I am going to New Orleans for a conference in late April for three days. I thought I would spend the first few days of the week at a beach area nearby. I have to fly in to New Orleans and will rent a car. I was thinking maybe the Alabama coast area? Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks.

www.gulfshores.com

Or you can drive further east on I-10 to the Panhandle beaches.

Pensacola, FL is a very nice beach. Takes about the same amount of time to get there as it does Gulf Shores. Destin, FL is a little further but the water is a beautiful blue.

Thanks, I'm considering Pensacola now. Any particular area or hotel that you would recommend? Looks like it's about a three hour drive to Pensacola and 4 hours to Destin.