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Message
Thinking of going to Orange Beach/Gulf Shores
Posted on 4/24/18 at 4:01 pm
Posted on 4/24/18 at 4:01 pm
We usually vacation somewhere between Destin and PCB but this year we are wanting to stay a little closer. The wife will be 6 months pregnant the time of travel so we are thinking of going to Orange Beach/Gulf Shores. We have never been and were wondering how does it compare to Destin, 30A area and how is it in terms of water clarity?...things to do?...kid friendly?...plenty of restaurants to choose from? Thanks
12
Posted on 4/24/18 at 4:10 pm to cassopher
I don't frequent either, but I have been to both. I just think of each as the downmarket alternative to Destin and 30A, respectively.
Posted on 4/24/18 at 4:18 pm to Pettifogger
Orange Beach is somewhat similar to actual Destin, but not the same as the towns down 30A. The water is clear, but not on Destin's level - it fluctuates due to the rivers/bays. Gulf Shores is like an older beach town.
edit: Depends on what your kids like, but there are water and amusement parks in the area.
edit: Depends on what your kids like, but there are water and amusement parks in the area.
This post was edited on 4/24/18 at 4:19 pm
Posted on 4/24/18 at 4:43 pm to cassopher
The WORST thing about OB/GS is the walk from the condos to the beach. It's been a while since I've been to Destin, but from what I remember, the beaches are not wide (along with the sawgrass area), and it's just a quick dash back to the condo.
In OB/GS, it is a hike back to the condo, due to the size of the beach, protected grass area, the condo pool area, etc.
With your wife being pregnant (it's not mine, btw), she may start to hate life after two or three trips to pee.
In OB/GS, it is a hike back to the condo, due to the size of the beach, protected grass area, the condo pool area, etc.
With your wife being pregnant (it's not mine, btw), she may start to hate life after two or three trips to pee.
This post was edited on 4/24/18 at 4:44 pm
Posted on 4/24/18 at 5:23 pm to cassopher
A lot of new restaurants opened in the area in the past few years.
Water clarity is hit or miss, but can be just as good
Different town vibes, what are you looking or expecting to do?
Water clarity is hit or miss, but can be just as good
Different town vibes, what are you looking or expecting to do?
Posted on 4/24/18 at 5:57 pm to NYCAuburn
quote:
Different town vibes, what are you looking or expecting to do?
Well as far as kids activities mini golf or track of some sort, maybe a dolphin cruise or something. Other than that the ordinary relax on the beach and by the pool during the day and try a different restaurant every night.
Posted on 4/24/18 at 6:18 pm to cassopher
You will have all of those options available
Posted on 4/24/18 at 9:10 pm to NYCAuburn
Agreed. If you are looking for mini golf, golf cars, dolphin cruise, beach and pool, gulf shores is fine. Water clarity is usually not as great but easily can be. Restaurants in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach are not as those available at 30A with exceptions. But w kids, you should be fine.
30A is nicer than gulf shores. I think most people know that. But for what you’ve listed above, gulf shores would we fine. And cheaper and closer to you.
30A is nicer than gulf shores. I think most people know that. But for what you’ve listed above, gulf shores would we fine. And cheaper and closer to you.
Posted on 4/24/18 at 10:06 pm to cassopher
Go a few miles further to Perdido. Less crowded and you 15 minutes from everything.
Posted on 4/24/18 at 10:07 pm to cassopher
P'cola Beach takes the same amount of time to get to, & the water is clear; but, the lodging prices are higher, not as many good restaurants.
Posted on 4/25/18 at 5:45 am to cassopher
Rent a house on the bay side in Fort Morgan. Grocery store and Blalocks for seafood. Beach access down that way is nice, I'd only do that in the mornings and maybe evenings, depending on how nice your rental is.
Posted on 4/25/18 at 7:59 am to cassopher
OB/GS is a nice beach area.
Posted on 4/25/18 at 9:06 am to cassopher
think of it like this: the farther east you go, the nicer it is.
Destin>> perdido>> OB>> GS
Destin>> perdido>> OB>> GS
Posted on 4/25/18 at 10:46 am to cassopher
If you're not set on a condo, try out The Grand Hotel in Fairhope/Point Clear. Plenty of stuff to do on site for kids, and all the renovated rooms, which I think is most of them now, have a mini fridge and microwave. The pool area is great, you can golf across the street, and the on site restaurants are ok. Some better than others, and you can always take a short trip into Fairhope to eat something different. What age are your kids? Mine are 10 and 5 and loved it the last two years we went.
Posted on 4/25/18 at 11:25 am to cassopher
quote:
We have never been and were wondering how does it compare to Destin, 30A area and how is it in terms of water clarity?...things to do?...kid friendly?...plenty of restaurants to choose from? Thanks
It's not Destin. We did he same thing when my wife was pregnant. It's a different place than Destin or as Destin was. There is plenty to do for the kids. There are a lot of nice places to eat. The clientele is just different. Get ready to hear a lot of Roll Tide. We don't mind making the extra 2 hour drive to Destin, but my wife an I grew up going there with our families.
Posted on 4/26/18 at 10:31 am to cassopher
quote:
We usually vacation somewhere between Destin and PCB but this year we are wanting to stay a little closer. The wife will be 6 months pregnant the time of travel so we are thinking of going to Orange Beach/Gulf Shores. We have never been and were wondering how does it compare to Destin, 30A area and how is it in terms of water clarity?...things to do?...kid friendly?...plenty of restaurants to choose from? Thanks
I've been to both, but not Destin in a few years. I'm willing to trade off OB/GS maybe being a bit more redneck simply because there are fewer people.
Sand isn't as white, but still nice and bright enough to burn your retina if you don't have shades on. I've had great water and scummy water everywhere from GS to PCB and all points in between.
We were Destin people until we kept hearing about Perdido Key. We tried PK and decided it wasn't quite as nice as Destin. Next year went back to Destin and said, yeah it's nicer but too many people and haven't been back since.
This post was edited on 4/26/18 at 10:33 am
Posted on 4/26/18 at 2:33 pm to ConfusedHawgInMO
quote:
Next year went back to Destin and said, yeah it's nicer but too many people and haven't been back since.
That's where I am with Destin. It's just too crowded to enjoy. But agreed it is nicer.
Posted on 4/26/18 at 3:05 pm to cassopher
As far as the water at these places, I've only been to GS/OB a couple of times where the surf wasn't pretty rough in comparison to Destin and 30A. 30A especially seemed to always be very calm every time I went. Perhaps it's just the times I've been, but something I've noticed.
If that's a big deal to you.
If that's a big deal to you.
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