Fordarama . . . . re: The Beach

[Janet89]

We're thinking of heading down to the Gulf this summer probably in July/early August. It will be us, our 8 year old and my in-laws. They vacationed in Pensacola when DH was growing up, so we are considering there and Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area (which I know you are familiar with).

It seems like there is more to do in the Gulf Shores area, but the beach looks wider in Pensacola.

I don't know if you are familiar with Pensacola at all, but I would LOVE to hear why you love Gulf Shores so much. Any cons to the area would be helpful also.

We will be looking at hotels and possibly condos that will allow a stay of less than a week. Caribe looks awesome for DS, but I'm not sure about the walk under the bridge for my in-laws (75+ in age).

Thank you!!

[fordarama]

The caribe is great for kids, But I prefer beach front....
I like gulf shores because it is a nice family area, not alot of partys, drunk teens, females with not enough bathing suits, ect....
The beach in gulf shores is pretty wide,
They just went thru a beach renovation last year, after all the hurricanes of the years before...
They are in super shape....
I don't think the caribe would be the best place for your parents...
To much of a walk.....
try searching www.vrbo.com
You save alot with owners vs. real companys....
Early august the area kids go back to school , so it is a slower time for the gulf shores area,
you can save alot...
And it would be easier to book less days then.....
As far as cons, I see non..........

[Janet89]

Thank You!!!

[fordarama]

I have an uncle that lives in texas, and he came with us to gulf shores one year, and was shocked how clean the beaches were,
He said he couldn't find anything..........
And in texas, he said the beaches were full of trash.....

[Suselit]

http://gulfshores.com/

[nannac]

Janet.....We're headed to the Gulf Shores area in about 7 weeks. We'll be staying at the Lighthouse this year. It is a new condo built right on the beach. Lots of amenities, and is in a good location to walk to resturants, shops, and such. Your parents might prefer something like this. We are middle age, and this works for us. Hope this helps.

[fordarama]

The lighthouse looks so nice,
It is a bit larger of a complex than we like...
We are there is about 9 weeks......
We are missing each other by 2 weeks.......

[leeannwriter]

We prefer Gulf Shores over Pensacola because
1. the beaches are clean
2. not usually crowded
3. family oriented (not so many parties, drinking, etc)
4. beautiful scenery
5. lots of nice places to stay that are not as expensive as over in Pensacola
6. all of the above!!!

[Jalva2]

Thanks for the info on this thread. We are in a cycle of Disney World one year and Branson the next. On our Disney World years, since Disney is more of an on-the-go place, we like to relax on a beach for a day or two on our way home. We have always opted for Destin, because it's the place we know. But we've wanted to find someplace that would get us a little farther along the road back home to Oklahoma so have been looking hard at Gulf Shores. It sounds very nice to us and this thread has been very helpful.

Fordarama, also many thanks to you for the very helpful info you provided when I pm'd you last week!

[fordarama]

You are so welcome,,,,,
I loves to help out when I can..