Alabama's Beaches FAQs

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are adjacent to each other and an easy drive to visit restaurants and attractions in either city during your stay. View our maps for more information.

Anytime is a great time to visit! Guests enjoy the winter as a warm getaway, the spring as a family-friendly spring break destination, the summer to enjoy the sun and cool waters, and the fall for fewer crowds and warm temperatures.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are know for their 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, turquoise waters, Southern hospitality and family-friendly atmosphere.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are located in a subtropical area where the temperatures are mild year-round. Popular times to visit include summer, spring and fall. Learn more about the weather in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 

There are many places in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach that offer pet-friendly accommodations. Visit our pet-friendly vacations page to learn more.

Yes. Owner-managed properties follow the standard 25-and-older rule for the booking guest.

Yes. The guest who meets the minimum age requirement must be present at check-in and stay throughout the visit. ID is usually verified upon arrival. If you're unsure, reach out to the owner for details on their specific policy.

Many owner-managed rentals will allow it, as long as the adult is 25+ and stays on-site. 

The minimum age to book a hotel in Alabama is 18. However, each has its own policy, and many have a check-in age minimum of 21. We suggest checking with your desired hotel for specific information on age requirements.

Our team puts together up-to-date special offers & deals for your stay in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. 

Plenty of the lodging options here offer beach front properties, and many come with a view of the water. We suggest checking the “Gulf View” box under amenities when searching. This will not guarantee you will receive a room with a beach view, but it will show you all of the properties that offer rooms with Gulf views.

Choose your Gulf Shores condo based on your itinerary and make sure to research the surrounding area before deciding on your condo rental. It's hard to go wrong as Gulf Shores is very pedestrian friendly, with walkable access to the beach, shopping, dining options and more.

Alabama’s beaches offer an array of beachfront lodging options. Browse our accommodation listings to learn more about waterfront condos and hotels in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Please check with your lodging provider for overnight parking availability. If they cannot provide a parking location, several paid parking locations are available.

There are many free and inexpensive things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, including exploring public beaches, Gulf State Park, nature trails, museums and more. Browse our list of cheap and free activities today!

If it happens to rain during your vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are plenty of things to do including escape rooms, a trampoline park, art centers, movie theatres and more. Explore our list of rainy day activities to be prepared.

There are many family-friendly activities for all ages, from baby to toddler to teen, found throughout Gulf Shores & Orange Beach including the beaches, multiple attractions, family dining experiences, and more.  

Couples getaways in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are easy to plan, so much so that we have done the work for you and created a couples getaway page with plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay!

Pets are not allowed on our beaches. However, our destination is home to many pet-friendly accommodations, parks, and attractions. 

Gulf temperatures vary throughout the year. Learn about average weather and water temperatures for each month.

Many restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer pet-friendly outdoor dining. Be sure to keep your dog leashed at these restaurants at all times.

Fresh oysters are found on many area restaurants' menus--grilled, fried, steamed or baked. Our oyster trail offers a three-day itinerary that has you dining on oysters for both lunch and dinner.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to lots of incredible restaurants. Please contact the restaurants directly to request a reservation or inquire about party sizes.

While snow crabs and Alaskan king crabs are not native to our Gulf waters, several local eateries offer the seafood delicacy. Our crab trail highlights many of the restaurants that feature crab dishes of all types, including a local favorite--fried crab claws.