I fondly remember my first trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
I had never heard of Alabama’s white sandy beach towns before making that trip, but I loved it so much, I have been back several times.
Whether traveling with family, your special love or a group of friends, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has everything you need for an enjoyable beach vacation.
If you, like me, know nothing about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, then you’ll appreciate what I learned on my vacation. Maybe I’ll even convince you to check it out for yourself!
ADVENTURES AND ACTIVITIES
Most popular beach vacation destinations offer activities beyond the beach to entertain families, and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are right there with them. Only, at Alabama’s beaches, these activities are a little more unique.
For families with younger kids, add the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to your list of things to do. The zoo offers several animal encounter experiences that keep everyone entertained. It takes just a few hours to visit, so plan your visit around nap time!
The Park at OWA in nearby Foley is good for kids and kids at heart. The amusement park has several kids’ rides and thrill rides for adrenaline junkies. They offer numerous ticket options, making this a budget traveler’s best buy. Restaurants and shops in the same area make OWA a full-day destination the whole family will enjoy.
There’s a lot for teens to enjoy in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Get tickets to a concert. Shop at The Wharf. Spend a day at The Track for amusements and go-kart races. And, of course, slow down and reconnect over coffee drinks and ice cream. Parents can score bonus “cool points” at The Yard Milkshake Bar!
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park is another great place to explore. With miles of paved trails, quiet spots to view wildlife, and geocaching spots to discover, there’s lots to do here. Rent bikes from a local company to explore faster or choose a section to explore on foot.
Of course, water activities are a major draw. Besides spending long, lazy days on the beach, plan a catamaran cruise with Sail Wild Hearts or a kayak tour with Wild Native Tours to learn about the coastal ecosystem. And there’s always fishing from the Gulf State Park Pier, a highlight for passionate anglers and casual casters alike.
AFFORDABILITY
As a budget-minded traveler, I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable an Alabama beach vacation really is!
Families have a wide selection of lodging options, from budget to high-end hotels, camping, and condo and beach house rentals. Add in low rates for parking ($15/day between March and September at public beaches) as well as the number of free attractions available, and the savings really add up!
A beach vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers the same sandy beaches (with smaller crowds), exciting adventures and great dining of the most famous beaches in the south. The nice thing is you don’t have to pay a premium for the privilege! That’s my kind of vacation.