For a dreamy beach vacation like no other, the coastal Alabama communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are some of the South’s best-kept secrets. If you’ve never visited this part of the country, you may be surprised to discover the fine, soft sand of its beaches hugging the warm Gulf of Mexico and the laidback charm of the lifestyle here. Stylish accommodations, rich biodiversity, and Gulf-to-table seafood—all with a dash of Southern hospitality—make for an accessible vacation spot filled with natural pleasures and modern amenities.
Itinerary / 5 DAYS
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Day 1:Gulf Shores and Gulf State Park
Immerse yourself in Alabama’s stunning coastal beauty at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel. Tucked in a 6,150-acre state park, this tranquil oasis is a model for sustainable tourism and preserving diverse ecosystems.
Take in magnificent views of the great outdoors from a spacious room or suite with elevated creature comforts, including plush allergen-free bedding. Join a guided Segway eco-tour or borrow complimentary bikes to get acquainted with the lay of the land, encompassing 28 miles of hiking and biking trails. Visit the Nature Center for an overview of local flora and fauna and the Interpretative Center, an impressive building generating its own water and energy supply.
When the day starts to wind down, soak up an awe-inspiring sunset and finely crafted cocktails at Perch, a bar and terrace overlooking the sugary white sand. Share small plates by award-winning executive chef James Balster, such as house-smoked pork belly and Spanish-style braised octopus.
If you prefer the beach, opt for a vacation rental like Turquoise Place, which offers three-, four-, and five-bedroom condos. With plenty of space in an ample living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and an onsite fitness room, among other resort-style amenities, these comfortable accommodations are ideal for sitting back or staying active.
Take in magnificent views of the great outdoors from a spacious room or suite with elevated creature comforts, including plush allergen-free bedding. Join a guided Segway eco-tour or borrow complimentary bikes to get acquainted with the lay of the land, encompassing 28 miles of hiking and biking trails. Visit the Nature Center for an overview of local flora and fauna and the Interpretative Center, an impressive building generating its own water and energy supply.
When the day starts to wind down, soak up an awe-inspiring sunset and finely crafted cocktails at Perch, a bar and terrace overlooking the sugary white sand. Share small plates by award-winning executive chef James Balster, such as house-smoked pork belly and Spanish-style braised octopus.
If you prefer the beach, opt for a vacation rental like Turquoise Place, which offers three-, four-, and five-bedroom condos. With plenty of space in an ample living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and an onsite fitness room, among other resort-style amenities, these comfortable accommodations are ideal for sitting back or staying active.
Day 2:Exploring the Coast
Charge up for the day at Roasted Oak, the lobby coffee shop that serves light bites and transitions into a wine bar at night. Set out for a leisurely drive along Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway, stopping first at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, where you can follow the three-mile Pine Beach Trail to serene sand dunes and a quiet beach.
Next, visit the Fort Morgan State Historic Site, the onetime guardian of Mobile Bay, for a museum, living history program, and seasonal candlelight tours during summer. On the car-friendly, Mobile Bay Ferry, cross the bay to Dauphin Island and continue driving to the 65-acre Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Here, opulent rose gardens neighbor a low-lying Southern bayou filled with wildlife.
Keep the breezy energy of the day going at dinnertime and head to Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs. Housed in a historic, century-old building, this local culinary gem brims with small-town charm.
Next, visit the Fort Morgan State Historic Site, the onetime guardian of Mobile Bay, for a museum, living history program, and seasonal candlelight tours during summer. On the car-friendly, Mobile Bay Ferry, cross the bay to Dauphin Island and continue driving to the 65-acre Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Here, opulent rose gardens neighbor a low-lying Southern bayou filled with wildlife.
Keep the breezy energy of the day going at dinnertime and head to Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs. Housed in a historic, century-old building, this local culinary gem brims with small-town charm.
Day 3:Orange Beach
Today is all about Gulf Shores’ neighbor, Orange Beach. What could be a more fun way to discover its emerald shores than on a dolphin cruise? Hop aboard Cruise Orange Beach’s 52-foot vessel and set sail in the Gulf of Mexico. During the two-hour tour you’ll have close encounters with all kinds of marine life, not the least of which are the magnificent dolphins who oftentimes put on a show for guests by surfing in the boat’s wake.
Enjoy the perfect end to the day at Zeke’s Restaurant and Landing, which overlooks Cotton Bayou. You’ll feast on the freshest seafood around, be it oysters étouffée or grilled gulf tuna—they’ll even cook your own catch if you charter an excursion from their Landing. Relax with a craft cocktail as you take in the gorgeous water views from the outdoor dining and bar area.
Enjoy the perfect end to the day at Zeke’s Restaurant and Landing, which overlooks Cotton Bayou. You’ll feast on the freshest seafood around, be it oysters étouffée or grilled gulf tuna—they’ll even cook your own catch if you charter an excursion from their Landing. Relax with a craft cocktail as you take in the gorgeous water views from the outdoor dining and bar area.
Day 4:In the Air or On the Water
If you love the feeling of flying high in the air, pilot your own adventure with a Discovery Flight introductory lesson for 20, 40, or 60 minutes in a gyroplane, an aircraft that lifts off using a spinning rotor. Plus, you’ll be able dig into some glorious crustaceans at the 51st-annual Shrimp Festival if you time your trip with the event taking place October 10–13, 2024. Some 50 local and regional vendors serve up all manner of delicious seafood, from crab cakes to conch fritters. But of course, the fresh Gulf shrimp—boiled, fried, steamed, and beyond—are the main event.
Or, with several well-equipped marinas, Orange Beach is also a vibrant hub for boating, fishing, and water sports. Embark on a deep-sea excursion with Intimidator Sport Fishing Charter and a professional crew.
Before the day is over, head to the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar, a legendary local roadhouse straddling the state line and known for its live music and events. For dinner, get your fill of fresh Gulf seafood with Creole flair at Louisiana Lagniappe, a casual waterfront restaurant cherished by locals and visitors for jambalaya, blackened shrimp, and étouffée, among other specialties.
Or, with several well-equipped marinas, Orange Beach is also a vibrant hub for boating, fishing, and water sports. Embark on a deep-sea excursion with Intimidator Sport Fishing Charter and a professional crew.
Before the day is over, head to the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar, a legendary local roadhouse straddling the state line and known for its live music and events. For dinner, get your fill of fresh Gulf seafood with Creole flair at Louisiana Lagniappe, a casual waterfront restaurant cherished by locals and visitors for jambalaya, blackened shrimp, and étouffée, among other specialties.
Day 5:Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
End your trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with more relaxed outdoor activities. Spend a few hours on one of the area’s excellent golf courses playing under blue skies and manicured greens with a fresh Gulf breeze or simply unwind on the beach and collect pretty shells in the soft sand.
Linger over a late-afternoon bottle of wine that evolves into early dinner at Savanna, a fine dining and wine destination in Gulf Shores that serves contemporary American cuisine. It’s open from morning till evening Tuesday through Saturday (with brunch hours on Sunday and Monday). Or toast your last night at Carver’s Steakhouse in Orange Beach with a modern spin on surf and turf featuring wood-fired steak, coastal seafood, aged wines, and fine whiskeys.
Linger over a late-afternoon bottle of wine that evolves into early dinner at Savanna, a fine dining and wine destination in Gulf Shores that serves contemporary American cuisine. It’s open from morning till evening Tuesday through Saturday (with brunch hours on Sunday and Monday). Or toast your last night at Carver’s Steakhouse in Orange Beach with a modern spin on surf and turf featuring wood-fired steak, coastal seafood, aged wines, and fine whiskeys.
