FAQ's About Surf Side Shores

(Frequently Asked Questions)
(Check here often, as new questions and answers will be added on a regular basis)

Where is Gulf Shores?

Gulf Shores is located in between Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida. To get to Gulf Shores by automobile, exit off of I-10 at Loxely, Al on to the Gulf Shores Parkway, Alabama Highway 59. This is a 4-lane road, but you will go through several small communities, that have very active law enforcement "speed" chasers. If you will drive close to the speed limits, you will be O.K. Gulf Shores is about 45 minutes from both Mobile and Pensacola, depending on the traffic. If you are coming from I-65, you will exit off of I-65 at Bay Minette, Alabama, and travel the same route, The routes are clearly marked and it is a nice, pleasant drive, with lots of shops, antique dealers, a great curb market in Loxely - Wonderful strawberry shortcake. You will pass right by the Riviera Outlet Mall in Foley. You will want to spend at least part of one day hitting these great shops and wonderful values...all the way from Polo and Liz Claiborne to Black & Decker and Bose. By commercial air you will fly into either Mobile Regional Airport or Pensacola. At either place you can rent a car. By private aircraft, Jack Edwards field is only a few blocks from the Gulf beaches. 

 What are the peak seasons?
June, July, and August (weekly rentals), and January-March (winter monthly rentals).
June, July and the first three weeks of August are usually booked solid and fill early. Make your reservations for those dates as early as possible (February or before is recommended). March is busy for the normal "Spring Break" weeks. January, February and March are booked solid with winter "Snow Bird" visitors. These winter months are booked usually a year or more in advance.

What are the best times to visit?
September, October, April and May.
If your schedule is flexible, and you do not have children in school to worry about, September and October and April and May are the absolute best times to visit Gulf Shores. The weather is usually very pleasant, the fishing, golf and seafood are all great, the crowds are small, and the rates are lower. Spring and Fall is particularly great for golf and fishing. In addition to the regular seasonal rates, there are sometimes seasonal specials.... 4 nights for the price of 3......5 nights for the price of 4, etc. And, we will always work with you on last minute open dates, if your schedules are flexible. If you can come on a moments notice, let us know and we will notify you of open dates in our rental schedule.

Are Pets Allowed?
No.
 Our condo association rules do not allow pets either for owners or guests, and we fully support this regulation. There are some local kennels, etc., but we recommend leaving the pets at home. They usually have trouble adjusting to a new environment anyway. The City of Gulf Shores actually has an ordinance (with a $25 fine!) preventing dogs and cats on the beaches, in order to keep them clean for all of us. We suggest you leave the pets at home and enjoy the freedom at the beach!

Is There any Fee for Parking?
No. 
Although some condo complexes charge as much as $10-$25 per week for parking, there is no parking fee at Surf Side Shores. There is a limit of two automobiles per condo during the peak summer months and all autos are required to display a parking permit which is issued by the rental company at the time you pick up your keys. Parking of boats, trailers, motor homes, etc. is not permitted.

Final Question..... Now That You've see all of this...Why would you even want to consider going anywhere else except Gulf Shores?
The answer is that you should not even consider any other place unless you have tickets to either Cozumel or Grand Cayman. You'll have to go that far to find a finer beach!

Do You Have A Question?
E-Mail your Question and We'll give it a shot! The most interesting questions and answers will also be posted on this page on a regular basis, so check back often!