When my husband and I started thinking about a beach getaway, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach came to mind for several reasons. It’s one of the best beaches, less than eight hours from our home, we haven’t been in years, and so many friends kept raving about it we decided to head almost straight South for us.
The Alabama Gulf Coast did not disappoint! We enjoyed an itinerary that let us get to know the area, and we can’t wait to do it again. Read on to get the details on a fun-filled itinerary for two.
Day 1
Part of the reason for our trip was a celebration of my husband’s birthday. With the help of The Beach Moms Concierge Service, I surprised my husband with a delicious cake and balloons. They will even stock your refrigerator or make plans for you. It’s an excellent service and time saver.
With a brief rest and getting over those milkshakes, we headed to The Wharf in Orange Beach, a large entertainment district where you'll enjoy activities like shopping, dining, and even a Ferris Wheel. Be sure to stick around for the nightly SPECTRA Laser Light Experience. It’s a free event, making it great on any budget.
We chose Mile Marker 158 for dinner, which included a juicy burger and house-made chips. Along with the meal, you can enjoy watching boats come in from a day on the water, live music on the deck, or even catch a glimpse of the Ferris wheel in the distance.
Day 2
We ate lunch at Savannah Restaurant, located at the zoo. It was hard to order from the extensive menu, but finally, we ordered a Margherita wood-grilled pizza and a few drinks. It was a perfect day for sitting on the patio and enjoying our lunch with a view of the zoo. I ate one of the best pizzas I’ve had, and to think we ate lunch at the zoo!
We had a reservation for the Orange Beach Cat Boat Tours. Unlike other tours, you can drive your own two-person boat in the back bays of Orange Beach. Sitting lower to the water gives you the best view of spotting dolphins if you keep an eye out for them. Watch for others pointing, and you will know there’s something to see.
Day 3
We are a bit more low-key in our favorite things, such as walking and people-watching. There’s no better spot to do this than the Fishing and Education Pier at Gulf State Park. Walking out over the water’s edge and seeing the waves is relaxing. Fishing is a popular pastime at the pier, so we spotted anglers reeling in their catches while here.
More seafood was on the docket for our last dinner in Orange Beach, and Bubba’s Seafood House was just a few miles from our condo and looked cute. Isn’t that how you choose a place to eat? After checking the menu online and seeing their wide selection, we headed over. As you wait for your table, take advantage of the oversized Adirondack chairs for that perfect Instagram moment. After ordering onion rings with their house-made ranch dressing, the steamed and grilled platter was enough to share.
After a moonlit stroll on the beach, it was time for the least favorite part of any trip – packing up to go home. But also leaving with lots of great memories and planning “the next time” we come.