Protect Your Trip Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price, Courtesy of Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. Most travelers come and stay for a week, making these kinds of accommodations even more useful.
Stroll along the beautiful beaches or experience the great live music in this family-friendly area. Thats not to say there isnt a scene, however, for other kinds of travelers. Gulf Shores International Airport - Jack Edwards Field. Browse information on Gulf Shores' city maps. Expedia, Inc. is not responsible for content on external Web sites.
The property is built to blend in with the pristine natural surroundings of the state park that divides Gulf Shores from Orange Beach.
And in Summer 2022, a giant indoor water park Tropic Falls Indoor Water Park will be opening. Whether you want to unwind and relax or find adventure, there's something for everyone on Alabama's beaches. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Enjoy a beach locale, a fitness center, and onsite parking. The world-famous Flora-Bama bar and lounge rests on the line between Orange Beach, AL and Perdido Key, FL. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Extend your evening by visiting one of the bars that offer everything from live local bands, to karaoke and DJs playing the latest tunes.
Spectrum also manages The Beach Club in Gulf Shores. If you are considering a trip to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, this article has everything a first time visitor needs to know. "My sister and I were very satisfied with the hotel and the area we were in. As snow birds that have visited Gulf Shores 3 winters and are returning for a fourth, I appreciated your overview. Your explanation was like asking a friend questions.
Start planning a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and make your next vacation one to remember.
While Gilchrist Island is privately owned and not accessible to the public, the other three islands are owned by the city and visitors are welcome!
Major cities and regions of note include: Gulf Shores is the older, more established beach area in the region that is still the center of most of the action. The general aviation airport in Gulf Shores just a couple of miles from the beach recently got a new air traffic control tower and a new name Gulf Shores International. The best times to visit Gulf Shores are March through May and September through November. Copyright 2022 Trips With Tykes | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, First Timers Guide to the Florida Panhandle Beaches, The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel, 29 Brilliant Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, 31 Things to do in Orange Beach the Locals Love, Planning a Girlfriend Getaway in Gulf Shores, Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, What You Need to Know About a Trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama. The airport authority is in talks to bring commercial service to the airport as early as Summer 2022. At just $24.99 per person with discounts often available ($22.49 when purchased online in advance), the price is right too. A lot of visitors to Alabama beaches will spend time in Foley because it is home to some popular outlets, a regional amusement park, and a number of restaurants. But there is also a lot to do in the area for families particularly eating great seafood or embarking in a few adventurous activities. Expect very long lines for dinner in the summer we found lunch time was much easier to find a table.
What are some popular places to visit in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? These all-inclusive resorts will inspire you to book your trip to Costa Rica right now. Gulf Shores vs. Orange Beach - Which is Better? I would highly recommend the Coastal Birding Trail, if that is where your interest lies. Explore the waterfront in Orange Beach with a trip to Gulf State Park Fishing Pier. Now that I live outside the South, however, Ive come to realize that much of the rest of the country is clueless about this area! At the very least, send the fastest member of your traveling party to make a mad dash after deplaning to camp out in line. Visit Orange Beach, Alabama, for a wide range of outdoor activities and to enjoy a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere. Meanwhile, families with children will appreciate the city's kid-friendly attractions, such as Waterville USA and the local zoo.
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The nicest of all the condo choices is Turquoise Place, a newer high rise in Orange Beach managed by Spectrum Resorts where each unit has a hot tub on the balcony.
And theres enough of a party and bar scene that spring breakers and 20 somethings can find something that works for them too. Visitors looking for a livelier dining experience should check out Lulu's or Flora-Bama.
Keep heading west from Gulf Shores to travel along the Fort Morgan Peninsula. Although Im a California girl now, I was born and raised in Alabama.
Visit the Beach Express website for information about rates and how to pay. We were surprised on our visit to find that Southwest Airlines had no electronic kiosks to check-in or self-tag bags. Lots more annual events take place in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach including culinary festivals (Oyster Cook-Off, National Shrimp Festival), party festivals (Interstate Mullet Toss), and music festivals (Frank Brown International Songwriters', Festival of Art), This website uses cookies. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect family-friendly destinations. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff "My stay at this place was beautiful and they had everything I thought I needed .
Each Phoenix complex has a slightly different mix of pools and amenities. ", 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL, 36561.
