When you look at a map of the US, Florida is very prominently displayed as a peninsula hanging down from Georgia. However, one of the best locations in Florida is not on the massive peninsula 
but rather on the “panhandle” portion of the state sitting above the Gulf of Mexico. This strip of land is home to some of the most inviting and enjoyable soft, white sand beaches in the world. The major cities on this coast are Panama City and Destin.
The shore around Destin is dotted almost continuously with large and small developments of hotels and condos. These mini-resorts typically feature pools and free access to the beach. While I may write in the future about individual places to stay, for right now I will focus on the beach. 
Depending on the time of year, the beach is beautiful. There is always the chance that when you visit, there will be algae in the water or a swarm of jelly fish will move in but that is the danger whenever you go to the beach.
Almost everywhere you go on this long beach, you will find it to be 30-60 yards deep. This is more than enough room for families to dig castles, fly kites, play catch or just soak in the rays without offending or be offended by others. The beach is typically left unguarded but there are sections where the lifeguards are in attendance.
You can also go into the Choctawhatchee Bay which provides the back side of the small peninsula that Destin sits on. In this bay, where the waves are much more mild, you can easily do various water sports activities such as para-sailing and jet boating.
If you enjoy playing in ocean water, building a sand castle, and relaxing with a good book on a beach then there are very few locations in the world that are as economical and accessible as Destin, FL.
There may be great advantages to leaving from Tampa Bay rather than the more traditional Miami, Florida. The most likely advantage is cost. Since Tampa Bay is farther north on the Florida peninsula, logic dictates that your cost to get to this port should be lower. Unfortunately, logic never seems to be a driving factor with airline prices!