6 Reasons Why Orange Beach & Gulf Shores are Ranked a Top U.S Travel Destination
Nothing quite measures up to a popular beach town in the summertime with waterfront properties and freshly caught seafood. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are bound to reel in lots of fun! Whether taking on a family-friendly getaway or embarking on a fun bachelorette trip, these destinations have something for everyone.
Just a twenty-minute drive apart, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores share many similar activities and hot spots that have helped them make their way into the Top US travel Destinations today. They both provide a unique feel to Alabama’s Gulf Coast as they feature a variety of watersports opportunities and are a hub for popular restaurant scenes.
Top reasons to plan a trip to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are perfect for bringing families together as an opportunity for relaxation, connection, and of course beachside fun. Being some of the Top US Small Beach Towns, both destinations provide 100 Collection-approved suggestions that will jumpstart vacation planning.
1. Beautiful Vacation Rentals
One of the most popular attractions to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores is the gorgeous beach rental properties that capture oceanside views through breathtaking condos and private luxury homes. With locations on the sugary white beaches of the Gulf, these properties capture the small beach town essence while simultaneously giving off a luxury feel. Our 100 Collection partner Beachball Properties highlights private homes big enough for the entire family or a vacation rental perfect for a bachelorette party’s last toast on the coast. The opportunities are endless and these breathtaking rentals help capture the beachside beauty of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
2. Seaside Shopping
Featuring high-end brands and fan-favorite labels, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores provide an excellent variety of shopping opportunities. Whether it is popping into The Wharf for the best coastal finds or stopping by the Tanger Outlet Center for visits to classics like Ralph Lauren and JCrew, both destinations have a multitude of shopping opportunities. The Wharf embodies the best of seaside shopping with everything from small-town boutiques and luxury spas to tasty ice cream shops kids will love.
3. Coastal Cuisine and Beachside Breweries
What coastal vacation would be complete without a mouthwatering seafood dinner to end long days at the beach? Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are known for their coastal cuisine and diverse restaurant scenes that capture the beachy essence while ensuring the entire family will find something tasty to enjoy. Known for popular restaurants like Big Fish, Voyagers, and Zeke’s, both small beach towns reel in new customers as they serve fresh seafood from the Gulf.
The delicious excitement doesn’t just stop there. Being the gorgeous beach towns that they are, both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are hotspots for weddings and events so it’s no wonder they have many restaurants that cater locally within the area. The local areas also feature a variety of entertaining bar scenes and breweries including O'Choppers and Big Beach Brewery that are bound to keep the party going.
4. Watersports and Fishing
One of the best ways to fully experience the beauty these locations have to offer is to explore the destinations on the water. With endless options of watersports and fishing, both destinations offer activities for the entire family to enjoy. Jet Skis, Tiki Boat rentals, Parasailing, Dolphin tours, fishing charters, and more, you name it, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are bound to have it. The local fishing charters are perfect for seafood connoisseurs as many of them filet and bag the fish you catch for you! Both coastal towns allow vacationers to dive into the water life and explore the endless opportunities to stay active.
5. Gorgeous Golf Courses
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are a hub of beautiful golf courses that fulfill a true golfer’s dream. With waterside courses and epic views, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are home to impressive courses that are perfect for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Craft Farms Golf Resort, Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club, and Kiva Dunes Golf Course are three highly-rated courses that stand out due to their seaside locations and world-class courses. Whether you’re with your family or bringing out the boys for a bachelor trip, these courses are the ideal vacation activity.
6. Relax Beachside
The central locations of both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores stand out as they are only four and a half hours from major universities and three hours from New Orleans. Both are unique amongst popular beach spots like Destin, as they provide more quaint and relaxing trips that also adhere to common family needs. Whether you are looking for the perfect spring break getaway, or are aiming to unwind on the sugary sand beaches, both destinations provide a relaxing element that differs from other well-known beaches. With the Best Places to stay in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores, it is of course easy to hit the beach, lounge out on the chairs at The Gulf, or visit the spa at The Beach Club.
Ready to plan your next beach getaway?
As some of the Top US Travel Destinations, these beaches stand out amongst other popular areas along the coast. Whether it be hitting the beautiful courses with the boys, tasting the freshly caught seafood with the family, or even visiting the kid-friendly wildlife parks and zoos, both small beach towns truly have something for everyone.
The 100 Collection™ is proud to partner with Beachball Properties offering curated luxury Orange Beach & Gulf Shores vacation rentals and properties located directly along the sugary white coastline. Perfect for couples, families, and large groups of friends, these properties reside in the best of the local resort communities and serve as the perfect outlets for the ideal vacations.
Ready to book your Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Vacation Rental? Visit our partner Beachball Properties website to check availability and book directly.
