Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect family-friendly destinations. Our area has something for everyone to enjoy, even the littlest ones in the family. We've compiled everything you need to know before your baby's first beach trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast. From what to bring to where to eat and the best spots to visit, check out these tips!
Alabama's Beaches are the perfect destination for your little ones first beach trip!
What to Pack for the Beach with a Baby
Add umbrellas, towels, and chairs to your beach packing list. You can bring your own from home or purchase or rent your beach gear when you get here. Being fully equipped will make a day at the beach much more enjoyable. A pro tip is to bring a sheet to use as a playmat, so your baby can crawl around without getting in the sand. If you prefer to travel light, Baby Beach Rentals offers lots of essential beach gear, such as strollers, wagons, and pop-n-play domes for rent.
Where to Get Beach Toys
Several public beach access points have toy boxes where beachgoers can freely leave and take toys to enjoy on the water. You can also pick up beach toys at various local grocery stores in the area. We suggest leaving stuffed animals, battery-operated toys, and any of your baby's favorites inside so they don't risk damage from the sand or water.
Sun Protection for You & Your Baby
Before you hit the beach, pick up some swim diapers from the store. When dressing your baby, opt for rash guard swimsuits as they provide more coverage from the sun. Sunglasses and hats are also great for keeping the sun out of babies’ eyes, and water shoes are a must during the summer months when the sand can be hot. If they're old enough to get in the water, equip them with arm floaties or grab a float they can sit in from a local store. As always, remember to apply sunscreen too!
Stay Hydrated & Avoid Overheating
It's important to stay hydrated since coastal temperatures can really heat up in the summer. It's always good to have water on hand while in the sun, so bring a cooler packed with cold drinks and snacks. One of the best ways to keep your baby cool is to pack frozen fruit or ice pops in your cooler. We also suggest adding an insulated tumbler with milk to your cooler, along with water and juice. Another great item to bring to avoid overheating is a battery-powered fan.
Baby-Friendly Public Beaches
When it comes to choosing which public beach access point to visit, many parents prefer locations with short walks. Gulf Place, Cotton Bayou, and the Beach Pavilion are great options for bringing your little ones. These access points have shaded areas, bathrooms, and parking. These spots also have lifeguards on duty from March through October. Additionally, most waterfront accommodations have boardwalks leading to the beach, so you'll have only a quick walk to the water.
Other Vacation Activities for Babies
Our area is also home to lots of fun activities off the beach. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the perfect place for a family outing. Paved sidewalks line the exhibits, so you can easily push a stroller around as you check out all the exciting animals. Speaking of extraordinary creatures, the Nature Center hosts several local animals and plant species and offers visitors insight into flora and fauna of the Gulf Coast. Your little one will love getting an up-close look at some of the native wildlife.
If you're searching for great views, the Gulf State Park Pier is the perfect place for sightseeing, bird-watching, or fishing. The pier is wheelchair and stroller-accessible, offering ample space to walk or wheel around. Take your baby on an adventure and explore the trails in Gulf State Park. The park offers 28 miles of paved trails perfect for walking and biking. Several local outfitters offer bikes for rent with baby seats fitted on the back, so kids can ride along the trails with you.
Another fun spot for babies and young children is the splash pad in front of TJ Maxx at the Tanger Outlets in Foley. This free splash pad is open to anyone and includes benches and shaded areas. If you prefer to stay on the island, Surf Style #202 in Orange Beach has a complimentary splash play area outside its store. Additionally, both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have public playgrounds with picnic areas, tables, and paved sidewalks.
If your baby isn’t quite ready for the beach or you’re looking for an even easier way to keep them entertained, take them to the pool at your accommodation. Having your baby play in the pool is a great way to get them used to the water and let them splash around. Many condos, hotels, and resorts in our area have pools on-site, and some even have splash pads, perfect for the little ones.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
A day of fun calls for an equally exciting dining experience on Alabama's beaches. Our area is home to lots of fabulous, family-friendly restaurants. Two of our favorites to bring little ones are GTs on the Bay and LuLu's. GTs serves delicious seafood and has a pirate-ship playground and children's obstacle course, perfect for keeping your baby occupied while you wait for your food. LuLu's features fun for all ages, including a ropes course, arcade, and even hair wraps. They also have a large outdoor area with seating where you and your baby can watch the water or play in the sand.
