where can I escape the spring break crowds?

[Tom Monroe]

I work for a college, so I get spring break off, and my wife and I want to drive our motorhome down to somewhere on the Florida/Alabama/Mississippi gulf coast, and do some camping, rent a dinghy or small cat, something like that. And we don't want to share the experience with drunken students. I know from overhearing the stories that means stay away from Panama City and the like. Any suggestions on where to go?And, can I swim in the gulf in early March?Thanks,Tom MonroeCarlyle Lake

 

[Rick Webb]

Shhhh, Do Not Tell Anyone Else

Fairhope Alabama on the east side of Mobile bay is a nice little town close enought to the beach and to Mobile for the big city stuff. To go right to the beach Orange Beach Alabama is very nice. One of my favorite road houses is the Florabama Bar right on the border of Florida and Alabama might be pretty full during spring break though. Over in Mississippi, Bay St Louis is a great place to visit but the beaches there are not great if you bring your boat you can go out to Cat or Ship Island which have nice beaches. New Orleans is a couple of hours away for a side trip. And you can swim in the gulf early as February many years.

 

[Jack Brunicon]

Here's one.

Fort Walten Beach, Florida. Just East of Pennsacola. We were there spring 2003. Not many students. Great beach and boats.

 

[Paul H]

Fort Walton Beach

I second Jack's recommendation. Plus if you head west toward Pensacola there is a place called Navarre Beach where they used to rent Hobie Cat's. There is a huge protected bay right at the rental. Don't know if they are still in business though.Paul HS/V Linda Belle95 H26