Plan Your Trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

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Whatever your vacation style, Alabama’s Beaches have the perfect spot for you. Start planning by choosing your dates and group size, and explore the best vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, coastal places to stay in Orange Beach, the peaceful rentals of Fort Morgan, or a stunning beach-front rental

When you book with us, you're connecting with local property managers directly. BOOK NOW!

What Type of Trip are You Planning?

Whatever your vacation style, you’ll discover it all in the laid-back coastal lifestyle of Alabama's Beaches. Those who have not yet vacationed along Alabama’s beaches may not know that our 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches span across Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. This makes planning a vacation in Alabama's Beaches diverse and exciting. Plan your dream vacation with our expert recommendations and insider tips to make your stay memorable! Select from the options below to help plan your perfect vacation. 

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Discover Your Perfect Vacation on Alabama's Beaches
 

Build Memories that Last Their Lifetime

Turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect destinations to create lasting memories. Alabama's Gulf Coast has beaches with miles of sugar white sand, clean waves lapping, and coastal breezes in the air.

Beyond the beach, discover endless outdoor adventures, including amusement parksGulf State Park, picturesque trails, scenic golf courses, historic sites and shopping. Embark on a Foodie Getaway on Alabama Beaches to taste some of Alabama's best eats. We've even made finding lodging easier, as you can book a place to stay directly on our site! Take a look at our blogs for more ideas on how to spend your vacation.

 

Boat going through the scenic Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, Alabama, perfect for planning a family vacation.
Cyclist riding along a scenic pier during a vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama.
A man goes golfing after planning for his vacation at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

The first step in planning your trip to Alabama’s beaches is to order our free 2025 Vacation Guide! This guide is filled with vacation inspiration, including area activities and attractions, dining spots, lodging options, and more. 
 

 

Illustrated Map of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach highlighting local attractions, useful for visitors driving or flying to Gulf Shores, AL

Getting Here

Stress-free from start to finish! Getting to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a breeze - choose from convenient car, plane, or ferry options. Once you arrive, navigating the area is effortless thanks to well-maintained roads and readily available bike rentals. Explore the beauty of Alabama Beaches with ease, allowing you to focus entirely on creating unforgettable moments with your loved ones. 

Plan Your Arrival!

View of the Gulf of Mexico under clear weather from a wooden boardwalk leading to the beach at Gulf Shores.

Weather

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lie in the southern subtropical area of North America, where mild temperatures greet visitors year-round. Gulf breezes temper the typically hot summer weather, and spring and fall days are warm with cool evenings.

Here, you’ll find daily weather updates and the Coastal Marine Forecast.

Scenic view of Lagoon Pass in Gulf Shores with colorful waterfront buildings, ideal for a beach vacation stay.

Where to Stay

When you're deciding between staying in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, consider what type of vacation experience you're looking for. While both offer pristine beaches, diverse activities and attractions, and numerous restaurants, Gulf Shores is known for its lively atmosphere and family-friendly attractions.

In contrast, Orange Beach is favored for its upscale accommodations and a quieter, more relaxed vibe, ideal for those looking for a more tranquil and luxurious stay. Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach provide excellent options for your vacation, each with its own unique charm. Either way, you’ll find a variety of accommodations to suit your needs, ensuring a memorable stay on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast​.

Where Should You Stay?

Aerial view of a luxurious vacation rental house with a pool in Gulf Shores, perfect for family stays when visiting Alabama Beaches.

Book Your Lodging

Now that you've chosen your location, it is time to book your lodging! You can book directly on our website with local property managers. You can choose from several different accommodations, such as condos, beach houses, hotels, campgrounds, cabins, and other great places to stay. Don't forget to check out our vacation packages for exclusive deals on accommodations.

Book Now

Beach Bag on the sandy shore of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, showcasing essential packing tips for a beach trip.

What To Pack

Check out our packing checklist to ensure you're fully prepared for your beach vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Several local companies rent chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys. Many will even set up and take down the equipment for you, so all you have to do is enjoy a day by the water. 

Checklist: Pack Like a Pro

Sunset at Flora-Bama Yacht Club in Alabama Beaches, highlighting a popular waterfront dining and entertainment spot.

Beach Trip: Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the first time, you may have several questions about the area, and we have answers! Before you travel to our sandy shores, look at these frequently asked questions about vacationing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Read Our FAQs

Vibrant colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky, a popular attraction during events in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Plan Your Trip with Fun Activities

Things To Do

The Alabama Gulf Coast has something for everyone, from laid-back beach vibes to exciting adventures. You can go on dolphin tours, hop on fishing charters, explore hiking trails, and so much more. Explore the endless list of things to do.

Events

Discover a variety of events, from food and music festivals to concerts and community gatherings. Add these to your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach vacation plans to enjoy the vibrant local culture and lively atmosphere!

Lifeguard stand on a pristine beach in Alabama Beaches, providing information on Gulf Shores beach conditions for a safe and relaxing vacation

Familiarize Yourself With Beach Safety

Before heading out to the beach, check for current beach conditions. Learn how to practice responsible tourism by familiarizing yourself with the beach rules & regulations

Sign up for daily beach conditions and warning flag status by texting ALBEACHES to 888777.

Or call 251-968-SURF (7873) for Gulf Shores, or 251-981-SURF (7873) for Orange Beach daily beach conditions.  

Gulf Shores Welcome Center with palm trees and modern architecture, dedicated to enhancing your Gulf Shores vacation experience.

Visit our Welcome Centers

We've got seasonal area experts, coupons and more at our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Welcome Centers. When you visit, you can grab free maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your stay. Feel free to stop by for insider tips on local attractions, dining, and events to make your vacation experience even better.

Call or text us at 800-745-SAND (7263) or send us an email at [email protected]

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