In fact, we love the options so much that we wrote a whole separate post about places to eat in Gulf Shores. A unique 3 bedroom, 3, Exciting news! But honestly, Gulf State Park is one of the best Ive ever been to! While there are a few miniature golf courses to choose from, my kids really loved the theme at Pirates Island Adventure Golf. Stay in Touch Call, text, or email if you need anything prior to or during your stay. Check out these alternative properties in the same location. However, it can take close to double that time if you drive from the west side of Gulf Shores to the east side of Orange Beach. The adults *might* have had more fun!! Internet services Robinson Island Orange Beach 6. Quietwater Beach Boardwalk is a 10-minute walk away. (Ive been to many beachy locations where thats not the case at all! I lost count of the amount of times that they cannonballed into the pool. Its an impressive pier that offers stunning views of the white sand beaches of Alabamas coastline. Another advantage of staying in a home that is suitable for large groups is that it will allow you to spend more quality time with your travel companions. Enjoy the early-morning views, or even the sunrise, from the best seat in the house at your Gulf Shores beach house or Orange Beach condo. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You can even take an Orange Beach or Gulf Shores sailing cruise and experience the world of the dolphins under wind power. You've narrowed it down to two places: Gulf Shores, Alabama and Orange Beach, Alabama. Get this: the Alabama Gulf Coast has 32 miles of gorgeous, white sand beaches! The area is small enough to know your way around in a day or two. Check into your hotel or vacation rental (or dont!) There are a TON of dining and shopping options. Oh, did I mention this was beachfront property? Check into your hotel or vacation rental (or don't!) Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are charming beach towns that are not overloaded with tourists, unlike some other areas of the coast. Bar We also have manybeach homes for rent in Gulf ShoresAlabamathat are grouped together so that even larger groups can still be in the same neighboring homes during their stay. Free WiFi is available throughout. For 70-degree days, go in March or April. My kids will have so much fun!!!! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach was such a great time!! Our larger rentals are just the thing for so many excursions. The course was super interactive and we especially loved all the water features and the story of Blackbeard the pirate. Its a gorgeous landscape and friendly vacation destination. and hit the beach. This post may contain affiliate links. Location: 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542(There are several public beach access points, however this one has parking nearby.). So whether youve just spent a long time in the car on a road trip with kids, or your kids are just high energy, lets have some fun! Pack a net with you on your trip to catch and release them! Jellyfish wash up on shore at night and its easy to get stung considering the only light youll have to see are flashlights. Unless you plan a Spring break trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Palm Beach By Wyndham Vacation Rentals is located in Gulf Shores, 8 km (5 mi) from Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and 3.6 km (2.2 mi) from Gulf State Park Fishing Pier. The waters off Gulf Shores and Orange Beach provide some of the best fishing in Alabama. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is an awesome stop while you are in town, bonus they have a sloth encounter that you dont want to miss out on. The welcome center has them for free. Its basically the place to go for entertainment in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. Blog. For the best stay, check out the family resorts in Gulf Shores, Alabama listed below. Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach (from USD 279), Top 5 Amusement And Water Parks In Pensacola, Florida, 12 Seafood Restaurants In Gulf Shores, Alabama - Updated 2023, Top 10 Family Resorts In Western Cape, South Africa - Updated 2023, Top 11 Family Resorts In Gauteng, South Africa - Updated 2023, Top 9 Family Resorts Near Pretoria, South Africa - Updated 2023, 9 Best Things To Do In Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain, 10 Of The Best Places To Eat In Torremolinos, Spain, Eat Your Way Through Spain: 10 Of The Best Spanish Delicacies, Hotels & Vacation Rentals Near St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne. I wont send you spam. Each room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a microwave, coffeemaker, and a refrigerator. True story! They welcome all visitors who respect the beaches and fellow beach-loving guests looking to put their toes in the sand. Staying in a beach house or waterfront condo is a great way to spend a vacation as a family. 