There are 564.18 miles from Louisville to Gulf Shores in south direction and 641 miles (1,031.59 kilometers) by car, following the I-65 S route. Yoga on the beach. For more info, see mydisclosures. With the full itinerary planned out, we can estimate If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. GS will be on 20/20 or Dateline one of these days for all of the corruption and illegal activity going on here. With a little knowledge of airline rules & good planning, family travel can be really rewarding, even if it still involves the occasional battle with TSA over your toddler's juice box. Do you think we could manage without a car? We ate half the time in OB and other times in GS at Tacky Jacks or Lulus. If Gulf Shores is a better fit the Best Western has the ultimate location for walking everywhere. Lets go on the flip side and evaluate each destination for families. Drive for about 4 hours, then stop in Indianapolis and stay for about 1.5 hours. Run dont walk to OBA. While you can definitely have a good time at both Destin and Gulf Shores at night, Destin wins this one! By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You can have a great vacation in either spot. On the Gulf Shores side, there are of course marinas, but they are fewer and farther between, and with less convenient locations if you want to roll right out of bed and go to your boat. We have had 5 homes and two condos over 20 years. As the crow flies, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are just 10 miles apart, or about a 20-minute drive with Gulf State Park in the middle. Is the house in Alabama so because it floods there or so? (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Hopefully and prayerfully, (the Supreme Court) will recognize the impact it will have.. Oh you'd love the Gulf Coast! But in the battle of Destin vs Gulf Shores who wins? Walton Beach (VPS). With limited roads, youre forcing all the traffic heading to the best Gulf beachesor hotels/condos with beach views in the same general area. So unless youre staying right on the beach and within walking distance of everything you need, youre going to experience Destins traffic. Im so excited for you to go to either destination. Your email address will not be published. Open seven days a week just outside the . And both have ice cream places. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA Avoid using flashlights when exploring the sand at night, as they can disorient nesting sea turtles. Im just going to come right out and say it: the best beaches in the country are along the Gulf coast. Aside from fabulous Southern cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, you can enjoy a wide array of backyard games! the flight planner: Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Pool, in his May 17 ruling, slammed Cooper, the director of ALDOT, for engaging in what he said was a long effort to put BCBC out of business. Thanks for sharing. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Gulf Shores. If youre looking for a relaxed escape with lazy days by the sea (or if youre good at making your own fun), Orange Beach might be the initial obvious choice. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thoughts on this area for late December-early January? What is the best airport to fly into when going to Gulf Shores? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. We had wait in a very, very long ticket counter line to check our bags and were grateful we arrived early. And theres enough of a party and bar scene that spring breakers and 20 somethings can find something that works for them too. Valid: 01/01/2023 - 12/31/2023. Craft, in a news release Monday, suggested Orange Beach is more concerned with receiving revenues generated from the existing toll bridge. Find this article helpful? For food, both destinations seem to be pretty even. Bay St. Louis Beach in Mississippi. Ive used it often for trips weve taken to the Florida Panhandle. The zoo has a new larger location as of 2020 and packs a pretty big punch. Spend some time at The Nature Center or the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for a more intimate encounter with animals. Both have access to the Hugh S Branyon Backcountry trail, for miles of walking, biking, and wildlife watching. So let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Gulf Shores, and you need to stop along the way to rest. We have more time than a week to explore, but the first 10 or so are easy to get to and fun spots even without spotting a bird ( but more than likely that you will) The pier (at the state park, I believe) is an awesome place to visit. They cater to families like you wouldnt believe: restaurants with rope courses, go-kart courses, milkshake bars, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Clean, wide stretches of sand with inviting warm water. Thats not to say there isnt a scene, however, for other kinds of travelers. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach serve a pretty broad drive market that includes most of the Southeast. It features multiple go-cart tracks, a large arcade, bumper boats, and amusement park rides for younger kids. distance from Gulf Shores to Grand Rapids, or go to the main page Want to get ahead? Orange Beach The stretch of beach that extends from Gulf Coast State park to Perdido Key, Florida on the east is known as Orange Beach. Gulf Shores! And for even more perspectives on Alabama beach vacations, check out these guides from some fellow family travel bloggers I personally know and trust who have also traveled recently to the area: Disneyland Hotel vs. Grand Californian: Which Is Right For Your Family? The next day, drive for about 1.5 hours, then stop at Mammoth Cave National Park and stay for about 1 hour. Beach views come at a premium. The Alabama State Supreme Court is expected to determine the fate over which bridge project should get the green light. The Alabama beaches in Baldwin County lie along 32 miles of coastline, stretching from the Florida border all the way to the tip of the Fort Morgan peninsula. Upon departure, give yourself plenty of time for bag check and security. The area is increasingly