Community Forums

Chuck&Pam · 03-22-2016, 02:12 PM

We have reservations at Gulf State Park in May. Now I find out that there's a huge music festival - Hangout Fest - scheduled for that weekend. While I do like music, I do not want to join the crowd. Does this fest take over the town and beaches for that weekend? Are we going to be able to enjoy the beach and the restaurants in Gulf Shores? Or should I look for something farther east?

First hand knowledge really appreciated.

Thanks!

DebbieMH · 03-22-2016, 05:41 PM

You will be fine. The hang out is not right by the state park. Restaurants maybe crowded - but they are that way most of the summer. Beach will be nice. Enjoy. They have food at the Hang Out - so just go out to eat and the beach not near the Hang out.

Chuck&Pam · 03-23-2016, 05:23 PM

So where are the beach stages set up for Hangout? What worries me is that one of the maps looks like the shuttle stops at state beach parking area. Will the parking area not fill up?

DebbieMH · 03-23-2016, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck&Pam

So where are the beach stages set up for Hangout? What worries me is that one of the maps looks like the shuttle stops at state beach parking area. Will the parking area not fill up?

Don't worry about it. You will be fine.

Roger G · 03-23-2016, 07:25 PM

There is something going on in the area every weekend for the next few months. The parking for the state park beach is huge but if it does fill up, just take a short drive down to one of the public beaches in Orange Beach. Most of the festival goers will be in hotels or condos. I just wouldn't drive west on beach Blvd. The Hangout is at the intersection of Beach Blvd and Hwy 59. Canal Rd will be your friend.

papaw.1 · 03-23-2016, 08:36 PM

Hi Chuck,
We go to Gulf State Park 4 or 5 times a year and we just got back this past Sunday from there for 2 weeks and it was spring break and wasn't bad.What we do if we want to go to the beach is that when you come out of the park take a left and go up to the parking lot walk across the street and the beach is right there with no crowding at all and also if you go to the right out of the park you can go to restaurants and wally world without getting in all the Hangout traffic.Just enjoy your time there.We will be back there in Aug.Good Luck and Safe Travels.

brabono · 03-23-2016, 09:01 PM

Best bet go east on beach road to Orange beach. Canal road gets pretty crowded. They are working on adding extra lane. Should be finished by Memorial Day

Chuck&Pam · 03-27-2016, 07:29 AM

Thanks for all the tips and comments. With all that going on, I'm thinking I'll just go to Fort Pickens instead.

CherGib70 · 04-12-2016, 05:56 PM

For going to the beach, park where the state park pavilion is because parking costs $5 but if you are staying at the state park, you just show your hang tag and park for free. The cost might deter some of the Hangout guests.