How to Beat the Heat
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The warmer months are perfect for playing on our 32 miles of shoreline, but a little planning can help you enjoy the summer heat more comfortably and enjoy more time in the sand. Here are a few tips for keeping cool and staying safe at the beach, along with our favorite ways to cool off on and off the water on Alabama’s Beaches.
What to Bring to the Beach: Pack for a Comfortable Summer Beach Day
Drink Plenty of Water
Be sure to bring an insulated cooler and pack plenty of water for your day at the beach. You can stock up on bottled water, sports drinks, electrolyte drinks, and ice at local grocery stores, convenience stores, hotel gift shops, or beach shops before heading to the sand. Drink plenty and drink often during the day. If you consume caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, be sure to drink extra water to compensate for fluid loss caused by the summer sun.
Wear Polarized Sunglasses
Sunglasses are beach day essentials for summer vacations in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Choose a pair with UV protection to help shield your eyes from the sun’s rays, and consider polarized lenses to cut down on glare from the Gulf, bays, and waterways. A floating lanyard is also a good idea to keep your eyewear from getting lost in the waves.
Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat
A hat can make a big difference when you’re spending time in the summer sun. Wide-brim hats will protect your ears, face, and neck from direct sun exposure. Even a classic baseball cap will offer much-needed protection for your face.
Bring or Rent a Beach Umbrella
While we all love basking under the sun, it's good to take regular breaks in the shade while at the beach. Bring an umbrella or a tent with you to give your family reliable coverage from the sun. If you don't have your own, many beach gear rentals in the area will happily set up loungers, chairs, and umbrellas right at the shoreline for you.
Apply & Reapply Sunscreen
Have sunscreen with you and apply it liberally! Apply the first coat 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply often if you are sweating or get wet. Sports sunscreens are mostly waterproof and offer better protection during outdoor activities. Be sure to follow the product label directions on how often to reapply. Don't forget your feet! If you're wearing open sandals, your feet will get sunburned very quickly.
Cool Off Beyond the Beach
Grab Ice Cream & Frozen Treats
Cold treats are an easy and delicious way to cool down after time in the sun. There are dozens of dessert spots and ice cream shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach serving up frozen sweets. A few local places along the beach include
Pete’s Ice Cream and Treats, Sweet Cone Alabama, Cherry on Top, and Beach Cow Creamery. For other cool treats, check out the impressive creations at Mythic Beach Banana Bar and Yumm Twister & Ice Cream, or grab an icy delight at New Orleans Original Snoball or Bahama Bucks.
Enjoy Midday Indoor Attractions
When the sun is strongest, indoor attractions offer visitors an exciting break from the heat. Family-friendly activities like escape rooms, arcades, movie theaters, and local museums are great things to do when it's hot in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach between beach outings. If you’re seeking an immersive experience out of the sun, check out Tee Off, The Factory, Jurassic Golf, and Outer Limits VR Game Room.
Take a Cool Break at Local Restaurants
Local restaurants are some of the best spots to cool down when on Alabama’s Beaches. And after a few hours in the sun, it’s time to satisfy your cravings with fresh seafood and cold drinks. If you don’t want to leave the shore, visit a Gulf-front spot like Coastal, Sea-N-Suds, Pink Pony Pub, The Hangout, or Bahama Bob’s. Sit back and relax at a nearby watering hole to refuel before heading back to the beach or continuing the day with more fun.
Make a Splash at Pools & Water Parks
The Gulf isn’t the only place to swim, splash, and float on Alabama’s Beaches. For an exciting day filled with slides, waves, and water thrills, visit Waterville USA, Gulf Shores’ iconic waterpark. If you prefer to take it easy, many condos, resorts, and hotels offer lazy rivers and pools, perfect for floating and swimming.
Rent a Boat
Go beyond the beach by renting a pontoon boat to explore the bays, lagoons, and backwaters in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Cruising around the water gives way to relaxing, coastal breezes that are perfect for keeping cool on a summer beach day. Drop an anchor or pull up to the pristine islands in Orange Beach to hop in the water and swim.
Try Waterfront Adventures
Alabama’s Beaches is a hub for watersports, with so many incredible ways to experience the beautiful waterways in the area. Feel the Gulf wind flow across your face as you soar above the water on a parasail or zip over the waves on a Jet Ski. When it’s a hot day at the beach, go below the surface with a diving trip or snorkeling excursion to escape the heat in style.
Stay Cool & Keep Exploring Alabama’s Beaches
With so many air-conditioned attractions, watersports, ice cream shops, and indoor activities, keeping cool on Alabama’s Beaches is a breeze. Discover more things to do and plan your coastal getaway to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan for a family summer vacation!
Alabama's Beaches
These blogs are written by the destination experts at Alabama's Beaches. From the best restaurants and hidden gems to tips and tricks for making the most of your stay, our knowledgable team has the lowdown on our area.
