Destin is a great place! I lived there for 5 years, resonable drive, rates not to bad, food is great! Go after Labor Day 9/1/14 to save on lodging and the crowds go WAY down. I'm sure you will have a blast where ever you decide!
Right at 12 hours from my house. We leave at midnight, show up at noon right when the room was ready. Lots of stuff to do too.