It all depends on what you wanna do when you get there.
My family just loves the beach, so we spend the extra to stay Gulf Front!!
We do eat out a few times, but for the most part I cook in the condo.
I've been to the Destin/ Ft Walton area many times.
We prefer to stay in Ft Walton, it's a lot less folks.
I'd be happy to help you any way I can.