Coming to the wisdom of the THF seeking a recommendation between Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Biloxi. Considering reserving a beachside condo/resort hotel for next Summer at one of these 3 locations for 5 day/ 4 night stay. We have never been to any of these 3 but have been multiple times to Fort Walton / Destin / Pennsacola and other FL Panhandle resort areas. Trying one of these for a new experience. Will likely be 3 adults and 3 non-adults, ages 19 to 16. Two girls and one boy. Of the 3 looking for the nicest/most relaxing beach, things to do/see, keep entertained, fed and just have the best vacation we can. What one of those 3 does THF recommend. Thanks.

I'd pick Gulf Shores/Orange Beach over Biloxi.

We stayed here --> https://thebeachclub.spectrumresorts.com/

Charlie

Would go Orange Beach.

Maybe Navarre Beach, unless you have already been there.

Thanks Charlie, can you please elaborate a little why? For my money and enjoyment, Destin / San Destin, FL is likely our favorite beach locale in U.S. How would you compare/contrast either Gulf Shores or Orange Beach to Destin?

We stayed here this summer and it was really nice.

https://goo.gl/maps/yHYQrfwBywX2ygFD9

Considering Biloxi, Gulf Shores or Orange Beach only; we are very aware of how nice Pensacola, Destin, Watercolors and the other nice FL Panhandle beaches are. Of those first 3, what one did you like best and why?

Look at your google earth map of Biloxi vs Gulf Shores/Orange beach, Biloxi whole general area is a lot more densely populated which means more of the local riff raff hanging out all of the time at the beach and everyplace else.
I apologize if I offended any of the 12 upstanding citizens of the Biloxi area

We have been to Orange beach/Gulf Shores beaches with the kids, it was extremely nice and affordable and not very crowded, we will go back
We have also been to Destin and enjoyed it also, we liked Gulf Shores/Orange beach better for it seemed more laid back with all of the same amenities.

another vote for Orange beach.

Great to hear Stub, so are Gulf Shores and Orange Beach basically one in the same; looks like Gulf Shores may be slightly eastward on the beachfront from Orange Beach?

Not really but they are close.
From west to east you have Gulf Shores then fairly close but separated by the state park is Orange Beach and then Perdido Key which butts up to Orange beach and is the high $$$ area.

With the family I bet Orange Beach would be a good choice for your group!

My bad Stub, I meant Gulf Shores is westward of Orange Beach. Thanks for the info, leaning towards Orange Beach from what I've seen and now what I've been hearing.

We been to gulf shores many times and would go back in a heart beat. For reasons above, biloxi has never been considered.

In either GS or OB, the condo size will dictate how busy the beach is. If you can swing a provate house those will have less beach crowd, many times you can have a beach to yourself with hindreds of yards hetween groups. Sand is soft, water isnt florida water though. But it isnt bad at all. I enjoy fishing, lots of surf options from right where you are swimming to going to the pier or elsewhere.

Highly recommend GS. Orange beach is slightly more commercialized more akin to the destin area. While GS doesnt have that feel to my family at least.

Used to go to Gulf Shores ever year when kids were growing up. Went to Pensacola for couple of business trips and really liked it. wife and I went back to Gulf Shores last year. Our vote goes to Pensacola. Better beach and food scene less people than Destin and outstanding key lime pie at Flounder's.

I grew up in the Biloxi area and Gulf shores and Orange Beach are a lot nicer. NOw if you like to gamble, then Biloxi. But if it is beaches and a much nicer/normal crowd, then the Redneck Riviera that is Orange Beach/ Gulf Shores is the answer.

OB / Perdido

I lived in P/Cola for 4 years when I was active duty and was all over the Gulf Coast. I'd pick either P/Cola or the Destin area.