You will love it! Gulf Place Carribean is a great location. We've stayed there several times. Your patio will open right out onto the pool if you're in the center of the building. Otherwise there will be a little path that is just steps to the Carribean pool. And be sure to check out the pool just North of the parking lot at the condos. Take a stroll through the wooded area behind the parking lot and you'll find the shuffle boards and another fabulous pool. This pool is very nicely landscaped and is more scenic. There are actually three pools available to all guests of Gulf Place but most people seem to forget that. In the past there was also a gas grill set up on the deck of this larger pool and we would take a cooler with hot dogs and brats and cook our lunch at the pool while the kids swam.
There are also changing rooms and bathrooms at this pool.
To get to the beach you can walk directly across the street from your condo. There is a sidewalk that leads from the Carribean pool to the crosswalk. (notice the yellow pedestrian sign in the photo) Then cross the street to the boardwalk. Or as mentioned earlier you can walk about 1-2 blocks East and cross to Ed Walline Park. This has a very nice boardwalk with a gazebo style structure on it which is nice for sunsets.
You mentioned the water condition...We spent a week at the Carribean a few years ago and the water was really bad. Murky and lots of weedy floaty thingys. We didn't get in the Gulf much but the pools were great. Then on the last day we drove over to San Destin and the water there was crystal clear. We should have searched out other beaches for swimming earlier. Live and learn. If Gulf Place Beach is not clear, try driving to another public access. You might find a good spot.
Have a great trip! I'm posting a couple pictures of the pool and the top floor view from our balcony.
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