7. Take the family to The Hangout for a fun, throwback experience that includes a wishing wall, a huge collection of Pez dispensers, tabletop dad dancing, and foam parties every day. On day two, chow down with breakfast on your balcony. Its kid-friendly and entertaining for adults, too. The amphibious touring vehicles were first used in Normandy, France on D-Day. Make room on your itinerary to schedule a dolphin cruise, spend the morning on a championship golf course, head out on a fishing excursion, take a nature walk, go on a historical tour of Fort Morgan, or visit the waterpark. Whether its for long stay or mini girls weekend trip theres always something to see and do. Pinterest Gulf-shores-alabama.net was your go-to website for all things Gulf Shores in Alabama. Sorry, Texas. Web Visit website. Warm, sunny beaches and great weather make fall the perfect time to keep on summering on Alabamas white-sand beaches. Air-conditioned apartments come with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a kitchen and dining area and an en suite bathroom with a bath and hot tub. Best Western on the Beach is a beachfront hotel in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with an indoor pool, two hot tubs and a beachside outdoor pool. There is a sun terrace with a fire pit. If youve been to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach recently (or ever), you already know this. So while you can definitely walk these trails, a better way to see them is by biking! So, you can soak up the sand and the waves and then grab a bite to eat. I love that it all has free parking, too! Check the hours before you go as the summer hours are extended into the evening. Well theres a class for that! Be sure to check the zoos website for hours, animal feedings and encounters before you go to maximize your experience! Our paradise is brimming with Southern hospitality, featuring one-of-a-kind attractions like championship golf, nature trails, water sports, and amusement parks (like the well known Waterville . Location: 3200 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, You may also like: How to Save Money for Travel: Your Vacation Savings Plan. Alabamas beaches are popular vacation spots for people all across the Southeast as its an easy drive from various cities. Beach access is within a few minutes walk . There is also a sofa bed in the living area. , Location: 3459 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Vacation rentals have become an increasingly popular option for travelers, especially when planning a trip with a large group of people. These are my favorite water shoes from Amazon mine have literally traveled the world with me and have lasted many years! It has kid-friendly food and an incredible view of the beach from the deck. The accommodation is situated 4 km from Gulf Shores city centre and 60 km from Pensacola Regional airport. Where is Gulf Shores? With creations like The Mermaid, Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss and The Cereal Killer, you really cant go wrong! GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG) Almost as soon as you start your vacation it seems it's over, and then the traffic jam begins. So pack your swim gear and enjoy these beautiful beaches! At Family Vacations U.S., we understand that every family trip comes with its own unique set of challenges and surprises. It sits adjacent to the public beach area of Gulf Shores. Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach? There is a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and dishwasher for daily cooking, as well as a dining area. Pro tip: this activity is for families with kids ages 10+ and each person must weigh 70-250 pounds. The locals are actually really nice and helpful! Enjoy everything the Gulf Coast has to offer, including beaches, natural parks, theme parks, golf courses, and more. However, we are extremely partial to The Beach Club Resort & Spa managed by Spectrum Resorts. In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach See More Find Special Offers Before you finalize your lodging plans or itinerary, take a look at these Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation deals. Phone +1 251-948-9494. New boardwalks and overpasses easily take you from the Gulf State Park Pavilion to Lake Shelby. Come soak, Ready to hit the road? What I loved about chatting with the tourists in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is that the same family groups come here year after year. The colorful lights that are visible at night make the perfect photo opportunity. Sleeps 13 Pack a cooler with bottled water and protein-filled snacks, then load your beach bag with sunscreen, sunglasses and hats for your morning adventure. If you hang out on the beach right off the main strip in Gulf Shores, youll likely be near the world-famous Pink Pony Pub. Secondly, youll want this for later on in the list, but you need to get filters for your phone and flashlights at night for evening beach activities. Search cheap rental cars here. This is the most fun Ive had at a go-kart place since I was probably 14. I loved that the zoo was tucked away from the traffic and community noise, right next to a nature preserve. With a full kitchen that has every utensil that you could need for cooking in, a cozy living room, washer and dryer and expansive balcony it was heaven. I've