One of the top advantages of renting a beach house or condo on Alabama's Beaches is the convenience of a fully-equipped kitchen, making it easy to whip up some meals while you're on your beach vacation. Besides saving money, a condo-cooked meal can also be creative. Below are a few ways to utilize your cooking skills and save a few dollars during your stay.
Find the Right Recipe
No need to pack your cookbooks in your beach bag. We've got all the coastal recipes you need. You'll find delicious meals like crab cakes, beachin' shrimp, and even a few cocktail recipes — your one-stop-shop for beach vacation dinner ideas!
Prepping for the Perfect Beach Dinner
Now that you've got your recipe in hand, you'll need to gather supplies. There are plenty of grocery stores in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach where you'll find all the ingredients you need. Fresh seafood is a natural choice while you're on our beaches, and we've got great seafood markets that offer the Gulf's bounty, either raw or already cooked, for an effortless meal.
Our area offers various grocery services that will have your grocery order ready before you arrive. If you know what you're going to make ahead of time, go ahead and utilize one of these services to save time on shopping.
Tips for Planning Group Meals
Turn mealtime into a seamless and collaborative experience during your getaway.
- Themed potluck: Set a theme for your potluck, such as Italian night, seafood banquet, or BBQ bash. Book your groceries prior to arrival, and sourcing local ingredients for a quintessential Gulf Shores meal will be a breeze!
- DIY food stations: Arrange stations for self-made meals like tacos, sandwiches, or pizzas. Offer a range of ingredients and let everyone customize their own dish.
- Finger-food potluck: Choose finger foods like sliders, skewers, or bite-sized appetizers. These are perfect for a beach dinner and minimize the need for utensils.
- Grilling sessions: Whether you're a fan of grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, shrimp or fish, most condos and beach houses have grills available for their guests. Take full advantage, and set your resident grill master loose!
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Restaurants
If you want to enjoy a beach dinner without the hassle of cooking, take advantage of the restaurants in the area that offer takeout and delivery. You can enjoy coastal cuisine from your favorite beach restaurants in the comfort of your condo or beach house. Sarah's Homemade is an excellent spot for freshly cooked meals that are ready for you to pick up and pop in the oven.
Eating on Alabama's Beaches is a delicious delight. Whether you cook for yourself or dine out, you'll find fresh seafood and ingredients here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
