<p>What is the closest resort area to campus? Is it Mobile? I was looking at some pics and the waves weren’t very big. I can foresee a combination trip at some point- campus visit and beach, but not sure where the nice beaches are.</p>
<p>[Gulf</a> Shores Alabama - Orange Beach - Alabama Gulf Coast Vacations](<a href=“http://www.gulfshores.com/]Gulf”>http://www.gulfshores.com/)</p>
<p>You might also consider some of the beaches on the FL Panhandle.</p>
<p>If your looking for big waves, you will be disappointed. The Gulf generally has smaller waves than the East Coast and West Coast. But if you want some expert opinions on this, I may have to call on our resident Hawaiian wave experts, Malanai, his Wife and Son. If you are looking to hang 10 like they do in Hawaii, well…! You may be able to hang 1.5 at the Gulf Coast on a good day.</p>
<p>But the beaches on the Gulf are very nice. If you want real nice Perdido Key, and Destin. And if you want a bit of a drive (like 8 hours, there is Sanibel and Captiva. The shelling is great.</p>
<p>any where between Destin and Panama City is fantastic!</p>
<p>I agree, Destin, Panama City, Niceville, all lovely, I wouldn’t do Mobile. Not much regular surfing but if you go in the winter (anytime before say June) there is some reasonably good windsurfing.</p>
<p>Sounds kind of like the beaches here on LI sound, like hanging 1.5. I was just thinking of popping down to the beach if we go to 'bama anytime in the next month or two. We’ve had a tough winter here in the NE and I’m rather pasty and I could use some kind of something. I don’t think I want to drive as far as Destin and the panhandle. Thanks for the Alabama Gulf Coast vacation link m2ck, I will check that out.</p>
<p>I definitely don’t think Mobile is what you are looking for. It’s more of a bay, not beaches per se. Baldwin County has some nice beaches in areas like Foley and Gulf Shores. Again, the waves aren’t too big though. Destin’s waves have been picking up though the last few times I’ve been there. You’ll get knocked down!</p>
<p>From Tuscaloosa to Pensacola is about 4 1/2 hours. Believe it or not, it takes a bit longer to get out to the Alabama Beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach from I-65. All of these beaches in lower AL and northwest Florida have sugar white sand and are worth the drive! Quite a bit longer drive to Destin and Panama City (1 to 2 hours additional).
To Pensacola, its an easy drive. Head south on I-65 to exit 69, and take Rt 113 and then Hwy 29 to Pensacola (about 1 hour once you get of I-65). Follow signs to Pensacola Beach. Lots to do, shops, restaurants, etc. Perdido Key Beaches are also very beautiful but there are more condos, and less things to do. FYI, Perdido Key is about 25 minutes west of Pensacola.
[Visit</a> Pensacola Beach and Explore Our Beautiful Island](<a href=“http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com%5DVisit”>http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com)</p>
<p>The Emerald Coast! Destin, Seaside, Beaches of South Walton (This is my home and it is beautiful. Come on down…you’ll love it)</p>
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<p>Well, since you’ve anointed us, BB . . . Ain’t nothing wrong with hanging 1.5, especially after a mai tai or three. :)</p>
<p>I love the Gulf Coast.</p>
<p>*if we go to 'bama anytime in the next month or two. We’ve had a tough winter here in the NE and I’m rather pasty and I could use some kind of something. *</p>
<p>If you’re just looking for some sun, you may not have to go as far as the beach. We’re already having some sunny days. You may just need to pick a weekend where the predicted weather is going to be good, and sit outside The Ferg, or sit on the steps of Gorgas Library, or sit outside the patio at Lakeside Dining, or walk along The RiverWalk for some de-pasting ;)</p>
<p>However, warning…for some bizarre reason, we’ve had some rainy weather during a few of the last spring breaks. 
Even the beaches were rainy.</p>
<p>Now if you really want a great beach, just keep rolling on the 8.5 hours from TTown to Flagler Beach, Fla.
My beach, nothing like it :)</p>
<p>Pensacola Beach, just beautiful. Spent many summers there as a kid.</p>
<p>Went on MLK weekend a few years ago for a sports competition, and people were actually surfing!</p>
<p>Found a beautiful hotel on the beach, Spring Hill Suites, where we spent a nice empty nest weekend this year. Highly recommend it!</p>
<p>Clear water, white sand, just gorgeous!</p>
<p>actually, the closest beach is Dauphin Island, just south of Mobile County, via a bridge. </p>
<p>Parts of it are really pretty</p>
<p>Fort Morgan, an old Civil War base is one of its attractions.</p>
<h2>actually, the closest beach is Dauphin Island, just south of Mobile County, via a bridge</h2>
<p>So how long is the trip and what is the suggested route? sounds like Pensacola FL is 4.5 hours and mainly highways so just wanting to compare the 2 options. I think Ft Morgan is pet friendly is it not? considering a Thanksgiving visit with the entire family as S won’t be coming home with the big game in t-town this year</p>
<p>i’ll put in a vote for gulf shores! beautiful white sands… </p>
<p>[pictures</a> gulf shores beaches - Google Search](<a href=“http://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+gulf+shores+beaches&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=XVc-T722Kqji2QW9sLmFCA&ved=0CFoQsAQ&biw=1480&bih=954]pictures”>http://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+gulf+shores+beaches&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=XVc-T722Kqji2QW9sLmFCA&ved=0CFoQsAQ&biw=1480&bih=954)</p>
<p>let me know if you have any questions about what to do down there…</p>