My Father-Daughter Vacation
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
When my dad found out I was interested in visiting Alabama's Beaches, he immediately volunteered his services as my adventure sidekick and additional driver.
My dad joined me on a road trip to North Dakota the previous summer, and I knew he could handle a fast pace with lots of fun. When I visit a destination, I want to experience “all the things.” That typically means a full-throttle itinerary, packed with activities to make the most of my time there.
Our father-daughter vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach gave us the perfect chance to enjoy family time, explore Alabama’s Beaches, and try a few new adventures along the way. It had been 20+ years since my last visit to the area, so I had a lot of catching up to do! I knew the turquoise water of the Gulf would still be beautiful, but we also discovered fantastic local restaurants and unique adventures that made for a memorable father-daughter getaway.
The Best Things to Do on a Father-Daughter Trip to Alabama's Beaches
A father-daughter vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you want it to be. For us, it meant seeing the coast from above, biking through Gulf State Park, watching dolphins at sunset and ending the day with a local brew.
Take a Scenic Flight Over Alabama’s Beaches
One of our favorite experiences was an unforgettable flight in a gyroplane with Magni Gyroflight. My dad and I both enjoyed scenic flights together.
My dad rode in an M29 Orion gyroplane (an enclosed, side-by-side model), and I rode in an American Ranger gyroplane (an open tandem model). The gyroplanes are a smooth, safe way to see the area from the air.
From up there, you get a completely different look at the coastline, the water and just how beautiful Alabama’s Beaches really are.
Bike the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
If you enjoy exploring on two wheels, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a must-do activity in Gulf Shores! Gulf State Park offers a free bike-share program that lets you explore nine distinct ecosystems on 28 miles of paved trails.
All you have to do is download the Bloom Bike Share App for access to borrow one of bikesfor free for up to three hours at a time. Pickup spots for the bikes are near Woodside Restaurant and the Gulf State Park Pavilion.
While you’re on the trails, be on the lookout for the eagle’s nest and “Lefty the Alligator” along the way. We loved that this was an easy way to get outside, move around and see a different side of the beach environment.
Sail Into Sunset in Orange Beach
If you prefer to keep both feet on the ground, another option is to relax on a 52-foot Hawaiian catamaran during a Sunset Sail with Cetacean Cruises.
The highlight of our evening was observing several dolphins swim and play within viewing distance of our boat. Dolphin watching in Orange Beach was a slower, peaceful way to enjoy the water after a busy day of outdoor adventure.
Toast to Your Adventures at Big Beach Brewing
During your visit, stop by Big Beach Brewing to toast the day with a local craft beer and reminisce about all of your unforgettable adventures at the beach. After all the fun, it was the perfect place to sit back, talk through our favorite moments and enjoy a relaxed local stop before wrapping up our father-daughter trip.
Nedra McDaniel
Nedra McDaniel is an adventure enthusiast that resides in the Cincinnati Metro. She loves to push herself outside of her comfort zone and model how to make adventure attainable in every season of life. You can follow Nedra’s adventures on Adventure Mom and connect with her on social media.
