Skip to main content
  • Visitors
  • Meetings
  • Sports
Visitors
    • Book Lodging
    • Why Book With Us
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Owner-Managed Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • RV Parks & Camping
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    Top Campgrounds on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All Stay
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
    • Family-Friendly Fun
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Excursions & Tours
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Indoor Activities
    • Hiking
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Kids running into the Gulf on the beach in Gulf Shores
    Fun Family Beach Activities
    No
    All Things to Do
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Jet Skiing
    • Snorkeling
    • Cruises
    • Parasailing
    • Kayaking
    • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
    • Sailing
    • Dolphin Cruises
    • Diving
    • Marinas
    Boating Alabama Pass
    Plan a Boat-Friendly Vacation on Alabama's Beaches
    Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico
    Coastal Critters on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All On the Water
    • Book Lodging
    • Deals
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Beach Safety
    • Community-First Traveling
    • Find Photographers
    beach village resort
    Places To Stay
    Fly Alabama's Beaches - Graphic
    Fly Alabama's Beaches
    Kids running into the Gulf on the beach in Gulf Shores
    Fun Family Beach Activities
    No
    All Plan
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Concerts
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Sand in My Boots Festival
    • Summer Camps
    Hangout Music Fest Gulf Shores
    Sand in My Boots Festival
    The Lodge at Gulf State Park
    Holiday Events
    No
    All Events
    • Seafood
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Fan Favorites
    • Recipes
    • Foodie Getaway
    • 50th Bushwacker Anniversary
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love on Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
    No
    All Eat & Drink
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Parents sitting under a beach umbrella watching their kids walk along the shore in Gulf Shores
    Why Alabama’s Beaches are Perfect for a Family Spring Break
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All Blog
  • Free Guide
    No
  • Deals
Visitors
    • Book Lodging
    • Why Book With Us
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Owner-Managed Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • RV Parks & Camping
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    Top Campgrounds on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All Stay
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
    • Family-Friendly Fun
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Excursions & Tours
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Indoor Activities
    • Hiking
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Kids running into the Gulf on the beach in Gulf Shores
    Fun Family Beach Activities
    No
    All Things to Do
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Jet Skiing
    • Snorkeling
    • Cruises
    • Parasailing
    • Kayaking
    • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
    • Sailing
    • Dolphin Cruises
    • Diving
    • Marinas
    Boating Alabama Pass
    Plan a Boat-Friendly Vacation on Alabama's Beaches
    Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico
    Coastal Critters on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All On the Water
    • Book Lodging
    • Deals
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Beach Safety
    • Community-First Traveling
    • Find Photographers
    beach village resort
    Places To Stay
    Fly Alabama's Beaches - Graphic
    Fly Alabama's Beaches
    Kids running into the Gulf on the beach in Gulf Shores
    Fun Family Beach Activities
    No
    All Plan
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Concerts
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Sand in My Boots Festival
    • Summer Camps
    Hangout Music Fest Gulf Shores
    Sand in My Boots Festival
    The Lodge at Gulf State Park
    Holiday Events
    No
    All Events
    • Seafood
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Fan Favorites
    • Recipes
    • Foodie Getaway
    • 50th Bushwacker Anniversary
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love on Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
    No
    All Eat & Drink
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Parents sitting under a beach umbrella watching their kids walk along the shore in Gulf Shores
    Why Alabama’s Beaches are Perfect for a Family Spring Break
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All Blog
  • Free Guide
    No
  • Deals
Meetings
  • Home
    All Home
    • Plan Your Conference
    • How Can We Help
    • Why Our Beach
    • Services
    • FAQs
    • Getting Here
    • Restaurants
    • Things to Do
    • Calendar of Events
    • Order a Free Vacation Guide
    • Show Your Badge Pass
    Meeting in Gulf Shores
    Five Tips to Becoming a Confident Speaker
    beach bag, gulf shores
    How to Pack for a Meeting at the Beach
    All Plan Your Conference
    • All Meeting Spaces
    • Unique Meeting Spaces
    • Accommodations
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    Non-Traditional Meeting Spaces on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    Meeting at The Lodge
    Which Social Media Networks Help Meeting Planners the Most
    All Meeting Spaces
  • Reunions & Weddings
    All Reunions & Weddings
    • Meeting Planner Toolkit
    Beach Chairs
    Tips To Make Your Next Beach Meeting a Success
    Hashtag Events Happening in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
    5 Ways Social Media Helps Meeting Planners Communicate & Educate Attendees
    Meeting Ballroom on Alabama's Beaches
    How to Increase Attendance at Your Next Conference on Alabama Beaches
    All Toolkit
    • Connect With Us
    • Submit RFP
    • Subscribe Today
    Woman relaxing on the beach in Alabama
    Tips for Maintaining a Work-Life Balance as a Meeting Professional
    AmyPeralta
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Sales Manager Amy Peralta
    MaryStatkewicz
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Meetings Former Sales Manager Mary Statkewicz
    All Contact Us
  • Blog
    All Blog
Sports
  • Home
    All Home
    • All Events
    • Book Lodging
    • Perfect Game World Series
    • Gulf Shores High School
    • Beach Races
    • NCAA Beach Volleyball
    • Orange Beach High School
    • USSSA Gulf Coast National Championship
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    4 Spots to Fuel Up for the Game
    Teens playing on Alabama's beaches
    What to Pack for Your Sportcation?
    All Events & Special Rates
    • All Restaurant Sponsors
    • On-the-Go Dining
    Aerial shot of people gathered around a table filled with food at GTs on the Bay
    Restaurants for Team Dining on Alabama’s Beaches
    Orange Beach, Lunching For Less - Teaser
    Budget-Friendly Meals for the Whole Team in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    All Restaurants
    • All Attraction Sponsors
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    Quirky, Must-Visit Places on Alabama's Beaches
    The Factory Trampoline Park
    5 Action-Packed Activities Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    Girls petting a dog in Shades Sunglasses & Apparel at The Wharf
    What to Do When Your Tournament is Rained Out
    All Attractions
    • Healthcare
    • Book Lodging
    • Restaurants
    • Attractions
    • Facility Maps
    • BEach SAFE
    • Responsible Tourism
    • Alabama's Beaches Savings Scorecard
    • Blog
    • Sports Shorts Newsletter
    All Visiting Athletes
  • Facilities
    All Facilities
    • Facility Info
    • Leisure Events
    • Our Services
    • Planner Toolkit
    • Contact Us
    • Play at the Beach Newsletter
    • Future Sports Tourism Development
    Baseball player
    Get to Know the Beach's Best Sports Facilities
    Half Marathon Gulf Shores
    Event Planner Resources for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    NCAA Softball Gulf Shores
    Start Planning Your Sportscation to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    All Bring Your Event
    • Business Sponsors
    All Sponsors
  • Blog
    All Blog
Family walking along a boardwalk towards the beach at Kiva Dunes Resort in Fort Morgan

