Couples Escape Itinerary
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Take a digital detox. Forget about work and responsibilities and connect with the one you love. Comfortable fall temperatures and wide-open spaces make Gulf Shores and Orange Beach a favorite destination for those looking to escape for a weekend away with their significant other. We’ve created a three-day itinerary to help inspire you and your couples vacation planning.
Day 1
Breakfast
Begin your day with a Bloody Mary at Brick & Spoon in Orange Beach. Fair warning! This is no ordinary breakfast cocktail. The offerings at this Orange Beach restaurant are so expansive they have their own menu. Select between dozens of spices, veggies and meats…yes…meats! Your custom creation will come piled high with interesting ingredients.
Morning
Paddle through the morning – and the waters of Alabama’s beaches – on a kayak. If you really want some togetherness, opt for a double kayak! There are plenty of places to paddle, including Lake Shelby at the Gulf State Park, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Terry Cove, Little Lagoon and the back bays of Orange Beach. If the water is calm, you can even kayak near the shore on the Gulf of Mexico.
Lunch
Visit The Royal Oyster in Gulf Shores and order up a flight of fresh, local oysters prepared any number of ways. Guests can mix and match their oyster preparation preferences, so there’s something for both of you. Top it off with one of the bartender's craft cocktails, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
Afternoon
On a couple’s getaway, you need time to relax and reconnect. Enjoy some downtime on Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches. During the second summer in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (the time between Labor Day and Thanksgiving), the beaches are quiet and secluded. You may even feel like you have your own, personal slice of paradise. Take advantage of it! Bring your beach chairs, and ice chest full of your favorite drinks and just “be.” If your accommodations are not directly on the beach, head to one of the 14 public beach access points.
Dinner
Break out your best resort casual wardrobe and dine at Voyagers in Orange Beach. Located in Perdido Beach Resort, Voyager’s is the perfect date-night restaurant. A candlelight setting coupled with mouthwatering menu offerings will be the perfect ending to a day of togetherness.
START PLANNING YOUR GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH VACATION
Day 2
Breakfast
Continue the relax and reconnect vibe with a balcony breakfast on your second day in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. There are few things more peaceful than sipping a cup of coffee with panoramic views of white-sand beaches.
Morning
Sure, you could go on a sunset sail, but why not opt for a morning cruise aboard a sailboat? There’s something unique about gliding through the water powered only by the wind. Watch for dolphins and enjoy the tranquility of the moment. Wild Hearts is a 53-foot open-ocean catamaran that sails the waters of Orange Beach. The lively crew will have your toes tapping to beach music while they point out resident dolphin pods. Back Bay Sailing Adventures offers a sailing adventure of a different sort. Set sail aboard a monohull sailboat with just the two of you and the crew. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks and enjoy a private sailing adventure.
Lunch
For a fun lunch spot, stop by The Gulf in Orange Beach. This outdoor restaurant offers unique seating paired with great beach eats and an excellent view of the Gulf. You have your choice of burgers, seafood, notable cocktails and more while you enjoy the cool and comfortable atmosphere of this waterfront restaurant.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon enjoying one of our Signature Experiences. You might choose the guided pier walk and nature talk, one of numerous animal encounters at the zoo or split up for a few hours for the High Cotton experience and a charter fishing trip. Elevate your experience!
Dinner
For views to write home about, drop anchor at Cobalt the Restaurant in Orange Beach. Dine outdoors and enjoy a stunning sunset over the water. Whether you love fresh, Gulf seafood or the best in steak, Cobalt’s menu will please nearly any palate.
Day 3
Brunch
Sleep in! Then, begin your third day in paradise with brunch at Playa. Take in views of Terry Cove from Sportsman Marina in Orange Beach while you sip on bottomless mimosas and feast on conch fritters and crab cake benedicts. Playa is a place that calls you to take it slow, soak up the surroundings and enjoy those you can share it with.
Afternoon
Hop aboard a land cruiser and peddle away down more than 25 miles of trails on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. From boardwalks over Lake Shelby to paved trails surrounded by oak and pine trees, a bike ride through the trail system will work off brunch and get your heart pumping.
Dinner
Keep your dining beyond excellent by having dinner at Big Fish. This under-the-radar favorite is where locals often go for that special occasion evening out or just because we’re craving fabulous scallops or fresh fish prepared in truly amazing (and totally delicious) ways. Their steaks are another tantalizing option if you’re ready to mix things up a bit. Reservations are recommended—that’s how good the food is here, even during our second summer!
These ideas are just a drop in your sand bucket for all the things there are to do while in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach during your couples getaway. Be sure to check out our restaurant and attractions directories, as well as the fall calendar of events and hot deals on lodging when planning your vacation to Keep On Summering.
