orange beach, alabama travel guide

2021/05/21

Even though PNS is a small airport, its busy during peak periods. Stroll the long stretch of soft sand or enjoy a picnic while watching boats come and go. Meanwhile, families with children will appreciate the city's kid-friendly attractions, such as Waterville USA and the local zoo. island hotel beach orange al fan favorites outdoor restaurants The fun doesn't stop there as the restaurants offer delicious cuisine in an incredible coastal atmosphere. As the name suggests, this airport is smaller than Pensacola and served by just three airlines Delta, United, and American. 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. Explore information about relocating to Gulf Shores. The two areas are frequently grouped together given their almost identical offerings to vacationers and families.

There is an adjacent shopping and restaurant district as well. Portions are hearty and the prices are pretty cheap ($19.99 for adults, $9.99 for kids 6-12, free for kids 5 & under).

Upon departure, give yourself plenty of time for bag check and security. Visit Orange Beach, Alabama, for a wide range of outdoor activities and to enjoy a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere. The Wharf is a shopping, dining, and entertainment district on the bay side of Orange Beach. Believe it or not, kids are also welcome in much of the complex. After visiting Orange Beach Art Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Orange Beach. These all-inclusive resorts will inspire you to book your trip to Costa Rica right now. Do I need a permit for an Event that I would like to host in Orange Beach? A car is necessary for exploring other towns and beaches along the 32-mile (51-kilometer) length of the Gulf Coast. Thats not to say there isnt a scene, however, for other kinds of travelers. There are a few other beaches in the area (particularly the beaches along Dauphin Island in Mobile County) but they dont have a lot of lodging or dining options. Sparkling quartz-grain sand is just one of the many reasons travelers favor Gulf Shores, Alabama. But family-friendly is definitely the dominant vibe. 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. Each Phoenix complex has a slightly different mix of pools and amenities. Explore the waterfront in Orange Beach with a trip to Gulf State Park Fishing Pier. Can I get/renew a drivers license or car tag in Orange Beach? 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. There are also several shuttle services that can get you from the airport to your hotel at the beach. Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. 23092 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL, 36561. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event. My trash hasn't been picked up, who do I call. Another name you will see often is Phoenix there are over a dozen condo complexes by this name in the region. The closest and best airport choices for an Alabama Gulf Coast beach trip are: The closest commercial airport for flying to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach is actually just across the border in Florida. F: 251.981.6981 Gulf Shores' miles of coastline are perfect for long walks as you enjoy sweeping Gulf views. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. 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. If you choose to drive to Gulf Shores, be aware that you'll likely need to take the Baldwin Beach Express, a toll road just off Interstate 10 that takes you straight to the beach. These passport holders make keeping your documents in order a breeze while traveling. #22 inBest Weekend Getaways in the South, #18 inBest Places to Visit in the Carolinas. 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. Lulus Gulf Shores is both a place to eat and a place to play. With an activity to suit any interest, this vacation hot spot isn't one to be missed. The two sister cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL, attract travelers from across the nation with the promise of music, adventure, and snow-white beaches. Indoor water park resorts make the perfect escape year-round. 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). The vast majority of visitors to the Alabama Beaches come in by car. These Stonehenge tours from London and Bath allow visitors to explore one of the world's most mysterious UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Using a smartphone to order an Uber or Lyft is also an option, though cars may not run frequently.

When it was time for a spring break trip or summer beach vacation, my family did what many all over the Southeast did: load up the station wagon or minivan and drive south towards the Gulf Coast. The Official Website of the City of Orange Beach, Alabama. Stretch out on long white-sand beaches at this oceanfront state park. But Alabama has two counties along the coast Mobile County on the west bordering Mississippi and Baldwin County on the east bordering the Florida panhandle. ", Escapes! Most travelers come and stay for a week, making these kinds of accommodations even more useful. Please visit our. Here are the activity highlights that Id recommend to other visitors, particularly families. While not on the beach itself, the inland city of Foley is worth a mention as well. Weekends are also when the grocery stores in the area are at their busiest as newcomers load up their condominiums to start the week. 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. At just $24.99 per person with discounts often available ($22.49 when purchased online in advance), the price is right too. Though its beaches are the main draw, Gulf Shores has so much more to offer. 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. Gulf Shores does not have a public transportation system nor does it have a beachside boardwalk like other coastal towns. This town on Alabamas Gulf Coast is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and its many family-friendly activities. Though the city is popular with snowbirds in the winter, you can get a hotel for a steal. This area was developed later than Gulf Shores and still is a bit quieter (although the continued development makes it busier with each passing year!). The Track is a giant entertainment complex with multiple go-cart tracks, a large arcade, bumper boats, and amusement park rides for younger kids. 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. Take the family on an outing to Adventure Island during your trip to Orange Beach. Look at maps carefully! Buy points online in advance to save money and share among a larger group. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach serve a pretty broad drive market that includes most of the Southeast. When and where do I get residential hurricane decals (reentry stickers)? The closest airport within the state of Alabama to the Alabama Beaches is the next county over is Mobile Regional Airport. U.S. News rates the top travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. 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. The beaches are roughly intersected by State Route 59, which is the main thoroughfare that heads inland.

