planning a trip

Hi. My husband and I have decided to take our kids to Gulf Shores this year as none of them have ever been to the beach.

*We are considering going in October as that is when my oldest son is on fall break from school. Is that a good time? When the water still be warm enough for the to enjoy it?

*Also, where is a good place to stay without having to spend a lot of money? Preferably somewhere kid friendly?

Thanks!

planning a trip

October is an excellent time to visit Gulf Shores. Water is still usually warm enough and the weather is beautiful that time of year.

Lodging comes in all sizes and prices down here. This link allows you to look at different properties based on your requirements. Take a look and if you have questions on specific properties, just post them here.

http://www.gulfshores.com/

planning a trip

Bear in mind the Shrimp Fest is the 2nd weekend in October. Huge crowds and traffic. Just something to keep in mind.

October is my favorite time of the year here. This is when my family all come to visit. No lines at the restaurants the water is warm and the beaches are practically vacant. Check out Crystal Tower condos, they are a great value and have wonderful amenities for children. The Plantation in Ft Morgan also has tons of things for the family and again, priced affordably. The down side there is that it is 14 miles from town, the up side is that you wouldn%26#39;t have to leave since it does have so many things to do there. Lot%26#39;s of great deals if you wait to reserve until the last minute.

I just booked my OCT. trip yesterday and went through a place called ';HIGH TIDE RENTALS';they have a website,but I called them and got a good deal(I think) on a room there at the PHOENIX.The price he gave me was cheaper than the website and I looked for 2-3 days trying to find a deal.Their number is 1-800-524-0078,if you%26#39;re interested.

Hope you have a wonderful time! Please share your feedback when you return.

I%26#39;ll second the recommendation of the Crystal Towers. Great location, walkway over Beach Blvd to the pool/beach, lots of stuff for kiddies, etc.

We have rented through High Tide Rentals in the past and they are very nice. Beware though - they have added fees to the condo rates. We always stay at Gulf Shores Plantation and we now go through vrbo.com to rent.

What part of Alabama are you from. We have always gone down for fall break in October and loved it. They changed our fall break in Tuscaloosa this year though. Now it%26#39;s the whole week at Thanksgiving.

We live in North Alabama. My son has about changed his mind and wants to go to Gatlinburg now. But actually that time of year, I think it%26#39;s gonna be cheaper to go to the beach. Thanks for the heads up on the Shrimp Fest. That was actually when we were planning on coming. Think that if we do come, we%26#39;ll push our trip back by a day or 2.

Hi. I%26#39;ve beenc checking around and here are a list of the condos I%26#39;m checking on. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about any of these and their opinions. All are in or below the price range we want to stay in.

Sugar Beach - this one is in Orange Beach

Gulf House

Harbor House

Sunrise Village

All are gulf front except Sugar Beach and it is gulf side. Also if you have any advice as to any restraunts and / or activites that may be within easy walking distant of any of these places it would be a great help as I don%26#39;t want to have to put the kids in the car any more than we have too.

Thanks!

Don%26#39;t know the age of your kids, but most of the properties you mention only have one or two restaurants within walking distance. Gulf House and Harbor House are both walking distance from Bahama Bob%26#39;s. Sugar Beach has a couple of places fairly close including Bubba%26#39;s, but not really good places. Of all those properties I would probably opt for Sugar Beach because of the pool area. Also, they used to have a bar in the pool area, but I%26#39;m not sure it%26#39;s still there.