Alabama Beach Vacation

We haven't been to Gulf Shores, but are going for the first time this March. We have been to Destin and loved it, but wanted to try Gulf Shores this year because we have heard REALLY good things about it! Anyways, we used VRBO.com to find a rental house (we have 12 adults and 3 little kiddos going). We actually found lots of houses that would sleep that many and the rates seemed pretty reasonable. From what we have heard, Ft. Morgan is far from restaurants, shopping, groceries, etc. so we tried to stay closer to the actual Gulf Shores beaches (here is a link to the VRBO map http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/alabama/gulf-shores ). Oh, we were also told not to stay on the lagoon side. That's about all we know at this point since we haven't actually been yet, but we are looking forward to checking it out!! Good luck planning your trip. :)

I used to live there and miss it. We went on a dolphin cruise and it was nice. If you need a fun place to eat try Lamberts. I agree about the shopping in Foley AL. It is the Tanger Outlet Mall. They have mini gulf also around the area.

I grew up in Mobile and enjoyed the beach often.

Last summer, we rented a condo from Brett Robinson - they have a website that shows you all of their condo offerings and shows all of the amenenties. We picked one that was more affordable (older and smaller than the other condo options). It had a beach side hotel and part of the overhand provided some shade for the adults who did not want to swim. Plus, it had a really small kiddie pool (for your 1 year old. My daughter was 1 last year and played in it).

We also did a dolphin cruise (great fun for the kids).

Nearby by (about an hour away) is the USS Alabama that you can tour - better for your older kids. You won't even be interested in hauling your 1 year old around on it (lots of ladders/steps).

There is a great chidlren's museum in Mobile.

In addition to the shopping in Foley, there is also shopping on I-10 near Spanish Fort - great shopping, nice restuarants. There is a water fountain for the kids to play in.

Bass Pro Shop is up near Spanish Fort (fun for the kids and a great restuarant).

Also, if you are super adventurous, there is a fabulous museum on the naval base in Pensacola (lots of airplane models and an imax theater). But, it is a long way away from Gulf shores (maybe 3 hours?). I only mention it if you have a serious airplane buff in your group.

Good luck!
L.

Gulf Shores is one of my favorite places. Depending on how much you want to spend there are several things to do other than the beach there. For shopping there is a fabulous outlet mall about 1/2 hour away in Foley, AL. For fun there is all kinds of stuff to do. There is a water park, a zoo, dolphin cruises, etc. If you are a history buff you can drive over and tour the USS Alabama in Mobile. My best advice is to visit the Gulf Shoes website (www.gulfshores.com) because it has absolutely everything you could possibly want to know about Gulf Shores.

We went to Gulf Shores and like FL better. For us the ocean water wasn't what we expected. In FL it's super clear. We went to Destin a few years later and had the vacation of our lives. The sand felt just like flour and the water was beautiful.

You didn't ask about places to stay, but I will plug my fav. We've stayed at The Beach Club a couple of times, it's a little outside of the city of Gulf Shores but the condos are very clean, beach is beautiful, there is a main pool with a snack bar and beverages as well as smaller pools for each of the towers, small market for groceries (however I would recommend stopping at a supermarket to stock up before you get there) live music at night, I could go on and on. The restaurant is overpriced, but you aren't so far out of gulf shores that it would be prohibitive to driving in to eat. We LOVE the Beach Club! Have fun!

We are partial to Sandestin which is just outside Destin. We fly from DFW to Fort Walton Beach and then drive about 45 minutes. There are a lot of nice condos there, I don't know the names, rates, etc.

We always stay at the Hilton Sandsestin Golf and Spa Resort and LOVE it. It is in a gated community that also has a lot of condos for rent.

We are familiar with the Gulf Shores area but from word of mouth, our friends have always steered us to go on to the Destin area for the things we like to do.

Whatever you choose....Enjoy! I can't wait for spring break myself and going back to Sandestin!