OT: Beach Vacation Suggestions

[SyonaraStanz]

I'm looking to book a family vacation for my family (wife, 2 year old girl, me). Any good suggestions for a toddler friendly place, anywhere between Gulf Shores and Seaside? Somewhere that won't break the bank...

All one bedroom places I find are pretty expensive; not to mention one bedrooms are hard to find.

Many thanks.

 

[Sutterkane]

Define expensive

 

[SyonaraStanz]

Around $250 - $300 a night, depending on amenities.

 

[dawgstudent]

When do you want to go?

 

[SyonaraStanz]

Early - mid August.

 

[Xenomorph]

We stayed at Eden in Perdido a few times before the family grew...

I really loved it. The beach is beautiful and not crowded due to no development to its east. The pool is a great size and a waterfall feature always seemed to keep the water cool (though I can't remember if it's zero entry) and beach access is quick for the little ones.

http://www.edencondominiums.com/rentals/rates

Actually... as I think back on it.. I wonder why in the hell we've screwed around with places like Caribe and Turquoise over the past decade and put up with the ridiculous parking situations, crowds and prices. Eden really was perfect...

 

[ronpolk]

Early - mid August.

If you can, go after Labor Day. Peak season is memorial day to Labor Day. You'll save some money if you can delay your vacation a few weeks.

 

[Lawdawg.sixpack]

Go offseason. That's the best part about vacationing with kids who aren't in school. Save $$$ and miss the crowds.

Check VRBO, it's easy to see when and how much rates drop throughout the year. With a 2 year old, I would look for a place with a good pool.

 

[dawgstudent]

This. We go in October/November and it's 75-80 degrees with a lot less people. A lot of deals on VRBO.

 

[WayboDawg]

This. We go in October/November and it's 75-80 degrees with a lot less people. A lot of deals on VRBO.

Yep. Funny how its the opposite for Gatlinburg, TN. Everyone wants to go during the Fall and Christmas time, but the Gulf Coast beaches are virtually vacant.

 

[ronpolk]

This. We go in October/November and it's 75-80 degrees with a lot less people. A lot of deals on VRBO.

We typically go in early September. Weather is still plenty warm and typically the water is clear everyday. Sometimes in June snd July when the water is first heating up the June grass can be thick.

 

[natchezdawg]

I endorse Perdido Key as well...

We stayed at Beach Colony two weeks ago and could not have been more satisfied.


- Beach is less crowded
- Traffic is not a factor
- Grocery stores, liquor stores, CVS, etc. just across the Inter-coastal WW bridge
- If it rains or you get board, Pensacola is only 20 minutes or so.



You should have no trouble finding something down that way for your price point and time frame on VRBO.

 

[basedawg]

When do you want to go?

dawgstudent, you gave me a great lead several years ago at Sea Grove, been there (same condo) for 3 straight years. Thanks again as we go end of May every year.

 

[Digging dog]

There are condos in GS/ OB that are 1 bedroom that also have bunk beds built into a wall. We use to rent these when my daughters were young. (Re to the age of yours). They were less expensive and really worked out ok with the younger child.
Keiser realty should have a site with more info.

 

[mcdawg22]

The other plus about going after Labor Day. Less hurricane chance, and the winds aren't as strong out of the South so the 2 year old can enjoy the water because green and yellow flags are more common. Water clarity is actually better too, and the June Grass is all gone.

 

[dickiedawg]

Check this place out.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1879682?guests=3&s=eTUk
My wife and toddler and I stayed here in May. Looks like it's available for $165/night for a week in mid August (we didn't pay quite that much but it was early season and last minute). It's small but it was clean, kitchen has everything you need, convenience store right across the street. Complex is right on the beach (though the view in the photos is a touch misleading... The specific unit doesn't have that great of a view).
Having the extra bedroom for our son was clutch- don't think I can overstate how much I recommend that.
We took our pack and play, but there's a place down there that rents cribs by the night or by the week and will deliver and seemed reasonable. With all the crap you have to pack already, if your trunk or cargo space is limited it's worth considering. This is assuming you're still using a crib, which I guess some 2-year olds have moved on from.