When people think of awesome beaches in the South, Florida likely comes to mind. But don’t sleep on Alabama’s beaches, especially Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. You’ll cheat yourself if you do.
The white sand and turquoise waters rival some of the best in Florida and elsewhere and offer a more relaxed alternative to popular destinations like Miami Beach, Clearwater or Daytona. But what makes Gulf Shores and Orange Beach special is that there’s even more to their story. There’s Gulf State Park, with its trails and wildlife (it’s not everywhere you can spot eagles in their nests), golf, biking, boating and great restaurants (you’re in seafood heaven). Of course you have all the watersports you can handle. There is a zoo, mini golf and other kid-friendly things to do.
Here’s how to best spend time in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach.
Once you see the sparkling waters, taking a dip is likely to top your must-do list. Go: Water works wonders on woes. Refresh your mind, body and spirit. Prefer to play on the water? Kayak, paddleboard, parasail or jump on a Jet Ski. If you want to make like a 5-year-old and frolic in the sand, take a class from Sand Castle University, where you’ll meet on the beach to build a sandcastle from scratch. This is more fun than you can imagine, and you’ll have a great photo of you and your creation to show off.
“Taking a sandcastle class is a fun, relaxed setting to share a unique, memorable experience with family and friends. Playing in the sand offers a low-impact, outdoor workout. Plus, doing something creative lifts your mood and being outdoors gives you a healthy dose of Vitamin D. It’s a win-win,” says Anita Spicer, an administrative specialist for the business.
Maybe, though, what you desire most is to chill on a boat. Take a ride with Captain Glenn of Hammock Time Tiki Tours at the Caribe Marina in Orange Beach. His tiki-inspired pontoon boat has two double hammocks, comfy seating, a BYOB tiki bar and, of much importance, a restroom. He’ll become a fast friend, and it seems like he’s got a deal with the dolphins — they show up big time while you explore the back bays of Orange Beach, Robinson and Bird Islands, and more.
“My favorite saying is, if you take care of the little things, the big things will fall into place,” says Captain Glenn. “We are all about making each trip personalized. We find out what (customers) planned the trip with hopes to accomplish, and that’s what I work on making happen.”
For more outdoor fun, head to Gulf State Park to explore its 6,000-plus acres and nearly 30 miles of trails. Relax at the beach and pack a picnic to enjoy in the beach pavilion. You can kayak, canoe, fish and bike on the Backcountry Trail. The Nature Center offers educational programs.
If you’re traveling with the kids or grandkids, you’ll make them happy with a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores. Keep the good times going with a visit to Waterville USA. The amusement park, water park and escape rooms will give them plenty to talk about.
When you’re ready for adult time, consider a nighttime “Crab Grab” kayak excursion with Sea View Tours. You’ll paddle Orange Beach’s back bays in neon-lit clear tandem kayaks and make your way to Bird Island to search for crabs and shells. This will be an hour you’ll always remember. Finish off an evening of kayaking with more wildness: Hit The Hangout, where dancing on tables is the norm and the live music will ensure you don’t sit still in your seat. You’ll be on the beach, in the open-air restaurant, with a lovely breeze blowing. What a way to wind down a day.
One thing that might surprise you about Gulf Shores/Orange Beach is just how good the food is, especially the seafood. Some restaurants are an absolute must. Have lunch at DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen, a longtime, family-owned restaurant loved by locals and known for Royal Reds (deep-water Gulf shrimp that are sweet like lobster), sweet potato casserole and all manner of goodness.
For dinner, it’s Jesse’s on the Bay. The probability is quite high that you’ll have the best crabcakes ever. Here, it’s also about the shrimp, which are extraordinary, served with Conecuh sausage and smoked Gouda grits (oh yeah). Do treat yourself to the signature Coastal Alabama drink, a Bushwacker, typically made with light rum, coconut or dark rum, Kahlua, dark crème de cacao, cream of coconut, and vanilla ice cream (or milk and ice) topped with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, cherry or a smidgen of nutmeg. Expect a good time indeed. Breakfast favorites include the 1950s-style Sunliner Diner and Lauria’s By the Beach. You’ll love her strawberry shortcake biscuits.
As for where to make your temporary home, the options are plentiful. Embassy Suites by Hilton Gulf Shores opened last year; it’s centrally located and directly across the street from the Gulf Shores public beach. Those views are awesome. The hotel is pet-friendly, and breakfast is included daily. There are also villas and condos, as well as woods and lakeside cabins and cottages in the state park.
Top image source: Courtesy Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