Gulf Shores sits at the intersection of State Routes 182 and 59. Gulf Shores vs. Orange Beach - Which is Better? See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.). Gulf Shores and Orange beach are connected coastal communities with Gulf Shores to the West and Orange Beach to the East. If they do vaguely know about the region, most people certainly dont know just how much it has to offer. Your explanation was like asking a friend questions. It will also be closer to Alabamas beach destinations at about an hour away. If you prefer a hotel, the most luxurious in the area is The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel. View information about the Gulf Shores' Public Library. Not into swimming or water sports? 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. The sugar-white sand beaches spread across the two beach communities provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable trip. It is vital to read the fine print to find out what amenities you need and what you might be passing up depending on the method you choose for rental. Stay at this beach hotel in Orange Beach. Even Illinois and Indiana-based travelers are also frequent visitors. Browse information on Gulf Shores' city maps.

2015 CITY OF ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA. Kid-friendly food and activities abound in the area. Another viable option in a pinch for travelers to the Alabama Gulf Coast might be the small regional airport in Destin/Ft. They even gave us a welcome basket with a beach bag, water bottles, snacks and so much more!! But if you want a full service luxury hotel or resort vacation experience like you might be used to in a beach destination like Hawaii, the pickings are a bit slim. Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. The culture is very similar as well, with Gulf Shores being more famously known for events like Hangout Fest Music Festival. The stretch of beach that extends from Gulf Coast State park to Perdido Key, Florida on the east is known as Orange Beach. Lulu's not only features an extensive food and drink menu, but also offers a ropes course, hair wraps, henna tattoos and an arcade to keep the kids entertained. 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). Use apps like Waze to find alternate back road routes that can sometimes save you major time when beach roads are backed up. This will give even more things to do on rainy summer days as thunderstorms are common in the region. After a hot day on the beach, take the whole family to The Yard for an enormous milkshake treat. Walton Beach (VPS).

Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Orange Beach. VPS is about a 2 hour drive to Gulf Shores, but if you can get a non-stop flight there, it would be quicker than booking a connecting flight into either PNS or MOB. You'll also want to book your hotel or vacation rental well in advance if you're visiting in the summer to secure the best price. City of Orange Beach Rekindle the romance in these gorgeous Georgia destinations and resorts. The boat was absolutely beautiful and our sail was so relaxing. While visiting Orange Beach East, you might make a stop by sights like Gulf State Park and Perdido Key Beach. Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Orange Beach. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its great live music. Able to get lots of pictures and videos for a lifetime of memories! Yes, the Perdido Pass contains four islands famous to locals. Ive used it often for trips weve taken to the Florida Panhandle. Start your visit to Orange Beach with a pirate cruise on a replica ship from the 1400s. All rights reserved. Welcome! Take a walk across the boardwalk over the dunes to go directly to the Gulf and dip your toes in the warm waters.Enjoy some of the freshest seafood on the Gulf Coast at one of several waterfront restaurants. Great tips! The shakes here are pricey, but come complete with decadent toppings like a whole cupcake or brownie. Whether it's feeling the warm sun beaming down on you, biting into a delicious meal as you overlook the water, or reconnecting with the natural beauty around you, memories are waiting to be made. While Cotton Bayou isn't home to many top sights, Orange Beach Art Center and The Wharf are some notable places to visit nearby. Learn more about our area from our partners at Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Tourism. Related: First Timers Guide to the Florida Panhandle Beaches. I loved exploring the larger area of Baldwin County while hoping for a glimpse of birds. The drive from PNS to the Alabama beaches is only about 35 miles but takes about 1 hour in no traffic. Looking for a night on the town? Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. To The Shores Orange Beach, a Ramada by Wyndham, 24060 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL, 36561. If you are considering a trip to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, this article has everything a first time visitor needs to know. Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Orange Beach. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event. Orange Beach is Alabama's eastern-most settlement and directly borders the laid-back beach town of Perdido Key, Florida. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our "Everything about this place is wonderful!!!". Read more about. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are considering a trip here in the next few weeks- we have 3 kiddos under 7 and are mostly interested in beach time with a couple restaurant trips. Other than that, everything was great! Explore the waterfront in Orange Beach with a trip to The Wharf. BOOK 100 TOURS, RENTALS & ATTRACTION TICKETS. Beach was very beautiful and it was a very relaxing stay. Im Leslie, a mom of two (ages 13 and 8) who loves to travel. How do I get a Beach Express Freedom Pass? We had wait in a very, very long ticket counter line to check our bags and were grateful we arrived early. I highly recommend booking a skip-the-counter option if possible (tip: often you can do this simply by joining a car rental companys frequent rental program at no cost). They are, as a whole, less busy than Florida beaches, but may be a little cooler as well. Orange Beach, AL, lies directly to the east of Gulf Shores, and borders Florida. Now that Ive been to hundreds of beaches around the country and the world, I realize Alabamas white sugar sand beaches and calm turquoise waters have ruined me for nearly everywhere else. The Wharf in Orange Beach is home to a massive ferris wheel, zipline tours, shopping, dining, and water excursions. Save 10% or more on thousands of properties with member prices. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect family-friendly destinations. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Drive up your heart rate with extreme activities, such as zip lining and parasailing. 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. At any given place along the coast are there a few walking distance restaurants around? If you're interested in a summer visit, know that June, July and August are three of the area's wettest months and also the most popular. T: 251.981.6979 Expedia and the Airplane Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff "My stay at this place was beautiful and they had everything I thought I needed . Exactly what I was looking for information wise.