never heard of Gulf Shores before but it looks fun and there's definitely a lot to do in the area! Don't forget The Gulf State Park Pier either! Back to the visitors main menu. Gulf Shores, Alabama has long been a favorite vacation spot for my family in fact it an article that I wrote about it was the very first to be published on this site. Sauna. Waterville USA is 7 km (4.3 mi) from the property. Combine dinner and family fun atLuLu'sin Gulf Shores. While I dont want this list to end, this post is getting long so heres just 3 more things to do in Gulf Shores with kids. After all that work reeling in your catch, use the afternoon to relax on the sandy shores of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Well hit up the welcome center real quick as you stroll into town to pick up some coupons and ask literally anything about your trip. Here for a work retreat? Q: Do your large group rentals also allow pets? Im going to guess you like to save money, right? If youve got a case of the post-holiday blahs, youre probably not alone. As well, our rentals are more isolated than hotel rentals and regularly cleaned to ensure the health of all our guests! The 4-star Lodge At Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel is set 5 km from The Track and 2.4 km from Gulf Shores Public Beach. Blogs Gulf Shores vs. Orange Beach - Which is Better? Overview Things to do Hotels When to visit Getting around Map & Neighborhoods Photos Why Go To Gulf Shores Sparkling quartz-grain sand is just one of the many reasons travelers favor Gulf. We've traversed the globe and explored various family-oriented destinations, and now we're excited to share our findings with you. Gulf Shores High School Gulf Shores High School; . **POOL**BEACHFRONT**PET FRIENDLY** Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are well known all over the South as a relatively inexpensive, family-friendly beach destination. Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay. Its just a few minutes away and theres so much to do! Also, the selection of restaurants can be overwhelming, so I recommend checking out whats available and making a wish list before you go. If youve ever been to the Caribbean or looked at a vacation brochure or website, you know what I mean when I talk about those stunning turquoise waters. Fitness centre Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach? So, at their shortest distance, they're about a 20-minute drive. 12 Fun Places to Eat in Gulf Shores Cool Restaurants Youll Love, How to Save Money for Travel: Your Vacation Savings Plan, 15 Things to Pack on a Road Trip with Kids, Exactly What to Pack for a Beach Vacation (Free Beach Packing List), 12 Gulf Shores Restaurants Any Foodie Will Love, Gulf State Park: 14 Things to Do Plus Best Beaches, Camping & More, 33 Incredibly Fun Things to Do in Orange Beach Alabama You Cant Miss, Exactly What to Pack for a Beach Vacation, 26 Best Beaches on the Gulf Coast You Need to See, Keep Your Sanity: Tips for Flying with Kids, Miami to Key West Road Trip: 22 Awesome Stops to Make Along the Way. If you've been to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach recently (or ever), you already know this. Thought so! Lift. My experience with the pros at Sand Castle University was top notch Id highly recommend them! The Beach Club offers mostly condo rentals with a few villas for rent mixed in. If you havent had the pleasure, let me introduce you to the reasons your family will love spending their spring break on Alabamas beautiful beaches. Oftentimes, these properties have game rooms, outdoor living features, backyard grills, private pools, and other forms of entertainment that encourage groups to be social and congregate together to build long-lasting memories. From exciting wildlife tours and encounters to thrilling amusement parks and shark fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, there's no limit to the fun you can have with the family in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Plus, Alabama's white-sand beaches are just a short drive away. Gulf Shores, Alabama is a popular resort city on the Gulf Coast. How Swim Lessons for my Kids helped my vacation anxiety. The area is home to a variety of accommodations ranging from beachfront hotels to full-service resorts. Then board thePirate Ship Cruiseat Hudson Marina for swashbuckling fun in Orange Beach. HAPPEN. From freshwater marshes where alligators bask in the sun to coastal hardwood swamps, the region's abundant natural beauty andGulf State Parkmay leave you speechless. Copyright 2022 | She Saves She Travels | All Rights Reserved. 7 years ago. Posted on Published: October 5, 2020- Last updated: June 20, 2022. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are also largely defined by our many points of interest! For these next few activities, were going to get really active! You'll find numerous options for memorable experiences for the whole family, whether you have toddlers or teens. Absolutely! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have spectacular accommodations and rentals, award-winning restaurants, and amazing events. This unique land-and-sea vehicle is a restored WWII vessel. Happy travels, Its a place that doesnt get enough recognition. So glad you were able to learn about this fun destination today. See the area and soak in some history with a duck boat tour. Vacation Blog Community Blog Gulf Shores Orange Beach Get together a friendly beach volleyball or sandcastle building competition. From good food to live music, a courtyard with free games and plenty of photo-ops, The Hangout is a fun stop in Gulf Shores! I know what youre thinking: what in the world is so great about the welcome center that youd spend precious vacation time there? Register for a certification course during your stay so you can dive during your current Gulf Shores trip and then next time you visit as well. There were shrills of excitement the whole time. Have a cookout or picnic after doing a little fishing off the public pier. If youre wondering where to stay, consider one of the best family resorts and hotels in Gulf Shores listed here. Business centre. Zillow has 7 photos of this $399,500 0.31 Acres lot located at 1153 Water Oaks Cir, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 MLS #348736. They have the absolute best of everything. Unsubscribe at anytime. Spacious Gulf front properties have enough bedrooms and separate living spaces to accommodate everyone comfortably on your next family vacation, so theres no need to pay for multiple hotel rooms. It almost reminds me of the beaches near Sarasota which are probably FAR busier! Watching my son get not 1 but 2 hole-in-ones was one of the highlights of our family trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. You'll fall in love with the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast after staying with Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals. Copyright 2023 Family Vacations US | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. They have the best Italian food, and obviously gelato. Id recommend this stop in the middle of the day if youre traveling with younger kids. It was a comfy place to relax when we werent at the beach. After your epic fishing adventure, take your fresh catch to one of the destinations cook-your-catch restaurants. Walk or bike off those burgers on the Hugh S. Branyon Trail while birdwatching. This might just be the most fun youll have in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, so be sure to put it on your vacation budget! Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. 4 Bedrooms Have everyone learn a new sport; parasailing or paddleboarding are great fun in the surf! The resort is on the beachfront and features 7 restaurants and lounges, as well as 2 18-hole golf courses. com and affiliated sites. If youre looking for entertainment for kids and adults, then the Wharfs Ferris wheel has got to be on your list of things to do in Gulf Shores with kids. While we were there, we stayed in a 2 bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bathroom condo and it was the perfect set up for our little family. What would you do first? Alabamas Beaches are Perfect for Spring Break. With an endless array of sights, activities and natural beauty, the clear blue waters and white-sand of the Orange Beach andGulf Shores beachesprovide the ideal spot for fun and relaxation. Well the Gulf Coast State Park Pier is no exception! Breakfast is served each morning. Re: Biloxi vs gulf shores, AL. Families, combined families, and groups of friends can split the cost of one rental and benefit from a huge cost savings and upgraded accommodations. A: Some do! Get crazy this morning and order up a fun breakfast atSassy Bass Crazy Donuts. Shrimp and grits will hit the spot or opt for a traditional Southern breakfast of grits and eggs. Get Directions. From arcades to movie theaters, tons of restaurants, live music and views of the bay. Together, let's create memories that you and your loved ones will cherish for years to come. 3. To recap, heres the mega list of family activities in Gulf Shores AL: On my next visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are so many things on this list Id do again! If youre dreaming of a beach vacation, the Alabama Gulf Coast is the perfect destination for a family spring break. All roads lead to the beach with Harris Vacations. If it happens to rain during your vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are plenty of things to do including escape rooms, a trampoline park, art centers, movie theatres and more. I really appreciate the extensive list. Id say The Wharf at Orange Beach is a top 5 must-do in the area. Learn more Bedrooms Any Bathrooms Any Amenities Internet (5979) Air Conditioning (5927) Other outdoor space (5556) Washer/Dryer (5256) Show all Suitability Kid friendly (6144) Pet friendly (674) Elder access (70) Smoking allowed (46) For more info, see mydisclosures. Gul. 1. Cotton Bayou Beach Orange Beach 7. Sand crabs on the other hand are tan, almost translucent crabs that come out at night. The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach website and welcome centers have all the info you need to plan the best visit. There are a ton of mini golf places in town, just do me a favor and make sure you show your kids who is boss when you play them. Be sure to stay till dark and enjoy the SPECTRA Sound and Light Spectacular, a choreographed light show featuring musical favorites. Perdido Beach Resort. 