Family is talking about renting a house/condo in Gulf Shores next July. We have been to Destin before (and would consider a return trip there instead) but know very little about Gulf Shores other than it having similar beaches and being a slightly shorter drive. What do I need to know? What areas of GS are best to look at? Any other good rental resources other than VRBO/HomeAway or maybe AirB&B?

We would likely have 6 adults (2 couples & 2 singles) and 5 kids (age 2-9).
Prefer min 4 bedrooms.
Pets may come along depending on location and situation.
Would like to atleast be close to the beach if not directly on it.
Private pool would be nice. Pool access a must.

We rented this place a few years back - plenty of space for 7 adults and 5 kids at that time.

https://www.meyerre.com/house/Heavenly_Sunset

It's a bit closer to Orange Beach, but in the same area.

Would go back in a heartbeat to that same house. We were there a few weeks back but stayed this time with some friends that have a family place in the area.

We love the area and want to keep going back.

Think our friends stayed in Orange Beach. Would be open to that or any surrounding area with a good place to stay and some conveniences (restaurant, grocery, etc...) fairly close by.

orange beach is a little nicer than gulf shores. It is practically the same thing. Meyer real estate really controls everything so look at their site.

Bump--interested in the same thing. Never been to the Redneck Rivera but looking to go next summer!

Also interested if anybody has any tips, recommendations.

Are you flying or driving? I have to head there in a couple weeks and just noticed there's no airport so I'd have to rent a car once I land OR make a long drive

edit: I need to learn to read, you mention driving in your post.

We closed on a one bedroom beach condo yesterday and are taking care of a few items while we are here... Dfw to Pensacola is a 1 hour 30 minute flight on aa... about a 45 minute drive from there..... if you have any questions about the area etc you can pm me...

Fort Morgan is about 20 minutes from Gulf Shores and more secluded but also less crowded. Gulf shores and orange beach don't allow dogs anymore but Fort Morgan does. They also have a couple nice golf courses down there, namely Kiva Dunes. Hope this helps!

Kiva Dunes is a fantastic golf course.