If you only have a short weekend in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, fret not – that’s still plenty of time to dine decadently, get your adrenaline pumping, and get into a state of utter relaxation.
DAY 1
Morning
Is there anything more exciting than the first morning of your vacation? You wake to the sounds of waves crashing, seagulls calling, and you know the day is only going to get better from there! Start your morning with a stroll on the beach (coffee in hand is definitely encouraged). Make it even more fun by keeping an eye out for sea turtle nests during your stroll (just be sure not to disturb them).
Noon
Gather your crew and hit the beach!
For lunch, try one of our many Gulf-front restaurants – you’ll never have to leave the beach!
Sea-n-Suds
Pink Pony Pub
The Hangout
Bahama Bob’s Beachside Café
The Gulf
The Flora-Bama
These spots are located across the street from the beach, but the patio still offers unobstructed Gulf views:
Bill’s by the Beach
The Beach House Kitchen and Cocktails
The Southern Grind at Indigo
Night
Although utterly family-friendly, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach don’t turn in early! There are plenty of activities the whole family will enjoy. Try visiting one of the arcades, go-kart tracks, or playing around of mini-golf.
DAY 2
Morning
Beat the heat, and start your morning early. Head to one of the trail heads of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail to explore more than 15 miles of nature weaving through Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Walk, cycle, Segway, or get a workout in while you view swamps, marshes, wildlife, flora, fauna, and even a beautiful – and tranquil – butterfly garden. Don’t forget your camera!
There are bathrooms and water fountains throughout the trails, but be sure to bring a water bottle.
Noon
If you’re not in the mood to cook for lunch, that doesn’t mean you have to take the whole group out for a meal. Have the meal come to you! Gulf to Go and similar services will bring dishes from local restaurants straight to your condo – no preparation required!
Another option is to grab some seafood from one of the local markets. Blalock Seafood, Lartigue Seafood, and others will steam your order of shrimp, crabs, and fish with your choice of seasoning and package it up to go! Don’t forget the corn, potatoes, and plenty of napkins.
Night
You can’t vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach without visiting either The Wharf or OWA.
The Wharf features dining options ranging from upscale to BBQ and from coffee to daiquiris – plus everything in between. There’s plenty of shopping to burn off your dinner, plus visitors can play a round of mini-golf, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, see a movie, or fly through the air on Hummingbird Zipline tour. Your family can also wander over to The Wharf Marina, and not end your evening with a dolphin and sunset cruise!
At OWA, hungry visitors can dine at the Groovy Goat, Walhburgers, and Hershey’s Ice Cream. Dining options are also available in The Park at OWA, plus 21 amusement park rides ranging from easy going for the kids to daring and flying high for the big kids.
DAY 3
Morning
Departure day doesn’t have to be the afterthought of your vacation. Make it memory-worthy with a breakfast you’ll be dreaming about for weeks to come. Try The Ruby Slipper Café where the large portions of decadent cuisine may have you making one last trip to the beach for a quick nap. Try one of their many eggs Benedicts, the brioche French toast, and or the BBQ shrimp and grits. At The Ruby Slipper, it’s ok to start the morning with a cocktail, so if you’re not the driver, rise and shine with a Morning Margarita or Boozy Iced Coffee.