Living near San Antonio, I can be toes in the sand at the Texas Gulf Coast in about three hours. While Texas shores are about 200 miles from where I live, Alabama’s beaches are better. In fact, I think the beaches on Alabama’s Gulf Coast near the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are some of the best beaches in the continental United States.
Gulf Shores, Alabama is about 750 miles away and around 12 hours in the car, but it’s well worth the drive time. It 1,000% pays off and the beach experience is so incredible.
Driving to Alabama Beaches from Texas
If you’re coming from elsewhere in Texas, plug in the numbers and see what the distance and drive time is. Starting in west or north Texas means a longer haul but if you live in those parts of the state, a drive to any beach requires some commitment. However, from most major Texas cities, driving to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is an easy (and fun) day trip.
- Houston to Gulf Shores: 520 miles and about an eight-hour drive.
- Dallas Fort Worth to Gulf Shores: 655 miles and about a 10-hour drive.
- Austin to Gulf Shores: 685 miles and about a 10-hour drive.
In my opinion, Alabama beaches really are better beaches. The water is clearer, the fine sugar-white sand beats Texas’ golden sand, which is heavier in clay content, and there are more restaurants and beach activities to choose from in Alabama Beaches.
How to Get from Texas to Alabama
How far is Texas from Alabama? Not terribly far! Interstate 10 runs east-west across Texas. Starting from near San Antonio, I pick up I-10 just a few miles from my house and ride it all the way through the southeast. I detour onto I-12 to skirt around New Orleans traffic but otherwise, it’s a straight shot until you see the exit signs that take you to Gulf Shores. Easy peasy.
For me, the biggest headache traveling from San Antonio is navigating Houston’s heavy traffic but once you clear that, the drive is a nice one. We also occasionally see a short backup in Baton Rouge.
Alabama Road Trip Stops
Our favorite foodie places to stop are Beaumont and Lake Charles. Both have excellent food scenes from locally owned restaurants serving Cajun and Creole delights, as well as a large selection of fast food and quick service restaurants for those who just want to fuel up and get on their way. If you time it right, Insane Sausages in Vinton Louisiana is the perfect place for boudin lovers. Insane Sausages is only open Friday-Sunday so if that lines up with your travel, stop in to see what creative special they have.
For me, the drive time to get from San Antonio to Gulf Shores is about 12 hours, and stops can add up to make for a very long day. If we get started later in the day, we’ll usually spend the night in Gulfport, Mississippi and finish the drive the next day. Gulfport has plenty of places to eat and sleep a short distance from the highway.
Other places for a pit stop that have a good selection of gas and food are Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Hattiesburg, and Mobile. Some of the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama stretches of highway don’t have lights outside of the cities so if you don’t like driving in the dark, plan to leave Texas early in the morning, especially during the seasons where the sun sets early.
Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
There’s so much to do in Alabama Beaches — literally every beachy thing you can think of. From parasailing to eco tours and sandcastle building classes, the offerings in Alabama’s beaches can keep you as busy as you want to be. It’s also the perfect place for doing anything your heart desires.
And, even though the phrase “something for everyone” is supremely overused, no matter what the makeup of your group or what you like to do, this truly is a place where everyone will be happy. There are a lot of beach house rentals and resorts that accommodate families of all sizes and multi-gen travel groups that give everyone their space. If you’re looking for a vacation spot where your group can do things together as well as apart, Gulf Shores will fit the bill.
Gulf Shores also has the best family-friendly spring break activities. If you’re looking to schedule a spring break beach trip and don’t want to run into the party-hearty college crowds, this is your place.
Some of my Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Favorites
No Alabama road trip itinerary is complete with a visit to a few of these places. It’s hard to have favorites but here are a few spots that we recommend:
- Sandcastle Building Class with Sand Castle University: If you’re staying beachfront, the class will come to you.
- Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: This small zoo is a true gem and is easy to navigate in half a day. There are elevated animal encounters, such as hanging out up close and personal with lemurs, and a mind-blowingly good restaurant that is far beyond what you’d expect to find at a zoo.
- The Wharf Entertainment District: Dining, shopping, an escape room, and a very cool Ferris wheel are just some of the activity choices at The Wharf. If you’re traveling without kids or can escape them for a bit, there’s also a really fun speakeasy here. The challenge of finding it and getting in is part of the adventure!
- The Hangout: Not only is this a fantastic place to grab food — and you will not find a shortage of delicious things to eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach — it’s got fun games, a place for the kids to run around, and even a foam machine. Who doesn’t love a good foam party? Arrive hungry and grab delicious food with waterfront views and stay for the fun.
- Historic Fort Morgan: This National Historical Landmark is a former outpost where soldiers protected and watched over Mobile Bay and the best place to learn the history of the area. Plus, you can get some fascinating views from the top of the fort.
Plan Your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Adventure
Knowing the lay of the land before you go makes for the best vacation. Even if you’ve been to Alabama Beaches before, there might be something new to check out, and even if you’ve visited multiple times, there’s probably something you haven’t done. It’s a good place to get out of your comfort zone and an equally good place to sink into the comfort of enjoying the same beach things you’ve always enjoyed.
Whether you’re going for the first time or the tenth, order a free vacation guide and see what’s new as you begin planning your Alabama Beaches trip itinerary. You can also subscribe to get email updates, so you’ll be the first to know about specials and new activity options.