But family-friendly is definitely the dominant vibe. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Gulf Shores, along with neighboring Orange Beach, offers culinary diversity, tourist attractions, and extensive options for both water and land-based activities, this resort community appeals to couples, families, and solo travelers equally. Now that Ive been to hundreds of beaches around the country and the world, I realize Alabamas white sugar sand beaches and calm turquoise waters have ruined me for nearly everywhere else. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are well known all over the South as a relatively inexpensive, family-friendly beach destination. The airport is located on the far west side of the city, making the drive from MOB to Gulf Shores about 1.5 hours long. The Wharf Amphitheater is also home to major concerts and events. I loved exploring the larger area of Baldwin County while hoping for a glimpse of birds. The closest airport within the state of Alabama to the Alabama Beaches is the next county over is Mobile Regional Airport. You'll also want to book your hotel or vacation rental well in advance if you're visiting in the summer to secure the best price. After visiting Orange Beach Welcome Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Orange Beach.
Not only does this city on the Gulf of Mexico boast emerald waters, it also offers easy access to 32 miles of Alabama coastline. While the venues can get busy and are slightly touristy, many say travelers should experience each at least once. Yes, the Perdido Pass contains four islands famous to locals. BOOK 100 TOURS, RENTALS & ATTRACTION TICKETS.
Gulf Shores does not have a public transportation system nor does it have a beachside boardwalk like other coastal towns.
From freshly caught seafood to mouthwatering burgers to delectable desserts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The panhandle of Florida eats up most of the real estate due south of the state, so Alabamas swath of coastline is often missed after a quick glance at the map. Take a walk across the boardwalk over the dunes to go directly to the Gulf and dip your toes in the warm waters.Enjoy some of the freshest seafood on the Gulf Coast at one of several waterfront restaurants. Cruises depart from Hudson Marina and last about two hours.For something a little quieter, book a seat on a cruise to spot dolphins, sea turtles and manatees. 
And for even more perspectives on Alabama beach vacations, check out these guides from some fellow family travel bloggers I personally know and trust who have also traveled recently to the area: Disneyland Food & Wine Festival 2022: Tips, Tricks, & What to Know Before You Go, Hotel Review: Westin Anaheim Resort Near Disneyland. While we were in the area for a whole week on our last vacation, there were quite a few activities we could not find time to fit in. 
There are tons of great spots to visit in the area. When is trash pick up? The Wharf in Orange Beach is home to a massive ferris wheel, zipline tours, shopping, dining, and water excursions. Gulf Shores sits at the intersection of State Routes 182 and 59. Both cities offer coastal dining, attractions, activities, lodging, and nightlife. To The Shores Orange Beach, a Ramada by Wyndham to your lists, Save Gulf State Park Fishing Pier to your lists, Save Orange Beach Welcome Center to your lists, Save Orange Beach Art Center to your lists, Save Big Fun Dolphin Cruise and Sealife Experience Orange Beach to your lists, Big Fun Dolphin Cruise and Sealife Experience Orange Beach, Save Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise to your lists, Save Orange Beach Dolphin Eco Boat Tour to your lists, Save Orange Beach Tower Paddle Board Rental with Delivery and Pickup to your lists, Orange Beach Tower Paddle Board Rental with Delivery and Pickup, Save Dolphin and Nature Sunset Cruise from Orange Beach to your lists, Dolphin and Nature Sunset Cruise from Orange Beach, Save 2-Hour Dolphin and Nature Eco Tour from Orange Beach to your lists, 2-Hour Dolphin and Nature Eco Tour from Orange Beach, Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum Vacations, Vacation rentals in United States of America, Vacation packages in United States of America, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking.
Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.
How do I get a Beach Express Freedom Pass? When it was time for a spring break trip or summer beach vacation, my family did what many all over the Southeast did: load up the station wagon or minivan and drive south towards the Gulf Coast. While Cotton Bayou isn't home to many top sights, Orange Beach Art Center and The Wharf are some notable places to visit nearby. Find information about Gulf Shores' Convention and Visitors Bureau. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are neighbors in Coastal Alabama. Do I need a permit for an Event that I would like to host in Orange Beach? What an informative post! Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
Rekindle the romance in these gorgeous Georgia destinations and resorts. Tourists can cast a line at Gulf State Park or hop on a boat cruise to spot dolphins. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. We got to see a brand new baby dolphin that was so adorable! That made it even more enjoyable will definitely be back on my next trip. Please visit our. While there, youll find exciting activities, delicious, dining, and of course, impressive beaches. We had wait in a very, very long ticket counter line to check our bags and were grateful we arrived early.
