Vacation Like a Local

The hidden gems here are more than the local-favorite restaurants. They’re also about the line cook who arrived early to prep his station. The gems are more than the craft beer you’re sipping, but also the husband and wife team who put their heart into the brewery. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are filled with coastal characters, so when you’re exploring to find those out-of-the-way spots, talk to the characters who call these two sister cities home.

The Gulf Shores Welcome Center and Orange Beach Welcome Center are both great places to start. More than rack cards and coupons, your most valuable sources of information are the vacation specialists who work behind the counter every day. Whether you want the inside scoop on the most secluded public beach or an out-of-the-way dive where you can sip cocktails and take in a sunset, you’ve come to the right place.

Strike up a conversation with your waiter or even the cashier at the grocery store for more insider knowledge. Sometimes, recommendations aren’t off the beaten path, but they are solid spots to experience, whether it’s a restaurant or an attraction. Your waiter or bartender will have the best recommendations for food and drinks. Even locals frequent the places with the recognizable names you heard about while planning your beach vacation. And many of those “big” restaurants are locally owned. That’s one of the fun things that offers up authentic travel experiences for visitors.

If you're staying in a locally owned accommodation, talk to the property manager about their favorite spots and activities around the island. They'll have lots of insight on what to do and where to eat.

To get you started, check out some of the unique things to do in the area that may not be in your itinerary or grab an original drink from a local bar or restaurant.