popular for girlfriend getaways and golf trips. Both communities have plenty of places to stay, although that are clear distinctions between the types of properties in each city. Directions The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (Open at New Location) 20499 Oak Road East Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-256-7008 GPS Coordinates: Latitude 30.3158 Longitude -87.6764 From the Beach Traveling from East Beach, turn right onto Gulf Shores Pkwy (Hwy 59) Traveling from West Beach, turn left onto Gulf Shores Pkwy (Hwy 59) That's what Trippy is perfect for, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are well known all over the South as a relatively inexpensive, family-friendly beach destination. Honestly, even at the age of not-a-kid-anymoreI had fun letting loose in Gulf Shores! I would love to be able to rent a condo in OB from the day after Thanksgiving to the day after the first of January. This post may contain affiliate links. He said the city wants to see the bridge built, alleging that a new state road to the bridge will run near a future city high school that is targeted to open to students by 2025. I would highly recommend the Coastal Birding Trail, if that is where your interest lies. Next, drive for another 2 hours then stop in Louisville. Travel time: 17.5 hours on the road with 2 overnights. VPS is about a 2 hour drive to Gulf Shores, but if you can get a non-stop flight there, it would be quicker than booking a connecting flight into either PNS or MOB. Yes, of course Gulf Shores has some good places to eatdont get me wrong. If you are planning a road trip, allow for plenty of extra time on crowded roads what might be the last 10 minutes of the drive sometimes can take you a full hour! "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Buy points online in advance to save money and share among a larger group. While visitors arriving by air have to drive a bit to reach Alabamas beaches, there are more options on the near-term horizon to watch for future trips. Just a short drive from downtown Mobile, you'll find 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches made almost entirely of fine, quartz grains washed down from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago. Mississippi has several beaches that are also worth the drive from Arkansas. Drive for 1.5 hours then stop in Andalusia and stay for 1 hour. It is supported by Gulf Shores city officials. Okay, so Gulf Shores vs Destin in this category I think Destin is slightly more expensive. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline You can also rent electric beach chairs to venture off the mats and onto the sand. for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other Here, Gulf Shores is the clear winner. Gulf Shores has more selection in smaller condos (if you dont want to deal with hundreds of guests) and also waterfront beach houses so you can have 100% your own space. Another viable option in a pinch for travelers to the Alabama Gulf Coast might be the small regional airport in Destin/Ft. Both are congested but GS is more pedestrian-friendly and accessible. Thats because most of Orange Beach runs along a busy, wide road where it can be challenging to cross five lanes of traffic by foot especially if you have beach chairs and other must-have beach items with you. As snow birds that have visited Gulf Shores 3 winters and are returning for a fourth, I appreciated your overview. This is the fastest route from Louisville, KY to Gulf Shores, AL . A rendering of the future Intracoastal Waterway Bridge that connects the Foley Beach Express to Gulf Shores, Ala. (rendering provided by the Alabama Department of Transportation). I think I could enjoy that time writing on my book, listening to the waves crash and knowing its 5 oclock somewhere no matter the true time. There is nothing we can do about it now, Craft said at the end of the Gulf Shores City Council meeting on Monday. With so many cars piling onto such a short stretch of beach, that can mean traffic congestion. There are volleyball nets, picnic pavilions, restrooms, showers, beach eats such as The Hangout and Pink Pony Pub, and nearby shopping. Orange Beach is relaxing and clean. Stay overnight. A number of the room types have bunk beds in addition to a king, making them ideal for families. Commercial flight time: 2 hours, 16 minutes. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 9,741. If youre traveling via car, the ease of getting into Gulf Shores or Destin obviously depends on the proximity and direction youre traveling from. The sand is softer, the waves are gentler, and the sunsets are better. Both Gulf Shores and Destin have amazing food, accommodations, activities and of course beaches! The airport authority is in talks to bring commercial service to the airport within the next two years. Fun shops and water-view dining are just the start youll find a Ferris Wheel, light show, live music and so much more. The Beach Moms will stock your pantry and fridge and arrange excursions. Look at maps carefully! give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports. The bridge is already under construction and is programmed by the Alabama Department of Transportation. But, is traffic ever fun?? At the end of the day, its kinda like deciding between chocolate and vanilla ice cream: you might prefer one over the other, but either way you get something delicious. But here are a few good starting places: Take a ride on a dolphin cruise to see dolphins playing in the waves and other wildlife in the backwaters. But honestly, you can still find affordable accommodations in Gulf Shores and surrounding area, too. 25 best things to do in Anna Maria Island! You can pick up a free turtle-safe flashlight cover at either of our Welcome Centers. Access it at Exit 49. Theres a ferris wheel, train, arcade, movie theater, evening laser light show, and marina on site, so there is plenty to take your pick from depending on your interests, time of day, and the weather. Whether you're in the mood for fun and adventure or . Ill take either of the most popular Alabama beaches Gulf Shores and Orange Beach over anything on the