couple relaxing in a private cabana at the lazy river at the caribe

Couple's Getaway Itinerary

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Take a digital detox, forget about work and responsibilities, and connect with the one you love on the coast. Fantastic restaurants, gorgeous shores, and an abundance of activities make Alabama's Beaches a favorite destination for those looking to escape for a romantic and fun weekend away. We’ve created a three-day itinerary to help inspire your vacation planning. 

Day 1

Bloody Mary at Brick & Spoon brunch restaurant in Orange Beach

Breakfast

Breakfast

Begin your day with a Bloody Mary at Brick & Spoon in Orange Beach. Fair warning! This is no ordinary breakfast cocktail. The offerings at this restaurant are so expansive they have their own menu. Select between dozens of spices, veggies, and meats! Your custom creation will come piled high with interesting ingredients.

People paddling in yellow kayaking along the back bays in Orange Beach at sunset

Morning

Morning

Paddle through the morning and the waters of Alabama’s Beaches on a kayak. If you really want some togetherness, opt for a double kayak! There are plenty of places to paddle, including Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park, Terry Cove, Little Lagoon, and the back bays of Orange Beach. If the water is calm, you can even kayak near the shore in the Gulf.

Couple dining on the waterfront deck at Avenue Pub restaurant in Orange Beach

Lunch

Lunch

If you paddled in Lake Shelby or Little Lagoon, refuel at Woodside. Nestled in Gulf State Park, this casual restaurant is an excellent place for a delicious meal in a natural and fun setting. Those who explored the waters of Orange Beach should grab a bite at Avenue Pub. Known for its blonde bushwackers, this waterfront spot is shaped like a ship and offers fantastic views from its deck.

Couple sitting on the beach under a beach umbrella in Gulf Shores

Afternoon

Afternoon

On a couple’s getaway, you need time to relax and reconnect. Enjoy some downtime on Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches. Bring your beach chairs, towels, and an ice chest full of your favorite drinks. You can go for a stroll along the shore, take a dip in the Gulf, or soak up some sun in the sand. If your accommodations are not directly on the beach, head to one of the 15 public beach access points

Couple dining on the outdoor deck at Jesse's on the Bay, fine dining waterfront restaurant in Gulf Shores

Dinner

Dinner

Break out your best outfit and dine at Jesse's on the Bay, a waterfront fine dining establishment offering curated meals and cocktails. Located in Fort Morgan, Jesse's is the perfect date-night restaurant. A candlelight setting coupled with mouthwatering menu offerings will be the perfect ending to a day of togetherness.

Day 2

couple drinking coffee on the balcony of a beach house in orange beach

Breakfast

Breakfast

Continue the relax and reconnect vibe with a balcony or front porch breakfast on your second vacation day. There are few things more peaceful than sipping a cup of coffee with panoramic views of white-sand beach. You can pick up breakfast items and ingredients from a nearby grocery store or swing by a local coffee shop.

sail wild hearts cruise in orange beach

Morning

Morning

Sure, you could go on a sunset sail, but why not opt for a morning cruise aboard a sailboat? There’s something unique about gliding through the water powered only by the wind. Watch for dolphins and enjoy the tranquility of the moment. Sail Wild Hearts is a 53-foot open-ocean catamaran that sails the waters of Orange Beach. The lively crew will have your toes tapping to beach music while they point out resident dolphin pods. Back Bay Sailing Adventures offers a sailing adventure of a different sort. Set sail aboard a monohull sailboat with just the two of you and the crew. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks and enjoy a private sailing adventure. 

Couple sipping cocktails on the outdoor couches at The Gulf beachfront restaurant in Orange Beach

Lunch

Lunch

For a fun lunch spot, stop by The Gulf. This beachfront restaurant offers unique seating paired with great beach eats and an excellent view of the Gulf. You have your choice of burgers, seafood, notable cocktails, and more while you enjoy the cool and comfortable atmosphere.

couple parasailing over the Gulf in orange beach

Afternoon

Afternoon

Take to the skies and soar above the shore on a parasail! This exciting activity offers the best views of the water and beach. Many parasail operators in the area have two-person options, so you can experience this thrill together.

couple at cobalt

Dinner

Dinner

For views to write home about, drop anchor at Cobalt the Restaurant, a Bayfront eatery next to Perdido Pass Bridge. Dine outdoors and take in a stunning sunset over the water. Whether you love fresh seafood, wood fired pizzas, or mouthwatering burgers, Cobalt’s menu will please nearly any palate.

Day 3

coastal restaurant outdoor seating

Brunch

Brunch

Sleep in! Then, begin your third day in paradise with brunch at Coastal. Soak in views of the Gulf as you sip mimosas and feast on an array of classic breakfast favorites and unique brunch creations at this open-air beachfront spot. After you finished your meal, take a short walk along the boardwalk to the beach and stroll along the shore.

couple biking along the paved trails in gulf state park

Morning

Morning

Hop aboard a land cruiser and peddle away down more than 28 miles of trails on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. From boardwalks over Lake Shelby to paved trails surrounded by oak and pine trees, a bike ride through the trail system will work off brunch and get your heart pumping.

couple sipping drinks at the bar at San Bar at The Wharf

Afternoon

Afternoon

Shop, sip, and explore at The Wharf. This entertainment district is filled with dozens of shops, several restaurants and bars, and plenty of entertainment. If you need a pick-me-up before dinner, pop into Gulf Babe Wine Boutique for boards and cocktails or grab an app and margarita at Yoho Rum & Taco's waterfront Boat Bar.

Crab legs at Big Fish sushi and seafood restaurant in Orange Beach

Dinner

Dinner

Keep your dining beyond excellent by having dinner at Big Fish. This under-the-radar favorite is where locals often go for that special occasion evening out or just because we’re craving fabulous scallops or fresh sushi prepared in truly amazing (and totally delicious) ways. The steaks are another tantalizing option if you’re ready to mix things up a bit. Reservations are recommended—that’s how good the food is here.

Share This

Trip Planning Resources

Your journey to Alabama's Beaches begins here.