1st time coming to Gulf Shores HELP

We are looking to come down in JUne?

It looked like alot of condos are nicely priced, do you recommend condo or motel? We want oceanfront.

Also we have an 8 year old so besides the beach what else is there for kids to do?

Any kind of day trips we could go on?

I will take any kind of help because we know NOTHING about Gulf Shores, we normally go to Florida and wanted to try something different

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP

1st time coming to Gulf Shores HELP

Do a search on this forum for ';activities';. It will show you a ton of posts with things to do. There is a lot to entertain 8 YOs down here. Day trips could include the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola (45 minute drive) or the USS Alabama (45 minute drive).

There aren%26#39;t many hotels that are Gulf Front, so you%26#39;re probably better off in a condo. Check the rental company websites like Brett Robinson, Meyer, Kaiser, Young%26#39;s, etc. Also check vrbo.com.

1st time coming to Gulf Shores HELP

I just got back from gulf shores a couple days ago. My parents live there in the winter. The last few years they have stayed at The Lighthouse thru young suncoast realty. The balconies are very nice the only bad thing is the outdoor pools are not heated they might be warm enough to use in june. They also have an indoor pool. Gulf Shores is more of a quiet area however the last few years I have noticed that its increasing its tourist appeal with more attractions etc. For kids check out the zoo it has been featured on the animal channel on cable tv as the ';little zoo that could'; there is also adventure island that have minature golf and an arcade and there is a water park that should be open in spring/summer months. In my opinion though the best time of year to visit including for kids is the last week of mardi gras they have parades almost daily in the area that have a family atmosphere. There is the new Wharf area that has movies, a ferris wheel and johnny rockets and a amphitheater. The southern rose is a nice dolphin cruise. The naval museum in pennsacola is also interesting to visit. If you go make sure and visit Lamberts restaurant in Foley its lots of fun for adults and kids and the food is very good.

I agree that if you want beachfront and have an 8 year old, a condo/house is your best option. Plus that way you have a kitchen/laundry.

I have started a GS cheat sheet and here is what I have so far for your question:

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. 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 that gives you discounts/prizes at the gift shop at the end.

6) USS Alabama in Mobile

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

8) 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

Thanks for all the kid ideas. What is in New Orleans for kids to do? It sounds like a fun city but is there kid things to do?

Do you have any condo ideas? We would like to be right on the beach and in with the action. We love to people watch on the beach.

Thanks for anymore ideas

I recommend the Lighthouse Condos as well. Great location, nice pools, right on the beach. Check out vrbo.com for some good deals. I think Young%26#39;s Suncoast charges a huge amount in ';fees'; - you save by renting from the owner. Most ';motels'; arent going to be oceanfront, and I think a condo is a better deal with a kitchen, extra space, and nicer amenities.

As for New Orleans, we love taking our daughter down there for day trips. The Aquarium of the Americas is downtown, and the Audubon Zoo is just a short ride by car, street car, or boat. The French Quarter (at least during the day) is kid-friendly. We enjoy just walking around the Quarter and by the river, eating beignets at Cafe Du Monde, shopping at the French Market. It%26#39;s about a 3 hour drive from Gulf Shores, and I also would suggest staying a night there.

If you have anyone in your group who likes history, the National WWII Museum in N.O. is a must see!

Kids might also enjoy the cemeteries and plantation/bayou/voodoo tours.

A Katrina tour might also be a good idea to show the kids how things can change in an instant and also help out those areas (portion of the price goes to the area)