Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama | Beyond the Beach (Updated 2024)
Vacations with no stress on the Gulf of Mexico beaches in Alabama
Gulf Shores. Think of the ideal beach day: clear blue skies, a light breeze, and turquoise water lapping against a beach with soft white sand. This state has 51 kilometers of beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico that are perfect for making holiday experiences that will last a lifetime.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are in the southeastern United States. They are a short drive from New Orleans, Atlanta, and Nashville, which makes them a great addition to a tour of the area. Some families have been going there for generations and choose to go every year. You can do more than just relax on the beautiful beaches. There are water sports, festivals, live music, and interesting history to learn about. There are things to do and see for people of all ages and hobbies.
Beyond the Beach
In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there is fun for everyone. There are water parks, golf courses, and fishing trips, as well as zip lines. There are kilometers of walking and biking paths, dolphin cruises, and diving or snorkeling trips for people who love the outdoors. People who are interested in history can go back in time by visiting Fort Morgan and the nearby sites. There are also a lot of boutiques, gift shops, and specialty shops on the island where you can spend time looking for the right souvenir.
Plan your trip around one of the coast’s many well-known concerts or events to get a full sense of its sights, sounds, and tastes. In March, Wharf’s Boat and Yacht Show is the biggest show on the Gulf Coast of its kind. In May, the Hangout Music Festival is held right on the beach and has music on several stages for three days. More than 250,000 seafood lovers visit the National Shrimp Festival every October. There are arts and crafts, games for kids, live music, and, of course, shrimp. The Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival in November has both established and up-and-coming acts, including songwriters who have won Grammy Awards. During the annual Oyster Cook-Off in November, you can try the food made by famous cooks from all over the US, as well as a wide range of craft beers.
Fresh seafood from the Gulf
Seafood is a big part of the food scene in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, whether you catch it yourself on an offshore fishing trip or order it from a restaurant menu. A lot of places in the area will even cook your catch for you. There are many places to choose from, ranging from casual to fancy. You can take your time with your food at a restaurant on the water with a view of the Gulf or back bays, or you can unwind at an outdoor restaurant with live music. A lot of places that are good for families have play areas and games for kids.
View Rooms
There are many places to stay in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, such as large homes on the beach, national hotel chains, private beach houses, and full-service resorts. Different properties offer different amenities, such as private balconies with views of the Gulf, swimming pools right on the beach, lazy rivers, tennis courts, workout rooms, on-site restaurants, and more. If you like camping, there are RV parks and campgrounds that have space for both tents and campers. These places have full hookups, laundry rooms, pools, and nature walks.