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Vacation Itinerary + Planning Tips!
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Build Memories that Last Their Lifetime
If you’re ready for some family vacation fun, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are ready for you. Families with kids of all ages love to spend time here! Alabama's Gulf Coast has beaches with miles of sugar white sand, clean waves lapping and coastal breezes in the air. Beyond the beach, you’ll find so many amazing outdoor activities, and much more to see and do. Amusement parks, Gulf State Park, bicycle trails, golf, historic sites and shopping are only the beginning. Embark on a Foodie Getaway on Alabama Beaches to taste some of Alabama's best eats. Take a look at our blogs about how to spend your vacation.
The first step in planning your visit to Alabama’s beaches is to order our free 2024 Vacation Guide! This guide is filled with vacation inspiration, including area activities and attractions, dining spots, lodging options, and more.
Where to Stay for your Family Vacation
In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you’ll find just the right lodging to call home. Whether you want the amenities of a full or limited-service hotel, the flexibility of a condominium or the individuality of a beach house, we’ve got it. Beachfront or not, large or small, you pick. Campgrounds and RV parks are popular here, too.
Where to Eat
You can easily feed the whole family on Alabama’s beaches, as our area is home to over 200 incredible restaurants. Your family will love dining by the water and enjoying live local music. Several kid-friendly restaurants have playgrounds, sandpits, and games to keep the little ones busy while waiting for their food. Everyone will be over the moon once their meal arrives, and they take that first bite of coastal cuisine. Whether your crew wants fresh seafood, ice cream, or juicy burgers, they’ll find what they’re craving here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. If you’re looking for a family food adventure, try one of our food trails, and let your taste buds take you on a delicious journey.
What To Do
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach make daily beach trips to the beach easy, whether you are staying gulf-front, need public beach access or want to rent chairs, umbrellas and more. For some, simple things like floating on waves or dipping a crab net in the surf are the perfect way to spend the day. No matter what activities you choose on the beach, Alabama's beaches will show you why we are the perfect beach destination.
Beach Safety
Before you break for the beach, familiarize yourself with our beach flag warning system and review the rules and regulations for our public beaches. We also ask that you respect our shores and help protect our beloved natural resources during your visit.
Amuse Yourself
From mini-golf courses to the largest Ferris Wheel on the Gulf Coast, we’ve got family fun on a grand scale. Maybe your daredevil kids want to brave hairpin turns on the go-kart track. Or maybe testing their skill at dozens of arcade games is the thrill of choice.
Enjoy the Water on the Alabama Gulf Coast
Whether your kids want the action of skimboarding, foil or paddle boarding, or if lounging on a tube is the answer, the Gulf Coast is the perfect place for you. Beyond the beach, you’ll find water activity options ranging from jet ski and boat rentals to dolphin tours and sunset cruises. And of course, don’t forget the fishing! Orange Beach’s fleet of experienced charter captains love to see families reeling them in.
History and Events Await!
Visit Fort Morgan for a day of exploration and join the escape room fun while trying to break out of jail before you're shot as a Yankee Spy! During the summer, you can experience candlelight tours; if you're lucky, you will hear cannon shots pointed across the bay.
If today's events are more your thing, check out our events page to catch a concert, live music or a festival while in town.
What To Pack
Check out our what to pack list to ensure you are ready for your beach vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Several local companies rent chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys. Many will even set up and take down the equipment for you, so all you have to do is enjoy a day by the water.
Beach Trip FAQs
If you’re visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the first time, you may have several questions about the area, and we have answers! Before you travel to our sandy shores, look at these frequently asked questions about vacationing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
FAQs, just for you.
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