Gulf Shores vs Folly Beach?

My aunt's family goes to Folly Beach every year and my parents are thinking of us tagging along next year. I'm trying to get them to go to Gulf Shores instead, mainly because it is a 3 hour drive from New Orleans (I am obsessed with that place). Both are about the same distance from Chicago, and they both have about equal beaches to me. Which one is better for more relaxing, fishing, shopping (for my mom and aunt), and I guess just cheaper?