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Family friendly meets coastal perfection on the Alabama Gulf Coast
Whatever you’re looking for in a coastal destination, chances are you’ll find it on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Nestled between the Mobile Bay and Pensacola, Florida, the Alabama Gulf Coast is comprised of three charming communities: Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Combined, these coastal cities offer mile after mile of soft sugar-white sand, the beautiful blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and therefore, some of the most spectacular views in the South.
While the Alabama Gulf Coast may offer fewer miles of coastline than some of its neighbors—it only spans 32 miles of coastline in total—it packs the absolute most in it well beyond the beach. The Alabama Gulf Coast offers some of the best charter fishing in the entire country—its shores are practically legendary when it comes to fishing for everything from red snapper and mackerel to grouper and amberjack. There’s military history thanks to historic Fort Morgan, which dates back to the early 1800s and was in active use in four separate wars. There are also greens to be enjoyed besides the waters of the Gulf thanks to the area’s numerous golf courses (and mini golf courses for those young at heart!). And, of course, there’s another attraction to the Alabama Gulf Coast that simply cannot be overlooked: the literally hundreds of local restaurants serving up freshly caught seafood right out of the Gulf.
There’s a reason why the area attracts millions of visitors each and every year. If you’re looking for your next coastal getaway—one that offers something for the entire family—look no further than the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Where to Stay
Kiva Dunes
Kiva Dunes Resort offers so much more than simply vacation rentals. Tucked away off Fort Morgan Road, the resort offers a variety of rental options, including both condos overlooking the golf course and sprawling homes in its idyllic beachside community, along with enough amenities to make you happily forget about driving off property for another activity during your entire stay. In addition to its renowned Jerry Pate-designed golf course—which is consistently ranked as one of the top public courses in the entire state—Kiva Dunes offers multiple pools, tennis courts, two restaurants, and more than 3,000 feet of private beachfront property. A highlight of a stay at Kiva: the Kiva Beach Club. Besides its spectacular view—it sits atop a 30-foot dune overlooking the Gulf of Mexico—it houses a zero-entry salt water pool, hot tub, private beach access, and full-service restaurant and bar.
Turquoise Place
Turquoise Place prides itself on taking luxury to a whole new level, and it doesn’t disappoint. A premier resort located in Orange Beach, Turquoise Place first stuns with its architectural beauty—the structure lives up to its name with its multi-level turquoise windows—and the impressiveness of the resort continues once inside. The property offers a variety of condo units—most of not all offering amazing views of the Gulf—and enough amenities to keep the whole family busy for days. In addition to the beach just steps outside, Turquoise Place includes two outdoor pools, two indoor pools, sauna/steam room, tennis and pickleball courts, kids playground, and even a lazy river, which is heated for prime comfort during early spring and early fall.
Beach Club
Eight-six-plus acres of coastal paradise awaits at The Beach Club. Situated on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, The Beach Club is a full-service resort with everything needed for the ultimate in family beach vacations. Each of its 250-plus condos are well equipped with the amenities needed for the most comfortable stay possible, not to mention a panoramic view of the Gulf, but for those seeking a little more space (or perhaps a little more privacy), the property also features quaint cottages. The amenities found at The Beach Club continue on across the resort to include fabulous on-property restaurants, walking trails, a mercantile to do some shopping, an ice cream shop, and even a spa and salon—this is all in addition to its other expected offerings such as the pool and white sand beach.
Where to Eat
Lulu’s
A must-visit for anyone traveling to the Alabama Gulf Coast: Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s. The restaurant is known for its fun and family-friendly atmosphere, as well as its scenic waterfront (the eatery is located on the Intracoastal Waterway), and its extensive seafood-focused menu. LuLu’s offers up some of the very best fried shrimp on the Gulf Coast, but it’s really impossible to find anything on the menu that wouldn’t be a crowd favorite.
Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar
Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar has been serving the Alabama Gulf Coast since the early 1980s, and the laid-back atmosphere of this local favorite will make anybody a fan of Doc’s. What helps, of course, is its mouthwatering menu that includes everything from seafood gumbo and fried shrimp to crab cakes and all sorts of fresh fish.
Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar
Coastal charm is on full display at Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar. In addition to its standard indoor dining, the Orange Beach eatery offers a charming outdoor patio complete with string lights and oftentimes live music. The ambiance adds to an already delightful menu, which is topped off with its well-known Banana Leaf Wrapped Fish.
The Gulf
There’s really no restaurant quite like The Gulf. Featuring some of the very best views of the Gulf of Mexico—the eatery is located right on the water in Orange Beach—The Gulf is an ideal spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon, cocktail in hand, or a delicious dinner while the kids play in the sand.
Original Oyster House
Original Oyster House is a Gulf Shores institution, and for good reason. The eatery has made itself known as a family favorite for its menu, which features southern seafood at its best. Some of the most popular items include the Homemade Seafood Gumbo, Oysters Rockafeller, Butter Pecan Mahi, and Josh’s Blackened Shrimp and Grits, and no meal can be complete without a slice of the Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pie. Before heading out, be sure to take a stroll through its charming gift shop!
Where to Play
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Between Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a 7,000-acre wildlife habitat that serves as home for all sorts of migratory birds, sea turtles, and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. Visitors can take it all the views on a trail walk through its trail system, which includes trails highlighting each type of habitat at the refuge, including dunes, swales, wetlands, maritime forests, and scrub habitats.
The Wharf
The Wharf is the destination for all things entertainment in Orange Beach. The Wharf is home to a variety of restaurants, boutiques, marina, movie theater, and even amphitheater. A can’t miss attraction at The Wharf is the Ferris wheel, which is one of—if not the—tallest Ferris wheels on the entire Gulf Coast. Nothing beats the view of the Gulf and surrounding area that the Ferris wheel offers.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
What beach offers a zoo? The Alabama Gulf Coast! Families with littles—or those simply young at heart—will enjoy a morning or afternoon at the zoo, which encompasses 25 acres of animal adventures and even a giraffe feeding station.
Charter Fishing
You can’t visit the Alabama Gulf Coast without booking a fishing charter—the area offers some of the very best fishing opportunities in the entire country. There are numerous charter companies available for all types of charters, but check out Zeke’s Landing Marina. It only takes 10 minutes by boat to get out into the Gulf from Zeke’s, which is situated on Cotton Bayou, and they cover everything needed for enjoying a day on the water.
Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway
Get up close and personal with nature on the Alabama Gulf Coast by paddling down the Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway via canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. The Blueway features four trails and 21 launch sites, and whatever trail chosen, it’s sure to be a one-of-a-kind experience.
Where to Play
Tiki Island Boutique
For a quintessential beach boutique, check out Tiki Island Boutique. Located in Orange Beach nearby Cosmo’s, the shop features trendy apparel as well as jewelry and accessories and even home items. As home to the 32 Mile Island brand, it’s a great spot to pick up a souvenir T-shirt too.
Geez Louise Boutique
Geez Louise Boutique it’s possible to have so many of the most popular brands all under one roof. Known for its southern-forward style, Geez Louise offers something for everyone.
SanRoc Cay
SanRoc Cay is a marina in Orange Beach—a great spot to watch boats bringing in the day’s best catches—and it’s also a prime destination for all sorts of shopping. Whether it’s resort beachwear, upscale accessories, or locally-made gifts and souvenirs, it can also be found at one of the shops at SanRoc Cay. Bonus: there are also a variety of restaurants worth taking a break to stop and enjoy a meal or cocktail.
The Salty Palm
The Salty Palm is all about highlighting the best of the Gulf Coast, and it’s a go-to for finding apparel, gifts, décor, and, of course, local art. With new items arriving each and every week, it’s probably a boutique you’ll find yourself perusing more than once on your visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
