crowds during shrimp festival

I just booked a condo at Ocean House II for a week in October. We always go to the beach in October during our Fall Break from school because it is much less crowded and cheaper, but I noticed that Shrimp Festival happens during the end of our stay. This is our first time back to Gulf Shores since before Ivan, we have been going to Panama City since then, and our fall break is a week later than usual this year. Are we going to be miserable with that many people there? I guess my question is, are we going to regret coming during that time? Will everything be packed, restaurants, attractions, etc? Or will we be okay? We are staying about a mile down west beach so we can take back roads to get back out to 59 and to orange beach, I%26#39;m not as worried about traffic as I am having to wait at restaurants and dealing with crowds on the beach. Thanks for any help!

crowds during shrimp festival

Yes, will be little busier during Shrimp Fest, but mainly later in the week. You will have to take back roads from Ocean House because they do close off the beach road for several blocks east and west of Hwy. 59. The condominiums will be quieter and not as crowded in Orange Beach. Get a lot of party people in Gulf Shores during Shrimp Fest. Beaches are not too crowded but restaurants are that week, especially Gulf Shores. I would stay in Orange Beach.

crowds during shrimp festival

Clookin is correct. Some estimate we get 200,000 visitors that weekend but I think that number is WAY too high. It is true that beach blvd is closed where hwy 59 dead ends but if you know the side streets you should be fine. Traffic (for us) is a nightmare. Bear in mind though that BRATS (mass transit) does run buses to a from numerous locations to the festival at regular intervals.

Locals all go on Thursday night and stay away most of the weekend.

I wouldn%26#39;t let the fact that the festival is that weekend deter you. It%26#39;s the highlight of our year and a great time!

Thanks, we are locked in with a deposit now, so, we%26#39;ll just make the best of it. :) Maybe we will eat in OB and do things up that way on Th and Fri, we are leaving early Sat am, I am not worried about Sat and Sun. I appreciate the advice.

If you%26#39;re at OH II you won%26#39;t even notice the Shrimp Festival unless you have to go north. Just plan your time carefully so you don%26#39;t get caught on Saturday or Sunday trying to get back onto West Beach.