Spend a Family-Friendly Spring Break on Alabama's Beaches

Put sun and sand in your GPS this spring break and make your way to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for family-friendly beaches and fun. With 32 miles of white-sand beaches waiting, there's something for everyone in the family. From sinking your toes in the sand to a game of miniature golf, consider these top ways to entertain your family this spring break on Alabama's beaches.
• Grab a sand bucket and head to the beach! You're here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to enjoy white, shimmering sands on the beach and the turquoise-blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, so make the most of it. Go for a walk at sunrise and watch crabs skittering into the Gulf as the beach puts on its day face. Later in the day, grab a wave and ride the surf with your body or a board. It's invigorating and fun! Toss a football or Frisbee on the beach or relax Gulfside in a beach chair, feet in the water with a good book.
• Get a glimpse of our underwater neighbors with a dolphin and nature cruise. Explore Alabama's beaches from a boat and watch bottlenose dolphins swim in the surf. Nature cruises also put you under the watchful gaze of herons, ospreys and other fauna and wildlife. Educational and fun, a dolphin and nature cruise is a great way to sneak in lessons while on vacation.
• Get back to nature. Take a hike along the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail and enjoy a walk through six distinct ecosystems. Fauna and flora are to be found on each of the trails, and benches, a swing, a screened pavilion and restrooms offer respite and comfort along the way. Don't forget your picnic! The Backcountry Trail is free, but there are guided eco-tours and Segway tours for a fee.
• Nothing says traditional spring break activities like riding go-karts and playing a round of miniature golf . Fun for all ages, put down the digital devices and bring your family to one of several courses to reconnect over a hole-in-one and friendly competition.
• If you need a break from the sun, plan a day trip to the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola and fit in a little history. Admission to the museum is free, but the simulators and IMAX movies require nominal fees. While you're in the neighborhood, visit the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum. Climb the 177 steps to the top and be treated to a stunning view of the Pensacola Pass, three forts, the Pensacola skyline and the Navy Yard.

Spring break family vacation memories are here for the making and the taking. Visit our website and make plans to make the most of your stay. While you're enjoying the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, be mindful of the Leave Only Footprints initiative. Beach gear, including tents, chairs and beach toys, must be removed from the sand each night before 8 p.m.