort two times now, and will most likely be returning next year. We are addicted to the sugar white beaches and crystal clear water of the panhandle, and Pensacola Beach has nice wide beaches. There are also lots of wide open spaces on the ends of the developed area that we love to rollerblade down (& would be great to bike). The beaches are just gorgeous, can't say enough about them. The condos at Sounside are very nice and spacious - the third floor units have vaulted ceilings, which is nice. The views of the water are very nice, the staff is friendly, and the best thing about this place for us is that there is a tennis court, heated pool, and hot tub. Heated pools are somewhat hard to come by on Pensacola Beach for some reason, and since we go in November, this is very important for us. You will not be disappointed with this complex!!