While you might argue that Northern Alabama is not technically on the Gulf Coast, it's hard to argue that Alabama isn't. This news item, though taking place a bit north of the Alabama Gulf Coast area, is potentially of great interest to birders and vacationers to the Gulf Coast area.
The good folks of Northern Alabama have put together what looks to be a spectacular birding festival this year. In its inaugural event it appears they've managed to pull off a world class weekend for birders. If you're planning to be anywhere near the northern Alabama area in early May this might be just the thing for your vacation weekend calendar.
This festival includes activities for the kids, seminars and workshops on backyard habitat, conservation practices and other topics by renowned speakers, field and canoe trips for birders, an art exhibition, a reception, social events and contests. There is literally something for everyone in the family. It will be worth the trip just to see how they will manage to fit this all in to a single weekend.
Finally, for those vacationers with a more practical, and contrarian, view of the spring break season, here's an article with an interesting and appealing spring break suggestion. Head to college with the family for spring break. Take the traditionally slow on-campus week and tour prospective colleges for your graduating high schooler.
It's a nice and productive spring break vacation idea if you think about it.. And if your college(s) of choice happen to be on or near the Gulf Coast, so much the better. Why not combine a vacation at the beach with a visit to one of the Gulf Coast's fine institutions of higher learning?