Did you know Florida isn’t the only white sandy beach along the Gulf Of Mexico? While I definitely prefer Florida, especially 30A, Gulf Shores is a great little beach getaway too! When I travel to Gulf Shores, I like to do things a little differently than when I go to Florida. There are plenty of things to do to fill an adventurous itinerary. I know, I know, you’re going to say when you go to the beach you just want to lounge, but if you have kiddos in tow, you know that isn’t always on the agenda due to their short attention spans.
There are several different areas that make up what I call Gulf Shores. While they have different names because technically, they are different places, they are pretty close together and each offer great dining and shopping. A few of the places I have visited and enjoyed are Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and the official Gulf Shores.
While there are definitely beach days, we are going to adventure a little while we are in lower Alabama.
Let’s go to Gulf Shores, ya’ll!
Day 1: Arrival, Grocery Shop & Beach
One of my biggest Tips on The Lo while at the beach is doing a little grocery shopping when you get there. Stock up on breakfast, lunch, and snack options. If you wait and eat out only at dinner, it definitely cuts your expenses down.
Grocery Shopping
We always go before we check in so that when we unpack, we unpack it all at once.
Check-in and Unload
Check in is usually around 3 or 4pm for most places, but these days you can pay for early check in or check with your host on AirBNB or VRBO & potentially get in early.
Enjoy your first evening!
Head to the beach for a little while then grab dinner.
Day 2: Beach & Dolphin Cruise
Breakfast at the condo
Follow along on Instagram for some of my beach breakfast morning favorites.
Beach
If you are interested in cutting down your stress or load carrying, consider booking a chair rental service!
Ike’s Beach Service: you rent on site at any participating hotel in the area.
Gulf Shores Beach Rentals: they deliver and have chairs, umbrellas, and tents
Early Lunch, Naps then Dolphin Cruise
Head in around between lunch and 4:00 to get ready for Dolphin Cruise, depending on your selection and the time.
The dolphin cruises are very popular in the Gulf Shores area. There are several options to choose from if availability is low, but I have listed some of the best based on my research
Cetacean Cruises: They offer more than just a dolphin cruise, but their 1.5 hour option is highly popular. Pricing is around $25, with cruises leaving at 8:30 or 3:00
Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruises at The Wharf: I think this would be my pick. They have cruises as late as 6:30pm, but there are multiple times. The time ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours and starts around $34.50 for adults, with prices as low as $22 for children
The Fun Boats Dolphin Cruise: This might tie with Sunny Lady!! They have a sunset cruise available for the dolphin viewing, as well as a daytime option. I love the idea of a sunset cruise to end the night! Both day and night are 2 hours with prices starting at $24 and $30 respectively
Dinner
This will vary depending on which cruise option you choose!
Dessert
A sweet treat to end the night!
Day 3: Beach, Water Activities and The Track
Breakfast in the condo
Beach
Soak up the morning sun, consider a boogie board for the water, or even bring supplies to fish on the shore!
Grab lunch in your condo, then rest up then onto afternoon fun
Afternoon Water Fun
You may find options for these beach side too!
Kayak, Parasailing, Banana Boats, Paddle Boards, and more
GO LIKE LO: Try Parasailing
I recommend Ike’s Beach Service based on reviews if you are staying at one of the supported condos
If not at the supported hotels, I also suggest Blue Sky Parasailing & Water Sports
Head in to get ready for dinner
Go Like Lo: Try Cobalts for dinner
The Track
The Track offers go carts, mini golf, sky coasters, and more for pure family fun!
Day 4: Water Park
Breakfast
Spend the Day at the Water Park
Switch it up a bit and visit Waterville USA! It is open from 11am - 6pm. Tickets are $37.95 for adults and $28.95 for kids.
Lunch
Grab lunch in the water park or opt for a few options outside of the park!
Head In
Change and get ready for dinner!
The Wharf
The Wharf has something for everyone! There is an Express Train for the kiddos, shopping and a Ferris Wheel! Stay for the SPECTRA Laser Light Show- shows at 8:30, 9:00, & 9:30 + more.
Day 5: Beach
Hang at the beach
We usually switch between the beach and the pool if we get a little monotonous
If you like to read, I highly recommend Taylor Jenkins Reid and Emily Henry!
Play with sand toys, games, and water activities to fill up your day!
Midday Plans
Grab some lunch in the room and squeeze in a nap if needed, then head back to the beach! After your day at the beach, head in to get ready for dinner and pictures!
Pictures on the beach
My favorite thing are family pictures at sunset. Be sure to follow along on Instagram for outfit ideas and color schemes!
Dinner
Night at the beach
We love nighttime by the ocean. It always shakes out to be special! We enjoy crab hunting, walking along the shores and building sand castles.
Day 6: Amusement Park
Breakfast
Amusement Park
OWA is technically in Foley Beach, but totally worth the drive. I am sharing the amusement park details here, but there are other attractions at OWA. I truly believe this is a do not miss. However, you can definitely flex this for another beach day.
Head home and freshen up for dinner!
Dinner
Farewell Ice Cream
Day 7: Home
Have breakfast out before you head home to make departure a little less bitter sweet
If you travel along I-65, don’t forget my top two stopping points:
Sweet Creek Farms
Peach Park
Dining Options:
Cobalt: Seafood, gorgeous setting
Tacky Jack’s : Seafood but they have a great mix of other things like salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, po-boys, and even tacos
Coastal on The Beach: Seafood & steaks, beach barside option (breakfast too)
Jesse’s On The Bay: Seafood, steaks, salads, reservations recommended
Angry Crab Shack: Seafood & sandwiches, multiple locations across the US
Sea n Suds: Seafood, sandwiches, oyster bar
Big Fish: Seafood, sushi, beef, seasonal menu
The Yard: Milkshake bar
Matt’s Ice Cream: Creative flavors of small batch, handmade ice cream
Scoops Ice Cream: Classic ice cream parlor
Hotel Recommendations:
Phoenix Orange Beach Condominiums: Located on the beach
The Beach Club Resort & Spa: Located on the beach in Gulf Shores
Kiva Dunes: Different rental options available on the beach & golf views as well
Cottages at Lagoon Pass: Beach views
We typically use sites like Vacasa, AirBNB, & VRBO for beach rentals. I like to switch it up every year but prefer to stay in the same area. A few things to keep in mind:
If you are using a rental service for chairs and tents, be sure it can be serviced where you choose
I always want private beach access, it is less crowded and you don’t have to hurry down each morning to save a seat! Be sure to look for that amenity when booking.
Some places may have a chair service included, look for that amenity when booking!
If being right on the beach is important, be sure to check oceanfront, beach front, and ocean views. Only selecting one will just ensure you get some sort of beach visual from your window in my experience. Look at the picture to see where the property is located.
Traveling with little ones?
Be sure to check out my guide to stress free traveling with kids to see beach travel hacks while vacationing with the young ones!
Staying longer or want additional options? Check out:
The Hangout
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Florabama Bar and Grill
Gulf State Park
Adventure Island
Orange Beach Pirate Ship
Stay connected
Be sure to follow Hey Lo, Let’s Go on Instagram at @heyloletsgo and TikTok at @heyloletsgolauren.
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