Cotton Bayou

The Beach is Calling Blog

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Ready to start planning your trip to Alabama's Beaches? Our “Beach is Calling” blog shares the best beach vacation tips, including favorite hot spots for fresh seafood, activities and attractions for nonstop fun, unique things to do, and itineraries for every type of vacation. 

Our blogs, written by guests, local experts, and Alabama's Beaches staff, can help you plan a trip no matter the season or group. From guys’ and girls’ getaways, couple’s trips, family vacays, and golf or fishing trips, you’ll discover plenty of vacation inspiration. 

People enjoying Shrimp Fest in Gulf Shores, best beach festival
10 Things to Do in October on Alabama's Beaches
Cowboy and bull at Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach rodeo
10 Things to do in September on Alabama Beaches
Father and daughter having a beer at Big Beach Brewing Company
My Father/Daughter Visit to Alabama’s Beaches
Family fun on the Go-Karts at Adventure Island in Orange Beach
From Toddler to Teen: How We Keep Them All Entertained 
Family running on beach
5 Things I Learned From My Alabama Beach Vacation
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Lemur Encounter
Walk on the Wild Side at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival Gulf Shores
Bring Your Appetite to the Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival
Beach Boardwalk
How I Spent 48 Hours with My Husband on Alabama Beaches
Gulf Shores Beach
A Midwest Road Trip to Explore Alabama’s Beaches
marlin weigh in at the Wharf Orange Beach AL
Blue Marlin Grand Championship: The Greatest Show in Sportfishing
Anteater at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Gulf Shores Al
Coastal Characters: Patti Hall at The Zoo (Video)
Sea Oats Studio
Coastal Characters: Steve & Dee Burrow with Sea Oat Pottery (Video)
turtle mosaic Orange Beach Festival  of Art Orange Beach AL
Coastal Characters: Nick and Maya Cantrell (Video)