Single-Parent Vacation
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Jill Robbins shares her solo parenting experience on Alabama's Beaches, and why the destination is at the top of her list for family-friendly vacations.
Have you ever thought about solo-parenting during vacation? Maybe you’re a single parent. Maybe you want to travel, and for whatever reason, your partner can’t get the time off to take that trip. Just pack up those kids, choose a destination, and go!
I’m excited to share a few of my top picks on Alabama's Beaches for solo-parent travelers. There are so many things to do here - I know you’ll find something that piques your interest!
Solo Parent Traveling
My husband and I have been traveling with our twin boys since they were very small. We’ve never let the fact that we had young children stand in the way of our love of travel and exploring. My venture into solo-parent travel came two years ago during spring break when my kids were in second grade. My husband didn’t have enough vacation time for a trip, and I was determined not to sit around the house watching my kids veg out in front of the television for a week. So, I rented a cabin three hours away from home, and we went “camping.”
That was the start of my solo-parenting travel adventure. Being a solo-parent traveler brings on a new dynamic, and it helps my kids and me get to know each other better. I’ve taken my kids to lots of different destinations over the past two years. Sometimes, my husband travels with us; other times, he doesn’t. Sometimes, the kids and I take trips by ourselves, and my husband pops in for a couple of days if his schedule permits. For us, travel is travel, and we enjoy it all.
My kids and I (yep, just me and them) traveled to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan for a summer family vacation, and I think it’s a great destination for a solo-parent or a single parent, especially if it’s your first venture into this type of travel. There’s such a family-friendly and kid-friendly atmosphere here. There are a ton of options for family-friendly beach activities for toddlers, teens, and all ages in between, and there’s a remarkably laid-back vibe everywhere that allows parents to relax and enjoy their trip, rather than just feeling like they’re keeping track of kids somewhere other than home.
Best Single-Parent Vacation Ideas
Best Single-Parent Vacation Ideas
Sand Castle University is a private or group class on sandcastle building that comes to you. Classes last about an hour, and you get a time-lapse video of your class as well as a breakdown of the tools and supplies used.
Aside from seriously elevating my sandcastle-building game, I loved this activity as a solo-parent traveler because I got a little bit of a break. My kids were super engaged, and our instructor Janel took over for an hour. I was an active participant in the class, but I could have easily just vegged in a beach chair and had a moment to myself without leaving my kids’ presence.
Dolphin Watching
Cetacean Cruises Dolphin and Nature Sunset Cruise is exactly what it sounds like. Cetacean Cruises depart from The Wharf in Orange Beach, which is a mecca of shopping, dining, and other entertainment.
This is a great way to explore the local waterways and see marine mammals in their natural habitat. Snacks and drinks are available on board, and the crew is great with kids. There’s also assigned seating, which guarantees you a static spot to relax in.
Also? The sunset views are incredible. Your kids might not appreciate that, but you will.
Hang Out at The Hangout
The Hangout is a beachfront restaurant in Gulf Shores that offers great food and great views (we loved watching the dolphins play at a distance), but it is much more than just a place to eat (but get the crab cake...you’re welcome).
The Hangout has a huge, fenced outdoor space for kids. My two would have been seriously happy to stay here for hours. If that doesn’t convince you, there’s a foam party every hour. Who doesn’t like a good foam explosion? During off-peak or low season, the foam party is available upon request, so be sure to ask your server when the foam fun begins. Also, take a towel.
I’m also going to quickly mention Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s. If you like The Hangout, Lulu’s is another local eatery with lots of things for your kids to do outside. If you’re visiting for more than a few days and have time and budget for two leisurely meals, do both places.
Try Parasailing
My son Zack (9) and I were both first-time parasailers, and Sky Surfer in Orange Beach was great with us. You can parasail in groups of two or three. If you’ve got less adventurous people in your group, you can pay for your non-parasailers as observers. The boat ride is an adventure all by itself, and there’s no pressure for a more timid child (or adult) to go up in the harness if they don’t want to. This was FAR out of my comfort zone, but I'm so glad we got the opportunity to do this!
Visit The Coastal Art Center
The Coastal Art Center in Orange Beach is a working art gallery featuring all types of art by local artists. You can browse the gallery, take a class, or watch a class in progress. If your kids are interested in art or if you’re just trying to infuse some culture into your trip, this is your spot.
like doing the “not typical” thing on vacation. Everyone goes to the beach in this area...that’s a given. Not everyone comes home from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and says, “I learned how to blow glass.” The views and grounds are also a lot of fun to explore!
Plan a Solo Parent Trip to Alabama's Beaches
Those are my picks - although I know there’s a ton of fantastic things to do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. I hope this inspires you to travel more with your kids and to check out one of my favorite spots on your next family vacation!
And, I know taking that first solo trip with kids can be daunting. Just do it! Find a vacation rental, such as a condo or beach house, for room to spread out. Plan plenty of downtime, don’t expect perfection, and go make those memories.
Jill Robbins
Jill Robbins is a Texas-based freelance writer. She lives with her husband and two youngest kids near San Antonio, although she’s usually traveling somewhere else. Read more of Jill’s writing on her blog, Ripped Jeans and Bifocals.
