New to the Gulf

Have never been to Gulf Shores. Thinking of going next Aug. with extended family and renting beach front house. Anybody have any idea on good house rental companies to check out? Also, what exactly is there to do in Gulf Shores. Like some commercial type stuff, but also like nature type things. Any info would be appreciated.

New to the Gulf

Lots of info on lodging and things to do at this link:

http://www.gulfshores.com/

Also, do a search on this forum for ';gulf shores activities'; and you%26#39;ll see a ton of info.

New to the Gulf

Night Life: this is kind of an oxymoron here as we are known for our family orientedness. Most nights the town is dead by 10pm at the latest. That said, there are a few things to do:

1) Papa Rocco’s- (http://www.paparocco.com/) a local’s favorite. Blocks from the beach on 59. Small, dive place with good food, cheap beer, and a band almost every night. Don’t ruin it for us.  Parking is minimal.

2) Lulu’s- (http://www.lulusathomeport.com/main/index.php) they have some pretty decent bands here.

3) Flora-Bama- (http://www.florabama.com/) Legendary. Great place to hear live music and cheap beer. Also on the beach. A bit of a drive from GS so I’d recommend a cab.

4) Pink Pony- (http://www.pinkponypub.net/) AWESOME location on the beach where 59 ends at the Gulf. Great for drinks on their deck at sunset. Shows soccer (football for our non-US folks) and most sports on TVs. Also has poker on Wednesdays. (last time I was there this may be discontinued)

5) Live Bait- (http://www.livebaitrestaurant.com/) Have not personally been here but folks I respect say it’s nice.

6) The Hangout- (http://www.thehangoutal.com/) Finally went to the hangout last week. Here%26#39;s my impressions (we ate before we went so didn%26#39;t try the food) Someone dropped a TON of money on this place. it%26#39;s gorgeous. Bars are very strategically placed. huge one as you enter the door and then 3 out back. Lulu%26#39;s should be shaking in their boots. This place has a huge sand mound that kids can play on, chairs for the parents surrounding it, and a bar right next to that Pretty cool place to take teens. they have an outdoor stage where bands play and then next to that are beds/couches with white canopies and a seating area around a fire that comes out of white crystals It was kind of chilly the night we went but it looks similar to Lulu%26#39;s in that they have garage doors that close. not sure if they have AC. if not, another place to check off my list come Summer. Gift shop has some hilarious gag gifts. Parking is a nightmare. they have their own lot off Beach Blvd but it fills up quick. the other parking near the beach was $5 Overall I was very impressed. Parents should love it because they can let their kids go wild on the sand hill and tire themselves out while enjoying a cold beverage.

Shopping:

1) Tanger Outlets- (http://www.tangeroutlet.com/foley) TONS of good stores. Lambert’s is next door for a meal…

2) Old Time Pottery- (http://www.oldtimepottery.com/template.php?page=locations%26amp;state=alabama – Foley location) Household items. Great prices. Unorganized.

3) Souvenir City- next to the beach on 59. You MUST get a picture in front of the shark’s mouth- a GS must do. Large selection. To me it’s cheesy and overpriced.

Family Stuff and day trips:

1) Waterparks:

a) Waterville USA- closest to the beach on 59 (roughly a mile) and arguably the biggest. Have not been there.

b) The Track- located across 59 from the Welcome Center (coupons available there for the Track) and next to the airport. Has 2 really good go-kart tracks according to my 17 and 15 year old nephews. Buy tickets at the sales office before going to the ride(s) in the slower seasons. Huge bungee cord thingie as well.

2) Zoo- featured on Animal Planet’s “the little zoo that could” about evacuating animals preceding Hurricane Ivan.

3) The Wharf- ferris wheel

4) Fort Morgan

5) Naval Museum in Pensacola- LOTS of airplanes. Fun for all ages. They currently have a learning game kids can follow along with through the museum. http://navalaviationmuseum.org/

6) Blue Angels- navalaviationmuseum.org/Activities/BlueAngel…

7) USS Alabama in Mobile

8) Biloxi- for parents only. 100 miles from GS. Check www.goodtimetours.com for a day coach trip leaving from the Track.

9) New Orleans- pushing it for a day trip (better to stay overnight in NO) but can be done. If you’ve never been- GO! One of the best cities in America IMHO

10) Baby stuff rentals- http://www.beachandbaby.com/

babiestravellite.com/baby_equipment_rental.h…

11) Scuba Diving/Snorkeling: http://www.downunderdiveshop.com/

12) Dolphin Cruises: gulfshoresyachtclubandmarina.com/charters.htm

Keep in mind that the rates go down around 30% after August the 3d. Sometimes the prices get even better the closer to the time of your arrival. You%26#39;ll love it here, beautiful beaches and friendly people.

You are going to live it there! My husband and I have been going to Gulf Shores for the past four years. We have stayed at the Phoenix condos. Some of the things we like to do is go over to Fairhope and just wander around the downtown area (lots of really cute boutiques and gift shops, clothing stores, etc.) and walk on the pier. They have a beautiful clean pier. Plus we love to go to Foley and stop by the Ice Cream/Drugstore and get a banana malt.Yummy!! Have a great time, relax and enjoy!