Vacation experts (Destin or San Destin?)

Didn't feel like starting a thread, and this one seemed as good as any for a jumping off point...so weeks of sub zero temps and literally 35+" of snow has my wife itching for a getaway. Won't be doing our annual Bahamas trip, since leaving the country is slightly dicey. I have spent a lot of time in my life in FLA, but never on the panhandle/gulf shores area and it seems like a nice spot.

I started looking in Gulf Shores, and then a little in Orange Beach...now have been looking in Destin and moving search into Miramar Beach. It is going to be me, my wife and 5 yr old daughter, along with my good buddy and his wife plus two young boys. Looking to rent a house for a week and getting right onto beach or real close (good views a must). 4 bedrooms with nice amenities and private pool/outdoor space, close enough to walk to nice restaurants and bars in evening--or at least a short Uber.

Which of these areas should I be zeroing in on my search?? Looking at last week of April.
Thanks!

almost anything past Pensacola is pretty good...the water and beaches in the Gulf Shores area aren't nearly as nice looking as places not much further east...plus who actually wants to vacation in Alabama??

check out Carillon Beach....really nice place with some pretty amazing houses for rent....it's closer to Panama City