Depending upon your stage in life, the term spring break conjures a variable set of memories. The experiences in Gulf Shores provide a family friendly spring break. They have more to do with family time on the beaches, rejuvenating sun and relaxation and surrounding yourself with the best in dining, recreation and entertainment.
That’s our idea of a spring break. Historically, the roots are quite different.
A Brief History of Spring Break
The historic epicenter of spring break shenanigans is Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Some quick internet research traces the roots back to a College Coaches Swim Forum in 1938. About 300 collegiate swimmers and their respective student bodies attended. By 1959, over 20,000 students made the trek to South Florida where risky behavior was an intended part of the agenda.
The 1960 release of the movie “Where the Boys Are” added fuel to the fire and inspired a new batch of spring-time partiers. (The title song holds up better than the movie does 60 years later!) Twenty-five years later, 370,00 students showed up – and, the mayor of Ft. Lauderdale stated students were no longer welcome in 1985. It’s a sure sign the the party has gotten out of hand when MTV gets banned.
Today, the party has moved elsewhere. Panama City, Florida hosts a staggering 500,000 young adults thanks to hotel capacity of 18,000 rooms.
Gulf Shores, Alabama isn’t necessarily a “Panama City” type of spring break destination. It’s one of the South’s best-kept secrets for a family spring break. Come for a visit and let us show you the communities we’re very proud of.
Nearby places like Fort Morgan and Orange Beach, offer such a wide variety of family activities that you might even find yourself considering a beach house in the area. The fine and casual dining, the arts and culture – and, YES, THE BEACHES. Access to the surf and sand is a huge recreational attraction here – and, this is a quick list of the beaches you’ll love:
Gulf Shores Public Access at 12th Street (Gulf Shores)
Little Lagoon Pass Beach (Gulf Shores)
Cotton Bayou Beach (Orange Beach)
Romar Beach (Orange Beach)
Relax in the sun, refresh yourself with an ocean swim, go parasailing, or simply enjoy the vista. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer multiple choices for beach recreation. Check out the feel and the vibe of the area – and, if we can ever help with locating your dream home in the area, we’d love to be of service.
We promise a family friendly feel. And, we promise there won’t be 500,000 college kids to contend with.
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