What?! I haven't talked about the BEACH yet??

Despite it being quite a production to get set up on the beach with all the paraphernalia required for a toddler and an infant, we've managed to head down to the gulf at least once a week since we arrived last month. Still haven't found a good shade solution. but we have learned NOT to buy any of the options available at Target. I think I'm going to have to knuckle down and order a high quality umbrella online.

So far we've been to two different sections of the beach. The first is a place recommended by several long-term locals, off of Toledo. Basically, head west on 98, past Pier Park, and follow the sign that says "Beaches by Toledo". There's a store just across from the beach in case you forgot your water or sunblock, and you can park about 100 feet from the water. In our two visits, it hasn't been crowded at all and there's not much traffic (relatively speaking) to deal with to get there. The only downside for me is that you have to bring  your own shade and chair and I get tired of hauling a heavy baby in a carseat back up the hill to the car.

The other option costs $8 or a $120/yr family state park pass. St. Andrews State Recreational Area (or whatever they decided to call parks down here) is on the far east end of the Beach by Shell Island. Bring cash for your entrance fee. There's also a great store you literally walk through to get to the beach, there's a nice pier you can fish off of or just look for marine life from, showers on the boardwalk, and restrooms! My favorite feature, however, is the jetty area where little ones can play without worrying about an undertow. On the left side as you walk down is the jetty, on the right side is the Gulf in all its glory. And to top it all off, there are first-come, first-serve wooden beach chairs set up and a little rotunda area with benches that overlook the jetty. Usually Super Hero heads down to the jetty with our Little Mermaid while I sit up in the breezy shade with Super Fussy Pants and read my kindle.

Which reminds me: there's also WiFi.

You can guess which is my favorite option. And what I'm spending $120 on next pay period...