The neighborhood of Gulf Highlands you pass along the way is another popular cluster of vacation properties. "We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn for our 3yo daughters first beach trip. Most of these condo complexes are pretty indistinguishable from one another, with similar amenities and layouts. Thank you again. 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. Which events take place in Gulf Shores, AL? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or experience the great live music in this family-friendly area. I was pretty surprised to find out recently from a friend in Kentucky that many families from her area make the road trip regularly every year! Most of the accommodations were built with families in mind. Our family stayed in a complex called Summer House on our last trip which is a mid-range option in Orange Beach. 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. Most mornings in summer, the restaurant offers a character breakfast featuring pirates and princesses that is perfect for families. 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. VPS has service on Delta, American, Southwest, and Allegiant and is small and easy to navigate. While there, youll find exciting activities, delicious, dining, and of course, impressive beaches. Check out the Pink Pony Pub or The Hangout. Yes! Many of these condominium complexes are managed by the major realty companies in the area Kaiser, Spectrum Resorts, Brett-Robinson, and many others. I would highly recommend the Coastal Birding Trail, if that is where your interest lies. We were surprised on our visit to find that Southwest Airlines had no electronic kiosks to check-in or self-tag bags. The area boasts over 32 miles of beautiful beaches, great for playing, exploring and relaxing. The best times to visit Gulf Shores are March through May and September through November. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are neighbors in Coastal Alabama. But with multiple restaurants and shops, the Flora-Bama is now a destination unto itself. The most popular event in Gulf Shores is the Hangout Music Festival. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Vacation Guide, Deep Creek Lake Area, Garrett County, Maryland. Get a Quote. ", 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL, 36561. From the waterfront to the historic downtown, explore the innovative dining options in Naples. The panhandle of Florida eats up most of the real estate due south of the state, so Alabamas swath of coastline is often missed after a quick glance at the map. 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! What an informative post! Protect Your Trip Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price, Courtesy of Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. You can opt to fly into one of two airports to get to Gulf Shores. 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. What are the differences between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores? A few favorites include the Original Oyster House, Sea-n-Suds, Bahama Bob's Beach Side Caf, and Gulf Shores Seafood. Head to Florida Point at Gulf State Park to find the best stretch for families and couples seeking a quiet getaway. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are well known all over the South as a relatively inexpensive, family-friendly beach destination. All Rights Reserved.

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.). Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price, California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. For travelers used to beach vacation destinations in many other places, the lodging situation on the Alabama Gulf Coast might appear a bit strange at first glance. There are plenty of places in the area to get your fill of fish, oysters and royal reds (a shrimp species that's an Alabama specialty). Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Save Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach to your lists, The price is $182 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8, Save Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front to your lists, The price is $203 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8, The price is $250 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8, Save Caribe Resort by Hosteeva to your lists, The price is $262 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1, Save Palm Beach Resort Orange Beach a Ramada by Wyndham to your lists, Save Escapes! A car is pretty much a necessity in this region of the country, and rental cars at PNS are ample and cheap. The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Board has also curated series of food trails that serve as self-guided food tours for visitors with themes like oysters, crab and shrimp. Exploring Orange Beach is easy on foot. This enormous outdoor restaurant founded by Jimmy Buffetts sister has amazing seafood, cocktails, and live music, but also features an arcade and ropes course that is a must-do for kids. Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are heavily influenced by Gulf of Mexico beach culture and provide similar vacation experiences highlighting both family fun and romance.