Vacation Like a Local
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
It’s no secret that locals always know about the hidden gems and off-the-beaten path spots that make visiting a destination an authentic experience. But on Alabama’s Beaches, the hidden gems are more than the local-favorite restaurants. They’re also about the line cook who arrived early to prep his station and the anglers who caught your fresh Gulf meal. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan are filled with coastal characters, so when you’re exploring to find those out-of-the-way spots, talk to the characters who call the area home.
If you want to vacation like a local while on Alabama's Beaches, discover the locally loved restaurants and dishes, experience unique things to do, and book a stay at a local rental, so you can completely immerse yourself into the coastal culture.
Local Tips
The best way to vacation like a local is to respect the area and those who live here (the humans and wildlife)! While on our beaches, here are a few tips to help you embrace the coastal life and immerse yourself in local culture.
- We have a slower way of living on the coast. While here, adapt a go-with-the-flow attitude to soak up all the area has to offer.
- Don’t call the water the ocean – it’s the Gulf!
- It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! Here on the beach, nobody will judge you for starting off the morning with a mimosa or sipping a cocktail at lunch.
- Remember to apply sunscreen – even on your feet. A bad sunburn can spoil your trip.
- During spring and summer, many guests visit our beach. To avoid longer wait times at restaurants, dine early in the evening before 5:30 pm or later after 8 pm.
- Always tip your servers and bartenders. They work hard to make your vacation enjoyable.
- Never feed seagulls. It makes them dependent on humans (and will annoy your beach neighbors).
- Most importantly, adhere to all beach rules and regulations and remember to leave only footprints.
How to Vacation Like an Alabama’s Beaches Local
Visit the Welcome Center
Visit the Welcome Center
Our Welcome Center is a great place to start. More than rack cards and coupons, your most valuable sources of information are the vacation specialists who work behind the counter every day and live in the area. Whether you want the inside scoop on the most secluded public beach or an out-of-the-way dive where you can sip cocktails and take in a sunset, you’ve come to the right place.
Talk to Locals
Talk to Locals
Strike up a conversation with your waiter or even the cashier at the grocery store for more insider knowledge. Sometimes, recommendations aren’t off the beaten path, but they are solid spots to experience, whether it’s a restaurant or an attraction. Your waiter or bartender will have the best recommendations for food and drinks. Even locals frequent the places with the recognizable names you heard about while planning your beach vacation. And many of those “big” restaurants are locally owned. That’s one of the fun things that offers up authentic travel experiences for visitors.
Unique Activities & Experiences
Unique Activities & Experiences
Alabama’s Beaches are home to lots of unique things to do, one-of-a-kind watersports, and fantastic boutiques and gift shops that are exclusive to the area. Fill your itinerary with cool coastal experiences like sailing on a pirate ship, floating on a tiki boat, or taking a sandcastle-building class on the beach. When you’re ready to explore the area on foot, traverse the scenic trails in Gulf State Park and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to catch a glimpse of native flora and fauna and take in the natural beauty of the Alabama Gulf Coast. And you can’t leave without buying a new beach outfit from coastal shops, that way you can dress like a local, too!
Where to Stay Like a Local
Where to Stay Like a Local
Staying in local rentals is one of the best ways to vacation like a local on Alabama’s Beaches. Locally owned or operated condos and beach houses are often furnished by the owners, offering a more unique, local experience than most accommodations do. These rentals often feature homey touches such as board games, DVDs, outdoor dining areas, and personalized décor. There are lots of accommodations in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan that will meet your lodging needs, such as pet-friendly vacation rentals, owner-managed rentals, and beachfront condos and houses.
If you're staying in a locally owned accommodation, talk to the property manager about their favorite spots and activities around the island. They'll have lots of insight on what to do and where to eat.
How to Eat & Drink Like a Local
Locally Loved Dishes
Locally Loved Dishes
The Alabama Gulf Coast is known for its fresh Gulf seafood and unique southern dishes. If you want to dine like a true Alabama’s Beaches native, try these local seafood dishes and Alabama favorites during your trip.
Skip the Chains
Skip the Chains
Here on the beach, we are proud that our area is comprised primarily of local businesses. These mom-and-pop shops and family-owned restaurants are what make the destination unique. While there aren’t many chains in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we encourage visitors to avoid national restaurants and fast-food spots and instead dine at local establishments. Trade your usual morning brew for a fresh cup from a local coffee shop or sip a pint of local beer from Big Beach Brewing instead of your go-to brand.
Local Cocktails
Local Cocktails
Not only can you eat like a local, but you can drink like one, too! We love a house margarita and old-fashioned, but on vacation, it’s fun to try a handcrafted libation that represents the destination. While you’re out at an area restaurant or bar, order one of these locally loved drinks or original cocktails. These coastal sips capture the irresistible and delicious taste of the Alabama Gulf Coast and pair perfectly with fresh Gulf seafood.
Local Haunts with Music & Views
Local Haunts with Music & Views
Live music is an essential part of the culture along Alabama’s Beaches, and the talented musicians in the area are highly respected and loved by locals. Listening to live tunes while eating out enhances the dining experience and creates a fantastic atmosphere. Grab a dinner at a local restaurant with live music or check the live music calendar to see who’s playing. And don’t forget to drop a few bucks in the musician’s tip buckets!
Trip Planning Resources
Sydnie Lee
A Gulf Coast native and Travel Marketing Professional, Sydnie is Alabama's Beaches Content Specialist (AKA taste tester and destination researcher.) She spends time visiting restaurants, attractions, activities, and events in the area to get the inside scoop on all things happening in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
