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My family and I were thinking of meeting our best friends and their kids in Gulfport for a beach vacation this year because it is halfway for both of us. I am wondering if this is a good place at all to vacation? Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!
If by beach vacation you mean swimming and sunbathing and eating seafood, Gulfport wouldn't be my choice. For adults there are the casinos but really nothing left for kids. The hurricane took away everything and, frankly, I wouldn't put a toe in the water there. Try Gulf Shores, Al. It is lovely.
The Gulf in Gulfport is not like going to the ocean. It's more like a giant lake. It really depends what you're looking for from a beach -- if you want the waves and the shells you've got to go to the Gulf Shores area. And although rebuilding is still happening, there are some activities for the kids that have reopened in Gulfport that I can think of. I know the water park has reopened, took my family there this summer. And Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is also open. I know there's a water park, race track and also a zoo over in Gulf Shores and there was an area with carnival rides too. But honestly I haven't been back over there since pre-Katrina so you'd have to research whether they too have reopened since Katrina. Maybe another poster will contribute.
Gulf Shores was unscathed by Katrina. it had gotten hit hard the year before by Ivan, but the recovery is complete as far as I can tell. There is outlet shopping in Foley, lovely little Fairhope(shops and dining), fun activities, fab beaches. I swear I am not with the Chamber of Commerce, LOL. Just trying to help. Google Gulf Shores, Alabama and you will get the idea.
One thing to think about...there are parts of the beach that are still closed. I love Gulfport. I lived on the beach for 2 years...until Katrina came along. But I never understood why people would vacation there for the beach. The barrier islands block in all the silt from rivers and such. The water is not polluted but it is murky and brownish. It is not blue like Gulf Shores. That isn't to say that the beach isnt' pretty. It is lovely. I just don't like swimming there.
Location: Official Missourian-Pray for the Natives
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Gulf Shores
Tanya - Go to Gulf Shores. I am a native Mississippian, here all my life. No one has ever or will ever go to the Gulf Coast and even put a finger, much less a toe, in the water there. Recovery from Katrina has been slow so other activities outside of casino life will be hard to find. Go to Gulf Shores.
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Gulf Shores
