The most popular event in Gulf Shores is the Hangout Music Festival. A lot of visitors to Alabama beaches will spend time in Foley because it is home to some popular outlets, a regional amusement park, and a number of restaurants. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and 2 spa tubs. beach destinations tides western premier hotels near City of Orange Beach Very clean, the staff was amazing and this hotel really caters to families! Expect very long lines for dinner in the summer we found lunch time was much easier to find a table. Portions are hearty and the prices are pretty cheap ($19.99 for adults, $9.99 for kids 6-12, free for kids 5 & under). Read more about. Not far from the theme park is the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum, a great place to learn about the areas Native American and fishing history.Most travelers will want to spend the majority of their time at the beach. Visit Orange Beach, Alabama, for a wide range of outdoor activities and to enjoy a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere. Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Orange Beach. Flight options increase in the summer months due to seasonal schedule changes. Gulf Shores' miles of coastline are perfect for long walks as you enjoy sweeping Gulf views. T: 251.981.6979 A lot of the management companies advertise or rent on sites like VRBO, Airbnb, and Vacasa, so its sometimes easiest to start there to compare options. beach orange al gulf state park alabama usa camp mexico campgrounds gulfshores For families, having a condo or a house with kitchen, laundry, living area, and multiple bedrooms is probably just what you want. There are plans to construct a new passenger terminal as well. While we were in the area for a whole week on our last vacation, there were quite a few activities we could not find time to fit in. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Thank you again. 4099 Orange Beach Blvd. This town on Alabamas Gulf Coast is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and its many family-friendly activities. Visit hundreds of awe-inspiring animals at The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or cast a line at the Gulf State Pier in Orange Beach. A car is necessary for exploring other towns and beaches along the 32-mile (51-kilometer) length of the Gulf Coast. Learn more about our area from our partners at Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Tourism. 28103 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL, 36561. When in The Fish Camp, you can plan a visit to Orange Beach Art Center and The Wharf, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area. The Official Website of the City of Orange Beach, Alabama. "We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn for our 3yo daughters first beach trip. While visiting Orange Beach East, you might make a stop by sights like Gulf State Park and Perdido Key Beach. What an informative post! Get a Quote. Travelers can take advantage of these sweet spots outside the busy (and more expensive) summertime and enjoy swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, which still offers pleasant temperatures in the late spring and early fall. Not into swimming or water sports? Sparkling quartz-grain sand is just one of the many reasons travelers favor Gulf Shores, Alabama. Were planning on heading at the end of November so this is going to be so helpful!

Using a smartphone to order an Uber or Lyft is also an option, though cars may not run frequently. Here are the activity highlights that Id recommend to other visitors, particularly families. As snow birds that have visited Gulf Shores 3 winters and are returning for a fourth, I appreciated your overview. What are the differences between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores?

These passport holders make keeping your documents in order a breeze while traveling. Gulf Shores and Orange beach are connected coastal communities with Gulf Shores to the West and Orange Beach to the East. To The Shores Orange Beach, a Ramada by Wyndham, 24060 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL, 36561.

Restaurants all reliably have amenities for families like kids menus and high chairs, and no one is going to look twice at you taking kids just about anywhere in the area. Explore the waterfront in Orange Beach with a trip to Gulf State Park Fishing Pier. Welcome! Know your options as surging flight cancellations and delays threaten to ruin summer vacations. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. The Mobile Airport Authority is also in early stages of rebuilding another airport in the region, the Mobile Downtown Airport, into what will become the Mobile International Airport (BFM). Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event. While most are beachside, there are quite a few resorts that are on the bay side which may or may not be what you want. We got to see a brand new baby dolphin that was so adorable! Check out information about lodging in the City of Gulf Shores. Explore information about relocating to Gulf Shores. Flora-Bama is testament to the local culture offering seafood, entertainment, and giant events and concerts. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.). Another viable option in a pinch for travelers to the Alabama Gulf Coast might be the small regional airport in Destin/Ft. The boat was absolutely beautiful and our sail was so relaxing. Many of these condominium complexes are managed by the major realty companies in the area Kaiser, Spectrum Resorts, Brett-Robinson, and many others. All rights reserved. These Stonehenge tours from London and Bath allow visitors to explore one of the world's most mysterious UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The stretch of beach that extends from Gulf Coast State park to Perdido Key, Florida on the east is known as Orange Beach. From freshly caught seafood to mouthwatering burgers to delectable desserts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Other than that, everything was great! There is a fair mix of standalone beach homes available for rent as well.

