Mother/Daughter Weekend in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Mother and daughter weekend getaways should be filled with love, laughs, and great memories.
It’s even better when the trip takes you to the beach, and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect settings to reconnect with Mom.
There is so much to experience on the Alabama Gulf Coast. With a myriad of places on and off the beach to stay, eat and play, time in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is well spent on a mother/daughter getaway. I’m dishing on a few of our favorite stops during my own getaway with Mom.
Five Reasons to Book a Mother/Daughter Trip to Alabama's Beaches
Stay in Luxury
During our mother/daughter vacation to Alabama’s beaches, we stayed in a luxury resort in Orange Beach. Complete with a balcony hot tub and panoramic views, it was the perfect place to chat over morning coffee and afternoon wine.
However, if you and Mom don’t plan to spend a lot of time in your vacation rental, consider a beachfront hotel. Take advantage of daily housekeeping services and complimentary breakfast for a relaxed and hassle-free getaway.
Breakfast and Biking the Backcountry Trails
Ready to kickstart your day with a light, energy-packed breakfast? Head over to Soul Bowlz for a handcrafted Acai bowl before the two of you burn some calories on a bike ride through the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails. The Gulf State Park’s bike-sharing program offers a great way to get out and explore trails. With a number of bike racks throughout the park, you can easily find a spot to start your adventure. If you choose to park at Woodside Restaurant, rest your legs and grab lunch after an energizing ride admiring the wildlife that resides in this natural habitat.
Enjoy Retail Therapy
A stereotypical mother/daughter trip wouldn’t be the same without an afternoon of retail therapy. On our last visit, my mother and I found there’s no shortage of opportunities to fill our car with great finds!
If you love outlet shopping, add Tanger Outlet Center in nearby Foley to your itinerary. Here, you’ll find more than 120 brand name and designer outlet stores. A visit to The Wharf in Orange Beach can’t be missed, either. We love a stop at SanRoc Cay, as well. You’ll find everything from fun and funky boutiques to coastal décor at both centers. At The Wharf, order up a dose of caffeine at The Southern Grind Coffee House and then head to High Cotton Bath Company to indulge in the natural and organic bath, body and beauty products. If you have time, you can create your very own signature fragrance!
Dining with Idyllic Sunset Views
Dinner in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is always an experience, simply because there are so many local restaurants you cannot afford to miss. GT’s on the Bay is one of our favorite spots for beach eats because it’s one of the best places to watch the incredible Gulf Coast sunsets.
We are seafood lovers, so we love to sample everything from shrimp to fresh-off-the-boat fish. But, regardless of if you love a great steak or perfectly fried oysters, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from on your mother/daughter trip.
Head Back in Time Before Heading Home
If you are looking for a breakfast that will take you back in time, head over to Sunliner Diner and visit some “cool cats” while you choose your favorite milkshake. Yes, milkshakes for breakfast! You’ll find classics to enjoy like eggs over easy while you tap your toe to a little old-time rock-n-roll.
While these are our favorite activities and restaurants, there’s still much more to see and do. Plan a mother/daughter visit for yourself and create lifelong memories you’ll always cherish.