Most mornings in summer, the restaurant offers a character breakfast featuring pirates and princesses that is perfect for families. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our "Everything about this place is wonderful!!!". Even though PNS is a small airport, its busy during peak periods. Some other great spots to check out include The Hangout Gulf Shores (seafood dining and entertainment in a beach setting), The Track (family friendly go carts, arcade, and rides), and LuLu's Gulf Shores (beach-themed dining and music), and Waterville USA waterpark. From the waterfront to the historic downtown, explore the innovative dining options in Naples.
Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Gulf Shores and Orange beach are connected coastal communities with Gulf Shores to the West and Orange Beach to the East. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Many of the major attractions are located right on the beach road paralleling the coast, Alabama State Route 182 (known as Perdido Beach Road in Orange Beach and Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores). There are plenty of places in the area to get your fill of fish, oysters and royal reds (a shrimp species that's an Alabama specialty). Seafood is abundant and fresh in this coastal city. Coastal Alabama Staycation - What to do During Coronavirus, 8 Reasons to Hangout at Hangout Fest 2022, Food and Fun at the Zydeco & Crawfish Festival in Gulf Shores, AL, 20 Cheap Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Access information about Gulf Shores' Chamber of Commerce. Receive updates on new guides, attractions, itineraries, cool places to visit, things to do, travel tips, special opportunities and offers. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Welcome!
Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price, California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. Check out information about lodging in the City of Gulf Shores. This town on Alabamas Gulf Coast is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and its many family-friendly activities. Walton Beach (VPS).
Get ready to experience the stunning beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and 2 spa tubs. While I highly recommend spending a lot of lazy time at the beach and by the pool, there are so many activities in and around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. There are a few other beaches in the area (particularly the beaches along Dauphin Island in Mobile County) but they dont have a lot of lodging or dining options. If you choose to drive to Gulf Shores, be aware that you'll likely need to take the Baldwin Beach Express, a toll road just off Interstate 10 that takes you straight to the beach.
Exploring Orange Beach is easy on foot. Back on land, take the kids to Adventure Island, the local theme park. The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Board has also curated series of food trails that serve as self-guided food tours for visitors with themes like oysters, crab and shrimp.
Expedia and the Airplane Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.). Another viable option in a pinch for travelers to the Alabama Gulf Coast might be the small regional airport in Destin/Ft.
With an activity to suit any interest, this vacation hot spot isn't one to be missed.
The culture is very similar as well, with Gulf Shores being more famously known for events like Hangout Fest Music Festival. Look at maps carefully! Know your options as surging flight cancellations and delays threaten to ruin summer vacations. Can I get/renew a drivers license or car tag in Orange Beach?
Stroll the long stretch of soft sand or enjoy a picnic while watching boats come and go.
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Tropic Park Theme Park at OWA is a full sized amusement park offering 23 rides, from roller coasters to kiddie classics.
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At any given place along the coast are there a few walking distance restaurants around?
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Orange Beach.
Many of these condominium complexes are managed by the major realty companies in the area Kaiser, Spectrum Resorts, Brett-Robinson, and many others. Upon departure, give yourself plenty of time for bag check and security.
", Palm Beach Resort Orange Beach a Ramada by Wyndham, 22984 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL, 36561. A car is necessary for exploring other towns and beaches along the 32-mile (51-kilometer) length of the Gulf Coast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff "99% of our stay was great! We loved everything about our experience on The Sunny Lady!
Flora-Bama, so called because it straddles the Florida and Alabama border, offers live music, tons of food options and a range of events including triathlons, contests and open mic nights. Visit hundreds of awe-inspiring animals at The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or cast a line at the Gulf State Pier in Orange Beach. At the very tip is the historic Fort Morgan itself, the site of a Civil War battle. A lot of the management companies advertise or rent on sites like VRBO, Airbnb, and Vacasa, so its sometimes easiest to start there to compare options. 28103 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL, 36561. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event. Escape to Alabamas Beautiful Beaches
To The Shores Orange Beach, a Ramada by Wyndham, 24060 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL, 36561. Check out the Pink Pony Pub or The Hangout.
Most of these condo complexes are pretty indistinguishable from one another, with similar amenities and layouts. Read more about. While visiting Orange Beach East, you might make a stop by sights like Gulf State Park and Perdido Key Beach. A number of the room types have bunk beds in addition to a king, making them ideal for families.