Atlantic seaboard. I wont send you spam. Many of the major attractions are located right on the beach road paralleling the coast, Alabama State Route 182 (known as Perdido Beach Road in Orange Beach and Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores). Gulf Shores is a little closer by about 15 miles. It will also be closer to Alabamas beach destinations at about an hour away. Orange Beach vs Gulf Shores in a Nutshell The main difference between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL that I found was that Orange Beach feels a little quieter and less hectic (or put another way, Gulf Shores feels like it has a little more going on). Find directions to Gulf Shores, browse local businesses, landmarks, get current traffic estimates, road conditions, and more. At the very tip is the historic Fort Morgan itself, the site of a Civil War battle. The closest airport within the state of Alabama to the Alabama Beaches is the next county over is Mobile Regional Airport. Gulf Shores sits at the intersection of State Routes 182 and 59. Whether youre traveling as a couple, family, group (hello bachelorette parties) or solo, theres lots to consider! Navarre Beach is 1 hour and 31 minutes or 79 miles from Gulf Shores. Driving non-stop from Grand Rapids to Gulf Shores. Truth is, there are very few road options because its a tiny strip of land connected to the mainland by bridges. But I do need to spend more time in Destin! In many vacation hot spots in the USA, youre bound to experience some traffic. So take your long walks on the beach literally and have fun exploring the area! Related: First Timers Guide to the Florida Panhandle Beaches. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are charming beach communities alive and vibrant, with a good mix of the young and old bringing excitement to the area. Here's the quick answer if you have friends taking shifts as driver so that you can make the entire trip by car without stopping. Because of this, if youre going from one extreme end to the other, it could easily take you 35-40 minutes to get from A to B. Nonstop drive: 1,018 miles or 1638 km. Latitude: 29.675539. We live in a small town in the wine country in CA where you can leave your doors unlocked & the neighbors text you if you left your garage door open. That is best shopping in the area. In an article comparing Destin or Gulf Shores, this category clearly depends on the location youre traveling from and how youre getting there. I loved exploring the larger area of Baldwin County while hoping for a glimpse of birds. Similar to the Track, Adventure Island is another family-friendly entertainment complex on the Orange Beach side of town. For a location mostly in the middle trytheLodge at Gulf State Park(owned by Hilton), which is closer to Gulf Shores but has a bit of that laidback Orange Beach vibe. From seafood favorites to allergy-friendly choices, there is something for everybody. Trips With Tykes is a family travel blog devoted to simplifying the logistics of traveling with kids of all ages. Amazon Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait In that case, your travel time would really need to Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). Just be sure to watch out for erupting volcanoes if you visit. Flight options increase in the summer months due to seasonal schedule changes. My family had so much fun here, and its a perfect way to take a break from the beach! Find accommodations with a kitchen or kitchenette. This is a really long drive, so it's not very realistic to drive nonstop. You'll find unique attractions, incredible dining experiences, fantastic lodging options,and adventure on and off the water. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im Becky and I believe travel is more meaningful when youre immersed and engaged! Youll find luxurious accommodations in both cities. Our family has flown into the vast majority of the airports in the region in our travels over the years, so we have a lot of experience with the options! Kennon said the city is not looking at the bridge issue as a money-maker. What I also love about going to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is that a vacation doesnt necessarily require a ton of planning. Family four packs save more, as do two day ticket options or season passes. Even Illinois and Indiana-based travelers are also frequent visitors. So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from Some lodging locations may have activities and restaurants that are walkable or bike-able. He can get anything he wants with a variance. Plus, it extends to I-10. Spectrum also manages The Beach Club in Gulf Shores. Take a Virtual Tour Contact Address 110 AL-180 Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Get Directions Phone (251) 861-3000 Email kwade@hmsgm.com Come aboard the Mobile Bay Ferry and experience "the Gulf Coast's most scenic drive." I love Ono Island. The shakes here are pricey, but come complete with decadent toppings like a whole cupcake or brownie. In fact everything is newer. Because of the outlet mall, Id say Destin wins this category. The amusement parks offering 23 rides, from roller coasters to kiddie classics. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our. And the indoor water park comes in handier than you might imagine because it means it can operate in winter as well as on rainy summer days (heads up: thunderstorms are common in the region!). Destin and the surrounding area is larger and therefore has more accommodations in general, so you might have more luck finding a more affordable option if thats what youre looking for. What is the number one attraction in Alabama? Anything recreational, from bikes to paddleboards, can be purchased or rented at lots of different spots. GS, OB, Foley, Perdido Key and Pensacola are all short drives from each other. 3. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.). TRAVEL. Save it for later or share it on social media. The Only Orange Beach Girls Getaway Guide You Need, Stay in Orange Beach, but only at a specifically beachfront property. Its not about the money, Kennon said.

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