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Plan a Vacation On a Budget On Alabama’s Beaches

Beach Vacation on a Budget

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

March 24, 2025

When planning a beach trip, most people dream about relaxing by the water, spending time with family, dining at great restaurants and enjoying local attractions, not creating a vacation budget. However, with careful planning and helpful tips, budgeting your beach getaway can be stress-free. Get more value from your dollar by utilizing these resources so you can vacation better on a budget.

Aerial shot of a family playing in a pool at their beach house in Orange Beach

Lodging Savings

While a July vacation may sound like the obvious choice, consider the perks of off-season travel. On Alabama's Beaches, you'll find warm weather and water well into the fall and spring. Pair this with off-season rates on condos, beach houses, owner-managed properties, and hotels, and you've hit the jackpot of savings. Lodging is often the most costly part of a vacation, so this is the first stop for those who want to keep some green in their pockets. Even traveling just a few weeks into August can net significant savings. Early summer and fall are also great times to visit, thanks to comfortable temperatures and exciting events.

Couple checking into Hotel Indigo in Orange Beach

Aside from traveling during the offseason, many vacation rental management companies will offer last-minute discounts or free-night specials. For example, stay five nights and get the sixth for free. Keep a close eye on the deals page for the latest Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lodging specials and discounts, or subscribe to our monthly eTidings newsletter for access to regular exclusive deals and offerings.

Spacious kitchen in a beachfront house in Orange Beach

Cook Your Meals

Save money on dining out by choosing a beach house or condo with a fully-equipped kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals. You can also bring a small cooler of your favorite snacks and meal items to eliminate those from your grocery list. Some other necessities to consider packing that don't take up a lot of space are garbage bags, Ziploc bags, aluminum foil, and detergent pods. While most lodging units with kitchens provide a small starter supply, you'll likely want more for a multi-day stay.

Beach Moms Grocery Delivery Gulf Shores

If you're looking forward to cooking more often than dining out, consider utilizing special services that offer grocery delivery or curbside pickup. Ordering groceries and necessities online can eliminate the temptation for unnecessary spending while stocking up for the week. While many of the area's stores offer grocery delivery or pickup, you can also ask your vacation rental management company if they provide a grocery delivery service or concierge. 

Coastal Restaurant Gulf Shores

Dining Deals

Research restaurants for happy hours and early-bird specials. Many restaurants offer great deals if you arrive between the lunch and dinner rushes. Eating at this time of day will also eliminate long wait times during popular dining periods. You'll also find affordable and delicious lunch specials at many restaurants.

Beachside Mini Golf Orange Beach

Affordable Activities

Looking for free and cheap things to do? The Alabama Gulf Coast boasts plenty of exciting activities and experiences that won't break the bank. To save even more, take advantage of the All-In-One attraction ticket. With this pass, you can visit several area attractions for a discounted price.
 
Visit our Welcome Centers to learn more about the best things to do, see, and eat in the area. Our staff members are great resources and enjoy sharing valuable area information. While there, you can also pick up coupon books and rack cards with special offers for local restaurants and attractions.

Share This

Find Your Perfect Spot on the Water
Book Now
Where Your Journey Begins
Order a Free Vacation Guide
News from the Coast
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter

You May Also Like

See All Blog Posts
Sunliner Diner Milkshake

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Hand holding a bright orange cocktail in front of the beach at Coastal Orange Beach restaurant

7 Drinks Locals Love on Alabama's Beaches

Women enjoying a beachfront meal on the deck at Pink Pony Pub restaurant in Gulf Shores

Make the Most of Your Time Before Your Flight

Blogger Erin Moody standing next to the pool at Beach Club Resort in Fort Morgan

Babymoon Ideas on Alabama's Beaches

Family running along the water on the beach in Gulf Shores

Things to Do in July on Alabama's Beaches

Cruisin' Tikis

Unique Activities

Order a Vacation Guide Subscribe to our Enewsletter
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tik-Tok
  • Trip Ideas
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Responsible Tourism
  • Weddings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Employment Opportunities
  • 1-800-745-SAND
  • [email protected]
Copyright 2025 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All rights reserved.
  • Subscribe to Enews
  • Book Lodging