Gulfport, MS or Gulf Shores, AL?

[DINKDisneyAddict]

Has anyone here ever rented a beach house in Gulfport, MS?

What about Gulf Shores, AL?

The choices seem to be very overwhelming. Gulfport is more centrally located for all parties, but we could do Gulf Shores, as we would be the ones driving farther.

I would like something directly on the beach, with a BBQ, big patios overlooking the water. There are a lot of choices, and so I am looking for any recommendations from people who have actually stayed there before. Our budget is around $150-200 per night, for 4 adults (2 married couples, and 3 children (one 5 year old and 2 infants) for next month.

Thank you in advance for any help!

 

[WDWAMY]

I live near the Mississippi Gulf coast and take my kids there for day trips frequently. However, if I were planning a beach vacation, I would definitely plan to stay in Gulf Shores. The water and sand are much more beautiful the farther east you go on the Gulf Coast. The water in Mississippi is very brown as it is near the mouth of the Mississippi River. Also, you're not going to find a house "on the beach" in Mississippi. It's pretty much casinos.

 

[twinboysmom]

For a beach vacation, Gulf Shores. Much prettier beaches and water.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I agree with the previous posters. I like Gulf Shores.

 

[DINKDisneyAddict]

Do any of you have a specific houses you have rented before?

 

[twinboysmom]

No, we go to Destin frequently and have a condo there(my parents actually).

 

[emdav]

Gulf Shores all the way! Sorry, I don't have specific advice.

 

[wtccheermom]

Been to both and defintely Gulf Shores!!!

 

[ilovejack02]

Gulf Shores : )
Which reminds me I need to book something for Easter week lol.

 

[rhondabee]

I would say Gulf Shoresif you are going to spend alot of time in the water. I live in MS and have been to the MS Gulf Coast several times, but I think the water and beach at Gulf Shores is much more beautiful. Having said that, the MS Gulf Coast does have several nice places to tour (Beauvoir-Jefferson Davis' home), (The new George Ohr Art Museum), (the Ship Island Excursion) and (the Marine Life Oceanarium) just to name a few.

 

[webprinter]

We live in MS also. When we go to the beach for a day, we go to Gulf Shores. When we go for a long weekend or week, we go to Destin or Panama City Beach.

 

[justinjenn]

Just got back from my first trip to Gulf Shores and let me tell you I was more than impressed. It was so beautiful there... We stayed in a beach front condo, I think 200 a night/ 3bed/3bath on the 15th floor. It was an amazing visit. I found it on vrbo and definitely had a good experience.

Jenn

 

[ChattaAlley]

Gulf Shores hands down. Been to both but GS is much prettier. Lots of stuff to do and pretty beaches.

 

[cvrapclark]

Gulfport for casinos only!! The water there does not look very inviting. I think they've worked on the actual beach.

Gulf Shores or Orange Beach or Destin, PC Beach for the beach vacation.

 

[ToddyLu]

As a current lifelong resident of Pascagoua, MS on the Gulf Coast near Mobile. I would have to agree that for a beach visit with kids your best time would in Gulf Shores. The beaches along the Gulf Coast while clean do not afford the "views one would expect". Our water here is not clear due to the barrier islands. So from Mobile Bay to New Orleans we have dark water with white sand. From Gulf Shores over to Florida you have the beaches with beautiful water with clean sand. While we have recovered here from Hurricane and oil spill, the businesses are coming back slowly. THere are casinos all along the coast which are lovely and fun with nightly shows and terrific buffets. Gulf Shores has a wonderful Outlet mall on Hwy 59 and more restaurants. Prime Outlets is a great outlet mall on I-10 and Hwy 49 in Gulfport. If you want a party weekend then Gulfport is your city. We are perfect here--100 miles from Gulf Shores--50 miles from New Orleans....perfect for day trips in either direction. But with kids I am sure you are looking for a family handout and you would be better served in Gulf Shores.

But definitely come here for some adult fun ..anytime....we are open for business.