How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation

Booking Your Stay

From hi-rise condos and beach houses to nationally branded hotels, campgrounds, and RV resorts, our area offers a wide variety of lodging options for groups of all sizes and budgets looking to spend time at the sandy beaches. By booking directly with our properties rather than through third-party vendors, you’re most likely to secure the best rates and save money from the start. You’ll find many of our properties are owned or managed by locals, so with a direct booking, you’ll already have a go-to person for tips on what to see, do and eat in the destination. Book Direct with sports and events sponsors and check out special deals and additional discounts throughout the year.

Plan Ahead for Your Activities On & Off the Beach

While taking a break from the game or event, you and your family will most likely want to enjoy the beach and nearby attractions, amusement parks, and golf courses. Many free or inexpensive options can be found in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas. Take a laid-back walk or picnic at Gulf State Park to enjoy the beautiful beach scenery and sandy beaches. 

Family-Friendly Attractions

Stop by The Wharf to browse specialty shops, enjoy activities for the kids, and refuel with delicious dining options. The Wharf also provides fun rainy-day adventures for the entire family in case of inclement weather! Last, but not least, a day at the beach is guaranteed to be a blast for the whole family and is absolutely F-R-E-E! In addition, The Factory is another great option in Gulf Shores to have fun. Enjoy playing dodgeball, jumping on trampolines, and other activities. 

Dine Smarter, Not Harder

If you love Alabama Gulf Coast food as much as we do, you’ll want to designate a fair amount of budget money to treat yourselves to your favorite restaurants during your trip. Luckily, many of the local eateries offer lunch and happy hour specials, meaning you can enjoy a hearty meal while still having fun money left over! We now also provide a list of on-the-go dining options for when you prefer easy delivery or pickup from restaurants and grocery stores. Also on our website are a number of special offers to choose from, including direct-to-your-device coupons and deals from our sponsors. 

Now that you have a few tips and tricks to kick off your beach visit on a budget, we want to welcome you to our beautiful beaches of Alabama. It’s time to leave your cleats behind and dip your toes in the sand at one of the top beach destinations along the Gulf Coast!