6. On top of fabulous vacation homes along the Alabama Gulf Coast, we also offer top notch vacation property management services. Building a sandcastle is a unique bonding experience and can be done right on the public beach at Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. Gulf shores has better water. Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. per night. It wasnt fancy - it was comfortable with little touches of luxury, but it was the type of place you feel comfortable. If you love to be outdoors, you probably already know that state parks are awesome. Once you glide above the white sand shoreline and gaze in awe at a horizon where turquoise waters dissolve into the blue sky, you may never want to return to earth. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! For pier hours and costs, visit the website here. Its an great way to stay active during your vacation, and way more fun than watching a screen or playing video games. If youre planning a fall beach vacation, browse our three-day itinerary for ideas on how to spend your time in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Its a unique way to see the beach and coastline from a different perspective. Theyll get you your beach fix if thats what youre looking for, but in my opinion, the sugar-white sands and turquoise waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are worth the extra distance. Try your luck at the casino on the property. 24/7 Customer Service. Save it for later or share it on social media. Address: 14 Via De Luna Drive Location: 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Address: 22984 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, Orange Beach (AL), United States, 36561 More information about Updated Waterfront Beachhouse | Sleeps 12 | My Beach Getaways, opens in a new tab, More information about Sunsets and Relaxation await - Spot of Sun Bay Cottage, opens in a new tab, More information about Centrally-located Gulf front paradise w/furnished sun deck & gorgeous water view, opens in a new tab, More information about DOG-FRIENDLY, OUTDOOR POOL, DUPLEX BEACH HOUSE! Fuel up for your last day of fall beach vacation with traditional diner grub atThe Dinerin Gulf Shores. The kids will love the outdoor play area and pirate ship, too! These are great, family-friendly places with delicious food and drinks and things for the kids to do. Okay, so if youre at the Wharf at Orange Beach at night, you have to check out the SPECTRA laser light show on the main street at the Wharf. Hope you and your kids have a blast in Gulf Shores . If you're looking to unwind, or want a fun-filled family vacation, . Whether you're in town for business or vacation, our property is a great home base to access it all. Decked out in 1950s style, the whole family will love this happening hangout for hamburgers, cherry pie and good-old rock-n-roll. Hit the Beach Jet Ski/Waverunner Rentals Party Boat Fishing Parasailing Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Family-Friendly Fishing Blue Angels Sailing Excursion Enjoy a Night on the Town Banana Boat Rides History Tours Private Dolphin Tour Magnolia Float Spa Private Sailing Excursion Have a Picnic Go Karts City Tours Canoe or Kayak Rental To make sure before you book, keep an eye out for the pawprint symbol in the bottom right corner of the property image. Planning a group trip or family reunion to Gulf Shores, Alabama is a breeze with our guide! 1. A Kick-Back Family Vacation on Alabama's Gulf Coast WHEN TO VISIT GULF SHORES. How perfect does this sound? Just a public service announcement if youve never been ziplining: it really just feels like sliding down a huge slide. Location: 22989 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 (Address is for Beach Bike Rentals, located right at a trailhead for the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails.). So, pack your bags and join us on our journey as we uncover the best family vacation spots around the globe! A BEAUTIFUL BRAND NEW RV RESORT LOCATED IN GULF SHORES AND ITS LOCATION IS JUST PERFECT! Was a perfect size for our family of 7. There are also eight-hour trips available, as well as overnight trips. The tweens and teens in your group can challenge each other to a game of beach volleyball or test their courage on the Mountain of Youth. Our website offers a wealth of information on a wide range of destinations, from the magic of Disney to the rustic charm of a dude ranch and everything in between. Check the SPECTRA light show times here. In Orange Beach, theres a family-friendly bike shop, Beach Bike Rentals, to rent bikes to explore the trails. Gulf Shores Discover a selection of more than 10,000 vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, AL that are perfect for your trip. Fall Family Itinerary Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Warm, sunny beaches and great weather make fall the perfect time to keep on summering on Alabama's white-sand beaches.