Posted: 5/14/2012 12:02:35 PM EDT
| Looking to take the kido's on vacation in Mississippi. Need some input on places to stay or not to stay on the coast. Biloxi looks appealing, but from seems like a lot of casinos and such, which while fine by me, may not be as appealing to a seven year old. Is it worth the coin for a hotel on the beach, or is there a better place for this type of trip. Thanks. |
Man, I live here in south MS, about 60 or so miles north of the coast, and am going to step out and give advice, might piss some people off though. If you want the beaches, clear water and such, go to Orange Beach AL or Gulf Shores AL, they are not far apart. Water is crystal clear, plenty of things to do at Waterville in GS, biking trails, and the Pensacola NAS Museum is about 30-45 mins away. You can spend 4-5 hrs there easily, it's free, and it's something the kids would remember for a long time. On the coast, other than the casino's, there's just not that much to do if children are with you. There's a big water park out on I-10 just west of Gulfport though. Water in the MS Sound is not the clearest or cleanest...more like the mighty MS river water before it gets filtered. Plenty of seafood places to choose from, but from my standpoint, if it was me, I'd be going to the Orange Beach area. Maybe a little bit more travel time, but in my opinion, well worth it. Hope this helps somewhat, and be safe and enjoy your time with your family by all means! 
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Agree. MS coast kinds sucks because the Mississippi Sound is full of nasty water. Gulf Shore, Orange Beach, AL or Perdido FL is much much much nicer. Yes, you want to be in a condo on the beach. Walking out of your condo to either the pool or beach without getting in your car or walking across the highway is well worth the extra money. |
| I grew up on the coast and lived there for 30 years. You dont' want to go there for a vacation, especially with kids. Like the others said, not much for them to do and the beaches/water is not resort quality. Santa Rosa island is the best beach I've been on in the area. Orange Beach is great too, but Santa Rosa is where it's at for me. |
Bunch o' beach snobs in this thread  
I grew up going to Gulfport/Biloxi when I was a kid and I thought it was great. I didn't know any better. I don't know how old your kids are, but last few years, my wife and I have taken the kids for short 1 or 2 night trips to a hotel - I think it's the Quality Inn - in Biloxi, across Highway 90 from the beach. It's not too expensive, has a nice pool that the kids like just as much as the beach, and its a hop across the highway from the beach. They don't care if the sand isn't snow white and the water isn't crystal clear. My boys are 7 and 5. To be fair, we are going to Gulf Shores this summer too, as a part of my parents' big family vacation together. But we might ease on down to Biloxi at some point for a weekender later this summer too. I can't afford the week-long condos in Destin/Gulf Shores, etc. 
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Quoted: Man, I live here in south MS, about 60 or so miles north of the coast, and am going to step out and give advice, might piss some people off though. If you want the beaches, clear water and such, go to Orange Beach AL or Gulf Shores AL, they are not far apart. Water is crystal clear, plenty of things to do at Waterville in GS, biking trails, and the Pensacola NAS Museum is about 30-45 mins away. You can spend 4-5 hrs there easily, it's free, and it's something the kids would remember for a long time. On the coast, other than the casino's, there's just not that much to do if children are with you. There's a big water park out on I-10 just west of Gulfport though. Water in the MS Sound is not the clearest or cleanest...more like the mighty MS river water before it gets filtered. Plenty of seafood places to choose from, but from my standpoint, if it was me, I'd be going to the Orange Beach area. Maybe a little bit more travel time, but in my opinion, well worth it. Hope this helps somewhat, and be safe and enjoy your time with your family by all means! Haha, I first read the thread when the OP posted and though about directing him to Gulf Shores instead. I didn't because I didn't want to piss anyone off. Glad you took that leap. Here's another +1 for Gulf Shores.
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Quoted: Bunch o' beach snobs in this thread I grew up going to Gulfport/Biloxi when I was a kid and I thought it was great. I didn't know any better. I don't know how old your kids are, but last few years, my wife and I have taken the kids for short 1 or 2 night trips to a hotel - I think it's the Quality Inn - in Biloxi, across Highway 90 from the beach. It's not too expensive, has a nice pool that the kids like just as much as the beach, and its a hop across the highway from the beach. They don't care if the sand isn't snow white and the water isn't crystal clear. My boys are 7 and 5. To be fair, we are going to Gulf Shores this summer too, as a part of my parents' big family vacation together. But we might ease on down to Biloxi at some point for a weekender later this summer too. I can't afford the week-long condos in Destin/Gulf Shores, etc. Destin is much more expensive IME, generally 10-15% across the board for rentals, food, fishing etc etc. Fort Morgan is great to get away from the crowds. Nothing better than dragging the boat and family to the Alabama coast for a week of fishing, hanging out on the beach, and eating seafood. |
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Well... If you can get out to ship island, it's worth the trip. Historic civil war fort, and a national park. 1 hours boat ride on the ferry... Very enjoyable. VERY nice beachs... on par with Pensacola / gulf shores.
If you want family entertainment, I'd hit Orange beach / gulf shores. This is from someone who works in biloxi. |
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glad i stumbled on this thread- it has my interest!!!
notice gulf shores while just poking around for a place to bring the kids––- 6 and 12 what eles is there to do there beside the beach? I am sure plenty- but geared to the kids Any specific hotel recommendations? within walking distance of a bunch of stuff? obviously would prefer a "nicer" (safer) area if possible.n any areas to avoid (crappy/unsafe) would probably be there 3- 4 nights or so would be driving- so would have a car. thanks!! PS would be august (late) |