A car is pretty much a necessity in this region of the country, and rental cars at PNS are ample and cheap. The OWA amusement park in nearby Foley is a massive theme park complete with rides, dining, and entertainment. My trash hasn't been picked up, who do I call. Copyright 2022 Trips With Tykes | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, First Timers Guide to the Florida Panhandle Beaches, The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel, 29 Brilliant Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, 31 Things to do in Orange Beach the Locals Love, Planning a Girlfriend Getaway in Gulf Shores, Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, What You Need to Know About a Trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Believe it or not, kids are also welcome in much of the complex. And in Summer 2022, a giant indoor water park Tropic Falls Indoor Water Park will be opening. Start planning a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and make your next vacation one to remember.

If you are considering a trip to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, this article has everything a first time visitor needs to know. Gulf Shores, along with neighboring Orange Beach, offers culinary diversity, tourist attractions, and extensive options for both water and land-based activities, this resort community appeals to couples, families, and solo travelers equally. The lines to pick up rental cars, however, can be very long at PNS during busy summer months. We have more time than a week to explore, but the first 10 or so are easy to get to and fun spots even without spotting a bird ( but more than likely that you will) The pier (at the state park, I believe) is an awesome place to visit. Receive updates on new guides, attractions, itineraries, cool places to visit, things to do, travel tips, special opportunities and offers. Florida's Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is the closest; it's located about 40 miles northeast of Gulf Shores. Look at maps carefully! Meanwhile, families with children will appreciate the city's kid-friendly attractions, such as Waterville USA and the local zoo. Another name you will see often is Phoenix there are over a dozen condo complexes by this name in the region. Gulf Shores International Airport - Jack Edwards Field. The ", Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front, 25518 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL, 36561. While visitors arriving by air have to drive a bit to reach Alabamas beaches, there are more options on the near-term horizon to watch for future trips. A number of accommodations, eateries, shops and attractions are just steps away from the sand and the water. The neighborhood of Gulf Highlands you pass along the way is another popular cluster of vacation properties. The airport authority is in talks to bring commercial service to the airport as early as Summer 2022. Exactly what I was looking for information wise. With so many cars piling onto such a short stretch of beach, that can mean traffic congestion. Lots more annual events take place in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach including culinary festivals (Oyster Cook-Off, National Shrimp Festival), party festivals (Interstate Mullet Toss), and music festivals (Frank Brown International Songwriters', Festival of Art), This website uses cookies. Head to Florida Point at Gulf State Park to find the best stretch for families and couples seeking a quiet getaway. Extend your evening by visiting one of the bars that offer everything from live local bands, to karaoke and DJs playing the latest tunes. We had wait in a very, very long ticket counter line to check our bags and were grateful we arrived early. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its great live music. If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Cottages and surrounding area, you can visit Orange Beach Art Center and The Wharf. Stay at this beach hotel in Orange Beach. Visit the Beach Express website for information about rates and how to pay. Back on land, take the kids to Adventure Island, the local theme park. Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Orange Beach. Our guests praise the pool and the spacious rooms in "Enjoyed our stay, easy beach access, clean property, excellent accommodations", Check prices in Orange Beach for tonight, Jul 30 - Jul 31, Check prices in Orange Beach for tomorrow night, Jul 31 - Aug 1, Check prices in Orange Beach for next weekend, Aug 5 - Aug 7. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Protect Your Trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff "99% of our stay was great! Stroll the long stretch of soft sand or enjoy a picnic while watching boats come and go. When it comes to family friendly, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are about as good as it gets. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. While Gilchrist Island is privately owned and not accessible to the public, the other three islands are owned by the city and visitors are welcome!

