We have been traveling to the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area now for our family trips for years now and we absolutely LOVE it! We have gone during the hot summer months and also during the fall. Definitely the busiest time is during the summer, but also the best time to be at the beach in my opinion. The fall was much more relaxing and not quite as crowded, so just truly depends on your preference. That being said, I wanted to share a few of our favorite places to stay, eat and some other top recommendations.
WHERE TO STAY:
- Turquoise Place: we have stayed here twice and it is absolutely amazing– pricey– but definitely worth it. There are tons of things to do just within the condo resort itself– lazy river, kiddie pool, multiple pools, pool bar, indoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, sauna room, fully equipped gym, tennis courts, playgrounds, and more. To stay there is definitely pricey, but if you have kids/a lot of people going it would definitely be worth it! We stayed here when we got engaged!
- Vrbo: the other times we have stayed in Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, we rented condos through an online rental website. Condos are definitely a great way to go! Definitely research the location of the condo you are wanting to stay at and see what is around/how close it is to all the restaurants.
- Other great places to stay: Perdido Beach Resort, Castle in the Sandwest, Caribe Resort, Phoenix, The Pearl, The Lighthouse, The Lodge
Places To Eat:
Listing any of the places we have been to and loved + a few others that are highly recommended:
- The Hangout: go during lunch! so much fun with kids– foam parties, plenty of outdoor space with sand to play/ run, and they have a huge gift shop/toy store.
- The Gulf: great for a casual meal outdoors– just walk up and order at different bars/windows and choose where to sit. amazing views of the beach–also has sand for kids to play in.
- Cobalt: probably one of my favorites– live music, plenty of seating, the cutest gift shop at the front and backs right up to the docks
- Shrimp Basket: casual and amazing food– have to get a buschwacker for a drink! THE best in town! we eat here at least twice when we are there
- The Pink Pony: right on the beach and so fun for a drink!
- Surf N Sand: also on the beach + great for a frozen drink/lunch
- Florabama: must go for a drink!
- Tacky Jacks
- Bahama Bobs
- Lulus
- Picnic Beach
- Acme Oyster
- Kitty’s Kafe
- The Ugly Diner
- Sunliner Diner
- Mikee’s Seafood
- The Crap Trap
- The Pointe
- Fishermans Corner
Things to Do:
- The Wharf: shops, marina, restaurants, games, etc
- The BEACH!
- crab hunting at night
- Dolphins Down Under: dolphin tour
- The Track: go carts, put put, arcades, coasters, etc.
- Gulf Coast Zoo
- Gulf State Pier
- Orange Beach Waterfront Park
- The Hangout
- ZooBeez Indoor Petting Zoo
- The Factory
- Pelican Place
