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, offering opportunities for relaxation, connection, and, of course, beachside fun. Being some of the Top US Small Beach Towns, both destinations offer 100 Collection-approved suggestions to jumpstart vacation planning.
1. Beautiful Vacation Rentals
One of the most popular attractions in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores is the gorgeous beach rental properties that offer breathtaking ocean views in breathtaking condos and private luxury homes. With locations on the sugary white beaches of the Gulf, these properties capture the small-town beach-town essence while also exuding 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.
Featured Properties Worth Booking:
- Driftwood Dreams - This stunning 6-bedroom beach house in the Palm Harbor community features coastal elegance. With meticulously curated interiors including two living areas, two dining spaces, and three stories of outdoor living with balconies and decks, it's perfect for extended families or groups of up to 16 guests. The property includes access to the Palm Harbor community pool and sits near the Cotton Bayou beach access point.
- Brown by the Beach - An impressive 8-bedroom, 8.5-bathroom beach house spanning, directly on Orange Beach's sugary sands. Accommodating up to 23 guests, this property features a private pool and direct beach access, making it ideal for large family reunions or milestone celebrations that require privacy and space.
- Phoenix Orange Beach 2203 - This luxurious 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom condo has stunning Gulf views. Sleeping up to 16 guests, it combines the convenience of condo living with spacious layouts, modern amenities, and resort-style features, including pools, lazy rivers, and tennis courts.
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.
Here are some local shops you shouldn't miss visiting:
- High Cotton Bath Co. - A boutique specializing in high-quality, custom bath and body products where you can create your own custom-scented bath bombs, soaps, and scrubs. It's perfect for unique gifts that smell like vacation.
- Seaside Shoes & SWIM - This boutique has everything you need for beach days, from stylish swimsuits and beach-ready footwear to fun coastal jewelry and practical beach bags.
- Crush Wines - A local wine shop and tasting bar where knowledgeable staff help you select bottles to enjoy back at your rental. They also host regular tastings where you can sample before committing.
- Southern Grind - A local coffee roaster and café where you can grab expertly crafted espresso drinks and take home bags of freshly roasted beans.
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, both small beach towns reel in new customers as they serve fresh seafood from the Gulf.
Seafood Restaurants
- The Gulf - This Orange Beach institution perfects Royal Red shrimp, a deep-water delicacy that's sweeter and more tender than regular Gulf shrimp. Their char-grilled oysters arrive bubbling with garlic butter, and don't miss the complimentary hush puppies. The sunset views from their upper deck enhance every meal.
- Fisher's Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina - Dockside dining where you'll watch fishing boats unload their daily catch right below your table. The blackened mahi tacos pack serious flavor without overwhelming spice, while the fried grouper sandwich showcases why locally caught fish tastes different.
- Voyagers - When you want to celebrate something special, Voyagers delivers with creative seafood preparations and an award-winning wine list. The pan-seared scallops achieve that perfect golden crust, and their cioppino is loaded with fresh catches in a tomato-fennel broth. Book at least three weeks ahead during peak season.
- Big Fish - A Gulf Shores staple serving fresh catches since the '90s with a casual vibe that welcomes families. Their seafood platter for two lets you sample fried shrimp, oysters, crab claws, and catch of the day without committing to just one preparation.
Beyond Seafood
- Cobalt The Restaurant - When you need a break from seafood, their upscale steaks and chops deliver. Their Sunday brunch offers exceptional value with everything from omelets to prime rib.
- Tacky Jack's - This local mini-chain has multiple locations serving everything from po'boys to steaks. The casual "write on duct tape and stick it anywhere" vibe makes it perfect for families, and kids-eat-free nights on Tuesdays help the budget.
Brewery & Bar Scene
Photo Credit: @ Big Beach Brewing Company
- Big Beach Brewing Company - Gulf Shores' first craft brewery serves small-batch beers for a starting price of $7 per pint. The outdoor patio with cornhole tournaments creates a neighborhood vibe, and flights of four beers let you sample their seasonal craft beers.
- The Hangout - While primarily known as a beach bar and restaurant, their live music seven nights a week and signature "boat drinks" starting at $14 make this a Gulf Shores institution.
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 .
4. Watersports and Fishing
One of the best ways to fully experience the beauty these locations offer is to explore them on the water. Popular water activities you shouldn't miss :
- Jet Ski Rentals - Single-rider jet skis start around $80-100 per hour, while two-person models run $120-150 hourly. Half-day rentals (4 hours) offer better value at $300-400. Weekday rates are typically $20-30 cheaper than weekend rates.
- Parasailing - Soar 500-800 feet above the Gulf for unobstructed views stretching up to 20 miles on clear days. Single flights run $85-110 per person, while tandem flights cost $160-180. Top operators you can try are Chute for the Skye, Orange Beach Parasail, and Ike's Parasail.
- Dolphin Cruises - Two-hour dolphin-watching tours run $25-35 for adults and $15-20 for kids, with Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises and Sunset cruises costing slightly more ($35-45) but delivering incredible photo opportunities.
- Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Full-day trips (8-10 hours) targeting red snapper, grouper, and amberjack run $150-200 per person on shared charters or $1,200-1,800 for private boats accommodating up to 6 people. Getaway Charters and other top operators include all rods, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses.
With endless options of watersports and fishing, both destinations offer activities for the entire family to enjoy. Both coastal towns offer vacationers the chance to dive into the underwater world and explore 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. Here are our top golf courses for your holiday,
- Kiva Dunes Golf Course - This links-style course running directly along the Gulf consistently ranks among Alabama's finest layouts. Green fees range from $115 to $165, depending on the season, with twilight rates dropping to $75-95. The final nine holes play along the beach, with wildlife sightings practically guaranteed
- Craft Farms Golf Resort - Two championship courses (Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend) designed by Arnold Palmer, offer distinct challenges. Rates run $69-119, depending on time and season. The Cotton Creek course features dramatic elevation changes rare in coastal golf.
- Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club - This semi-private club welcomes resort guests with exceptional year-round conditioning. Expect to pay $89-139 for 18 holes on Bermuda fairways and lightning-fast greens that challenge even single-digit handicappers.
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 4.5 hours from major universities and 3 hours from New Orleans. Both are unique amongst popular beach spots like Destin, as they offer more quaint, relaxing trips that also meet common family needs. You can enter Gulf State Park Beach, which has over 2 miles of public beach with pavilions, boardwalks, and ample free parking. Beach chair and umbrella rentals through concessionaires run $30-40 per day.
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.
