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Gulf Shores & Orange Beach FAQs

How far apart are Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?

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.

What is the best time of year to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?

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.

What are Gulf Shores and Orange Beach known for?

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

What is the best time of year to go to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama?

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. 

Lodging FAQs

Are there any pet-friendly lodging accommodations?

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

How old do you have to be to rent a condo or beach house?

Most vacation rental properties require you to be 25 to book in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We suggest checking with your desired lodging property for specific information on age requirements. 

How old do you have to be to book a hotel?

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.

Where can I find lodging deals?

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

How can I get a room with a view?

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.

Where are the best areas to stay in Gulf Shores with children?

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.

What condos are on the beach? What hotels are on the beach?

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.

Where can I park overnight for free?

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

Things to Do FAQs

What are some free things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama?

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!

What is there to do on a rainy day in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama?

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.

What are family-friendly activities to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?

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.  

What activities are there for couples in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?

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!

Beaches FAQs

Are dogs allowed on the beaches? Can I bring my dog to the beach?

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

What is the water temperature this time of year?

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

Restaurant FAQs

What restaurants allow pets? What restaurants are pet-friendly?

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.

Where can I get oysters?

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.

What restaurants take large parties?

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.

What restaurants have all-you-can-eat crab legs?

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.

Trip Ideas

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Plan a Summer Vaction on a Budget to Alabama’s Beaches

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10 Things to do with Teens in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

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21 Rainy Day Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

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12 Unique Things to Do & See in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

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