Surviving Rainy Days During Your Sportscation
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
You’ve dreamed of your upcoming Alabama beach vacation for months. You packed several swimsuits, enough sunscreen for a year of sunny days and every beach toy ever made.
Then, a few weeks before vacation, you check your weather app’s long-range forecast, thrilled to see sunny days ahead. And then it happens. You get to the beach just in time to welcome . . . rain. Lots and lots of rain.
Not to worry! Even when a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast becomes soggy, there’s a silver lining to those cloudy skies. You don’t have to stay stuck inside a hotel room because there’s plenty to do to keep the blues at bay.
If it’s just wet but not stormy, enjoy the uncrowded beach. Put on swimsuits and walk along the water’s edge anyway. Just follow the guidelines set out by the Beach Flag Warning System to keep your family safe. Admit it; dancing in the rain sounds at least a little bit fun. Right?
When cabin fever sets in or the weather dictates that going to the beach is not a smart option, there’s plenty of off-beach adventure to keep every family member entertained.
Retail Therapy
The Wharf in Orange Beach is the total package for rainy-day fun. Packed with specialty stores and restaurants, spend it here when you’ve got some time to spend.
Although it’s an outdoor shopping area, the sidewalks are conveniently covered by large awnings and balconies to help you stay dry. Take the team to lunch and a movie in this fun complex. Catch the latest blockbuster at the AMC movie theater, challenge everyone to a game of laser tag, or beat the clock in a suspenseful breakout game.
Tanger Outlet Center in Foley is an excellent escape. With stores such as Nike, Gap, Vera Bradley and Coach, the team will love discovering great deals at more than 120 brand-name and designer stores. Hide from the rain under the center’s spacious, covered walkways.
Academy Sports + Outdoors has everything you need to revamp your team’s gear. Need new cleats or a cooler? Academy has you covered! Stock up on balls, bats, jackets, hats and whatever else your team may need to finish your sportscation.
Rainy-Day Dining
The Hangout provides a group-friendly location with a fun beach vibe that will have you wanting to hang out all day long. This large restaurant boasts a fantastic gift shop and plenty of photo-worthy spots, including their Wish Wall. Stop by in the summer for their magical Pirates and Princesses breakfast, which is sure to be a good time. ARGH!
LuLu’s offers both food and fun and can accommodate large groups. Stop by the indoor arcade to play before and after you eat. You’ll be treated to live entertainment daily at 5 pm, and their extensive allergy menu allows everyone on the team to eat safely.
Tacky Jacks offers plenty of covered outdoor dining areas to enjoy the view even when it rains. This restaurant will keep you fed all day and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Savor fresh seafood and nachos that the entire team will love.
Rain-Day Fun
The Gulf State Park Nature Center and Interpretive Center teach about Alabama’s flora and fauna. The Nature Center is a museum of native plants and animals and offers weekly educational programs, including guided walks and nature time. The Interpretive Center is located at the beach pavilion and serves as a gateway to the park. Its interactive displays connect guests with the area’s nine distinct ecosystems and a sustainable way of life!
Bounce the day away at The Factory in Gulf Shores, an indoor trampoline park for kids of all ages. Working off that pent-up energy is good for everybody!
The Escape House at Waterville USA is a fun activity with a brain teaser. Groups are locked in a room and must crack the code to break out within an hour. Do you think you have what it takes to make your way out? The clock is ticking, literally. When you’re done, play a few games in the Starcade and try the Cyberville Virtual Reality attraction.
These are just a few of the many things to do on our shores to make the most of your vacation, no matter the weather. A rainy day at the beach doesn’t mean a bad day! Since you can’t change the weather, embrace it. Get out and explore everything there is to do beyond the beach in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Or stay in and get creative. If you’re anything like us, you might find the best memories are made when you least expect them.
Check out even more ways to spend a rainy day at the beach and other fun activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