The destination? Alternatively, you can fly into Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), which is about 70 miles northwest of Gulf Shores. Even Illinois and Indiana-based travelers are also frequent visitors. After a hot day on the beach, take the whole family to The Yard for an enormous milkshake treat. 2015 CITY OF ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA.
City of Orange Beach My trash hasn't been picked up, who do I call.
Gulf Shores' miles of coastline are perfect for long walks as you enjoy sweeping Gulf views. Flight options increase in the summer months due to seasonal schedule changes. If you're interested in a summer visit, know that June, July and August are three of the area's wettest months and also the most popular.
You can opt to fly into one of two airports to get to Gulf Shores. Explore an array of options for your next family ski vacation or a romantic wine retreat. I was pretty surprised to find out recently from a friend in Kentucky that many families from her area make the road trip regularly every year!
Take the family on an outing to Adventure Island during your trip to Orange Beach. See its simulated volcano, complete with steam and fire, go on thrill rides and drive the go-karts and bumper boats. ", Escapes! "We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn for our 3yo daughters first beach trip. Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are heavily influenced by Gulf of Mexico beach culture and provide similar vacation experiences highlighting both family fun and romance. Figure out your top 3 before you go, because you may run out of time once you discover how gorgeous the beaches are and how much time you will want to spend there. Drive up your heart rate with extreme activities, such as zip lining and parasailing. While the area is definitely more of a drive destination, travelers who want to fly in have several airport options for flying to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. For travelers used to beach vacation destinations in many other places, the lodging situation on the Alabama Gulf Coast might appear a bit strange at first glance.
Our family stayed in a complex called Summer House on our last trip which is a mid-range option in Orange Beach. This area was developed later than Gulf Shores and still is a bit quieter (although the continued development makes it busier with each passing year!).
Orange Beach, AL, lies directly to the east of Gulf Shores, and borders Florida. With so many cars piling onto such a short stretch of beach, that can mean traffic congestion.
There is an adjacent shopping and restaurant district as well.
Using a smartphone to order an Uber or Lyft is also an option, though cars may not run frequently. Country greats like Kenny Chesney play here regularly. (Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. Flora-Bama is testament to the local culture offering seafood, entertainment, and giant events and concerts. This enormous outdoor restaurant founded by Jimmy Buffetts sister has amazing seafood, cocktails, and live music, but also features an arcade and ropes course that is a must-do for kids. Buy points online in advance to save money and share among a larger group.
The OWA amusement park in nearby Foley is a massive theme park complete with rides, dining, and entertainment. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. When it comes to family friendly, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are about as good as it gets. 2022 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. Coastal Alabama beaches, specifically the beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, are composed of soft, white sand.
The neighborhood of Gulf Highlands you pass along the way is another popular cluster of vacation properties. The Wharf is a shopping, dining, and entertainment district on the bay side of Orange Beach.
It will also be closer to Alabamas beach destinations at about an hour away. Portions are hearty and the prices are pretty cheap ($19.99 for adults, $9.99 for kids 6-12, free for kids 5 & under).
Travelers can take advantage of these sweet spots outside the busy (and more expensive) summertime and enjoy swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, which still offers pleasant temperatures in the late spring and early fall. Kim Foley MacKinnon|Ann HensonJuly 28, 2022, Rachael Hood|Amanda NorcrossJuly 27, 2022, Holly Johnson|Amanda NorcrossJuly 21, 2022, The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions. A number of accommodations, eateries, shops and attractions are just steps away from the sand and the water. Believe it or not, kids are also welcome in much of the complex. Not into swimming or water sports? Though Gulf Shores Seafood is grab-and-go (there's no place to sit and eat), travelers agree it offers some of the best seafood in town and highly recommend the spot's low country boil and one of its many dips. The two sister cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL, attract travelers from across the nation with the promise of music, adventure, and snow-white beaches.
Yes!
Orange Beach is Alabama's eastern-most settlement and directly borders the laid-back beach town of Perdido Key, Florida.
The vast majority of the accommodations available in the area are condos for rent from individual owners not hotels.
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants.
While visitors arriving by air have to drive a bit to reach Alabamas beaches, there are more options on the near-term horizon to watch for future trips. Restaurants all reliably have amenities for families like kids menus and high chairs, and no one is going to look twice at you taking kids just about anywhere in the area. Just straddling the state line is perhaps the most famous dive bar in America. Save 10% or more on thousands of properties with member prices.
Or,go sailing at sunset and sip champagne as you watch the sun dip below the glistening Alabama coastal waters. We are considering visiting the area for the first time this March/April.