Are you looking for an affordable, underrated beach vacation on the Gulf of Mexico? Then you need to know about Gulf Shores, Alabama! My family and I have been going to this vacation destination for 20 years. I’ve also taken my in-laws there, been there with young children, and hosted a bachelorette party there. Our family knows this area inside and out, and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a budget friendly, sugar-beach getaway!
This post is your Complete Vacation Guide to Gulf Shores, Alabama! We’ll cover:
Table of contents
Where is Gulf Shores Alabama & How do I get there?
Gulf shores is on the coast of Alabama, very near the Florida border. You can fly into the Pensacola airport and drive to Gulf shores, which only takes about 45 minutes, or drive from Nashville , Atlanta, or New Orleans.
Why is Gulf Shores Alabama special?
Gulf shores has the beautiful, sugar-sand beaches that most people associate with the Florida Gulf Coast – Destin, Rosemary Beach, 30A, etc – but at a fracture of the popularity and price.
The food in Gulf Shores is simply incredible. Being so close to Louisiana, you will get all the cajun classics, like Jambalaya, Gumbo, Étouffée as well as the Gulf classic of Oysters, Peel and Eat shrimp, crawdads, and more!
The wildlife in Gulf shores will blow your mind! I’ve seen dolphins at the beach nearly every time I’ve been there, you can sometimes see rays, there are bald eagle sanctuaries in the Gulf State Park, amazing birding in the Marsh, and so much more!
How to get around in Gulf Shores Alabama?
I strongly recommend you rent a car so you can experience everything this area has to offer.
Gulf Shores Alabama Hotels
This is a tough one, because there are so many options … do you want to be on the beach? On the marina? On the marsh?
I’m going to assume that most people would like to be right on the beach. The “Phoenix” condominiums are a collection of many short-term rental buildings right on the water. I’ve stayed in 4 different buildings of theirs and would recommend them all. I’m going go in depth on the two best buildings, which we’ve staying in over a dozen times.
Phoenix Gulf Shores
Phoenix All Suites: These apartments are perfect for a couple or family of 4. With a kitchen and adorable bunk beds in the hallway, choose All Suites if you have a family with small children! It is directly on the beach and a short walk from the downtown of Gulf Shores.
Phoenix Towers: This building is only a couple years old, but we have fallen in love with it. The rental suites in this building go for around $830 per night but can sleep 10-16 people comfortably. It has indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tubs, lazy river, and direct beach access!
Thing to do in Gulf Shores Alabama
Obvious one first, you need to go to the beach! On a calm day, the water is so warm and transparent. Rent a couple chairs and an umbrella, and have yourself a wonderful day!
Parasail: Are you feeling adventurous? Take a parasailing trip! I did this back when I was 14, and it’s still one of my most fun memories. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see dolphins from up there!
Dolphin Tour: speaking of dolphins, if you’re dying to see them, you HAVE TO take a dolphin tour! These often guarantee you’ll spot dolphins and are relatively inexpensive.
Gulf State Park: A beautiful walking/biking trail, through trees and marsh. You’re likely to get a lot of wildlife sightings, and maybe even spot a bald eagle in their nests!
Rainy day ideas: Fact is, you might get rained on. Don’t let it ruin your trip!
- The Wharf – an outdoor shopping center with lots of cute boutique and chain stores to pop in and out of. There is also a movie theater here, which is a great way to spend a couple rainy hours! Tanger outlets – an enormous outlet mall just outside of Gulf Shores. Get your shopping fix!
- Museum of spears – spend an hour learning about the history of spears … at least you’ll get some cool dinner party small talk!
Gulf Shores Alabama Restaurants
One of the most common questions we get is where to eat in Gulf Shores Alabama …
Self catering – if you’ve rented a unit with a kitchen, you could save a lot of money and still eat well by self-catering. Get some basic building block ingredients at Walmart or Publix in town, and then …
You must go to Lartigue’s seafood market!! They have the freshest, most delicious shrimp and seafood for you to bring home and prepare. They also have frozen local favorites – we particularly like their Gumbo, shrimp Alfredo, and Chicken Étouffée, that you can defrost for a quick dinner with minimal clean up.
Oysters – we love Acme Oyster House. Their raw oysters are the best in town!
Casual, fine dining – Hit up Coastal. This is a collection of bars and restaurants with almost exclusively outdoor seating, and live music every night. It’s right on Orange Beach, so you can walk your dinner off in the sand if you’d like.
Traditional Local Foods – Tin Top is a no frills establishment with all the local cajun and gulf classics. I’ve eaten my weight in fried crab claws and can highly recommend!
Fun Vibes – The Gulf. This is a super fun outdoor restaurant with lounge chairs, outdoor couches, picnic tables, and more. Their a la carte menu and bar are delicious!! At night, they often have DJs and Parties.
Nightlife
The Gulf, which we mentioned above often has outdoor parties, DJs, etc.
The Hangout – this bar/restaurant on the beach is in the heart of downtown Gulf shores. What makes it so special? It was the restaurant of the late, great Jimmy Buffet. Make sure to go there on a night where they have a big musical act, otherwise it’s pretty empty at night.
Flora-Bama – this is an iconic bar that straddles the border of Florida and Alabama. It is a classic honkey tonk … bars hanging off the rafters, multiple musical acts, and of course the Bushwacker. If you’re unfamiliar, Flora-Bama’s bushwhacker is essentially a boozy milkshake, and it is the famous drink of this area.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this complete vacation guide to Gulf Shores Alabama!
