Local Lingo
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Every city or town has unique words and phrases coined by residents that are special to the destination. Our beaches are no different! You don’t have to be a local to understand the unique lingo of Alabama’s Beaches. Here are a few terms you may hear when visiting our shores.
Alabama's Beaches Words & Phrases
Bushwacker
This signature cocktail of Alabama’s Beaches made with rum, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, cream of coconut, and ice cream or milk. You can find this creamy concoction at tons of bars and restaurants in the area.
Local Tip: Several restaurants offer unique variations of this dessert-like drink, like Doc's Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar's caramel bushwacker and Avenue Pub's vanilla bushwacker.
Gulf
The body of water accessible by our 32 miles of beaches. It is not the ocean and spans across Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. It's the largest gulf in the world!
Fred
The nickname given to any and all blue herons that live on the island. They’re known to steal a fish or two from anglers on the shore. You can find herons across the island roaming around the beach looking for a bite to eat.
Local Tip: If you spot these majestic birds on the beach, watch their movements, as you may spot them pluck a fish right out of the water.
The 'Bama
Shortened name for the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar that sits right on the Alabama/Florida state line. With daily live music, cold drinks, and fresh oysters, a visit to this beachfront joint is a must during your trip.
Local Tip: Be sure to snap a photo on the stateline, with one foot in Alabama and another in Florida! The front right of the building marks this spot with a sign.
Floater
An extra shot added to the top of your bushwacker, not the bottom. These shots add an extra flavor and kick to the creamy concoction. Be sure to stir it in with your straw before taking a sip.
Local Tip: Opt for a peanut whiskey shot to turn your creamy, chocolate cocktail into a Reese’s-inspired drink.
The T
Where Highway 59 ends and meets Perdido Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores. This intersection forms a “T” right in front of Gulf Place Public Beach and The Hangout. This pedestrian-friendly area boasts several seafood restaurants, accommodations, and souvenir shops.
Lefty
The beloved resident alligator of Gulf State Park named for the missing part of her front right arm. She can often be seen near the Rosemary Dunes Trail just west of the slide basking in the sun with her babies on her back. If you spot her, remember to keep your distance and do not feed or disturb her.
The Pass
Another name for the Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach. This is the bridge that connects the island to the mainland to the east and is a popular spot for boats to enter the Gulf from the back bays.
Local Tip: The Gulf restaurant and Alabama Point beach access are the two best spots for watching vessels come and go underneath The Pass.
Royal Reds
The big, bright red shrimp of Alabama. These crustaceans are much larger than white and brown shrimp and have a unique flavor and texture. They are found in the deep waters of the Gulf.
Local Tip: Sea-N-Suds, Shipp's, Desoto's, Bahama Bob's, and The Steamer & Baked Oyster Bar all serve this coastal delicacy.
59 vs. Beach Express
These are two roads that lead to Alabama’s Beaches. Both run north and south and can be accessed by I10. Highway 59 leads to Gulf Shores, while the Beach Express leads to Orange Beach with a detour on the Alabama's Beaches Pkwy.
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.