The Wharf Amphitheater is also home to major concerts and events. It will also be closer to Alabamas beach destinations at about an hour away. The culture is very similar as well, with Gulf Shores being more famously known for events like Hangout Fest Music Festival. Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about. Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. While Cotton Bayou isn't home to many top sights, Orange Beach Art Center and The Wharf are some notable places to visit nearby. Weekends are also when the grocery stores in the area are at their busiest as newcomers load up their condominiums to start the week. The airport is located on the far west side of the city, making the drive from MOB to Gulf Shores about 1.5 hours long. Major cities and regions of note include: Gulf Shores is the older, more established beach area in the region that is still the center of most of the action. This will give even more things to do on rainy summer days as thunderstorms are common in the region. Tropic Park Theme Park at OWA is a full sized amusement park offering 23 rides, from roller coasters to kiddie classics. Most of the accommodations were built with families in mind. Gulf Shores vs. Orange Beach - Which is Better? Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. The Track is a giant entertainment complex with multiple go-cart tracks, a large arcade, bumper boats, and amusement park rides for younger kids. Many of the major attractions are located right on the beach road paralleling the coast, Alabama State Route 182 (known as Perdido Beach Road in Orange Beach and Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores). Expedia and the Airplane Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50. We were surprised on our visit to find that Southwest Airlines had no electronic kiosks to check-in or self-tag bags. Although Im a California girl now, I was born and raised in Alabama. After visiting Orange Beach Art Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Orange Beach. As the name suggests, this airport is smaller than Pensacola and served by just three airlines Delta, United, and American. They even gave us a welcome basket with a beach bag, water bottles, snacks and so much more!! And for even more perspectives on Alabama beach vacations, check out these guides from some fellow family travel bloggers I personally know and trust who have also traveled recently to the area: Disneyland Food & Wine Festival 2022: Tips, Tricks, & What to Know Before You Go, Hotel Review: Westin Anaheim Resort Near Disneyland. Now that I live outside the South, however, Ive come to realize that much of the rest of the country is clueless about this area! Site Map | Privacy Policy | Employee Portal. Seafood is abundant and fresh in this coastal city. Your explanation was like asking a friend questions. The Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is served by Southwest Airlines, Delta, American, United, Frontier, Spirit, and Silver. Explore the waterfront in Orange Beach with a trip to The Wharf. Browse information on Gulf Shores' city maps. The area is increasingly popular for girlfriend getaways and golf trips. What I also love about going to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is that a vacation doesnt necessarily require a ton of planning. While not on the beach itself, the inland city of Foley is worth a mention as well. Great tips! Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. The vast majority of the accommodations available in the area are condos for rent from individual owners not hotels. Plus, there are a variety of events and festivals during these months. #22 inBest Weekend Getaways in the South, #18 inBest Places to Visit in the Carolinas. Kim Foley MacKinnon|Ann HensonJuly 28, 2022, Rachael Hood|Amanda NorcrossJuly 27, 2022, Holly Johnson|Amanda NorcrossJuly 21, 2022, The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions. Not only does this city on the Gulf of Mexico boast emerald waters, it also offers easy access to 32 miles of Alabama coastline. While there, youll find exciting activities, delicious, dining, and of course, impressive beaches. The nicest of all the condo choices is Turquoise Place, a newer high rise in Orange Beach managed by Spectrum Resorts where each unit has a hot tub on the balcony. If you rent directly from the management company, youll sometimes pay a higher price but also get some amenities that you will miss out on if you rent direct from an owner (club access, beach umbrella rental rights, fitness centers, etc.). Foley is located about 12 miles due north of Gulf Shores on Highway 59.

And theres enough of a party and bar scene that spring breakers and 20 somethings can find something that works for them too. 2022 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. Youll be in beach mode from the moment you arrive until your final minutes there. Explore the region's natural beauty with hiking options for every level of experience. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event. At the very least, send the fastest member of your traveling party to make a mad dash after deplaning to camp out in line. Traffic on Saturdays and Sundays can be especially crushing in the summer as weeklong vacationers tend to arrive and depart on the weekends. Tourists can cast a line at Gulf State Park or hop on a boat cruise to spot dolphins. I loved exploring the larger area of Baldwin County while hoping for a glimpse of birds. Find information about Gulf Shores' Convention and Visitors Bureau. I cant say enough great things about the hotel. Do I need a permit for an Event that I would like to host in Orange Beach?

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