We are going in March. Thinking I can fish the surf and see what happens but also considering a half day guided trip with my 2 teens. They have limited experience so would need to be a kid friendly trip. Any thoughts appreciated.

Sweet Jody out of Destin. Any trip shorter than 8 hrs is just a boat ride.

Following. Looking for an inshore guide trip Mid June in Destin/PCB

30a is a gorgeous vacation are, but gets very crowded. If you're going anytime close to Spring Break I would consider a guide vs surf fishing.

First of all, fishing is better in Texas lol. I am not familiar with 30A. There are party boats in Panama City and Destin that should get you fish. I would check their websites to see what they are catching. If you are there at spring break everything will be very busy. I have caught fish (redfish and sheepshead) on the big piers, but you are a long way from the water. I have also had fun fishing in St. Andrews State Park. You can fish in the bay or walk out to the jetty and catch fish. I have caught some fish from the surf, but not very many.

I have surf fished from the beach. Surf Casting is definitely an art. I have used frozen fish and some kind of ribbon bait that work good enough to catch a few fish. Don't leave your rod unattended. I lost a 300$ rig getting another beer. FYI

Just keep in mind that Florida has different beach laws that Texas. In Florida, you are only allowed free access from the mean high tide line and below vs Texas where you are allowed free access from the vegetation line. So, if you're feet are dry, you are on private property in Florida and the owner can ask you to leave. So, be mindful of their property rights.

https://www.flseagrant.org/wateraccess/beaches/#:~:text=Affairs%201995).-,Beach%20Users,in%20trust%20for%20the%20public.

Try a bay fishing guide. I do everytime we down and it's great. If your staying around 30A or PC go by Stinky's fish Shack they can set you up with a guide.

whoever said fishing in TX is better clearly hasn't spent much time fishing the Florida panhandle. I will say that Panama City is loaded with decent guides/captains. I'd NEVER go to the Florida panhandle with the idea to surf fish or to just target reds/trout. THAT fishery IS much better here...however the offshore game is awesome! You'll be fishing a maximum of 10-20 miles offshore and bottom fishing or trolling the Edge for blackfin, mahi etc. Look up www.pensacolafishingforum for decent local info. I've been fishing Pensacola and Destin for 15 years and have dragged a bay boat there to fish offshore more times than I can count. During snapper season, there are so many reefs, it's nothing to limit on 15-20lb snapper 3 miles from the beach. If you're looking for an inexpensive party boat style trip, here's some information for you. https://www.captandersonsmarina.com/deep-sea-fishing/
My preference is fishing Pensacola as it's less touristy however that's a haul from Panama City...even Destin is during the summer on the drive back as traffic can get bad.