Family Travel Guide to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
Confession time: Our family does not typically seek out beach vacations. We tend to gravitate towards the mountains, the desert landscapes of Utah and Arizona, or other nature escapes. However, this past summer we made our first family trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama and realized that a beach vacation can be just as wonderful and full of adventure.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama offer so many great activities for both families and travelers of all ages. Whether you desire a relaxing day listening to the ocean waves or a day filled with action-packed attractions, this region of the Gulf Coast offers an amazing vacation getaway. Even better, you can now fly from the Midwest on Allegiant Airlines directly to the Gulf Shores airport in as little as 90 minutes!
This guide shares everything we experienced including where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and why this coastal stretch of Alabama is one of the most incredible beach destinations in the United States.
How to Get to Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores can be easily driven from most areas of the U.S. From the St. Louis area, it is about an 11 hour drive. However, Allegiant Airlines has added new direct flights from many locations right to the Gulf Shores Airport. Our family flew from Belleville, Illinois (just east of St. Louis) right to Gulf Shores in about 90 minutes, making it one of the quickest and most convenient beach vacations we have ever taken.
I love flying Allegiant as the airports are smaller and easy to navigate. We were able to park close to the front door and were at our gate within minutes. Once we arrived at Gulf Shores Airport (which is super cute!) we had our rental car quickly for the short drive to our condo for the long weekend.
Where to Stay in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are filled with hotels, condos, and other rental options. We stayed at the beautiful Turquoise Place in Orange Beach. These luxury beachfront condos are incredible. Our three bedroom condo was huge with plenty of space for our whole family including a full kitchen and even a hot tub on the balcony!
Turquoise Place offers so many amenities for all ages. The big appeal here is the direct access to sugar sand beaches. The beaches here are so clean with sparkling turquoise blue water. Umbrellas and chairs are available for rent or you can bring your own.
There are many other great activities at Turquoise Place. Our family loved the multiple pools, both indoor and out. There is also a lazy river, water slide, playground, and fitness center. The resort offers many daily activities like crafts, photos with a mermaid, and movie nights.
If you are looking for a basic hotel, rental home, or even camping, there are so many great lodging options in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Things to Do in Gulf Shores
Our family tends to be active travelers so we enjoyed several adventures during our 4 day stay. Gulf Shores offers a variety of attractions and activities to appeal to all ages.
Gulf Shores Beaches
You truly can’t visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach without spending time on the gorgeous beaches. Our condo at Turquoise Place had direct beach access, making it easy to pop down for morning sunrise walks and afternoon swim time. Even if you stay somewhere without direct access, there are numerous public beaches to visit.
The beaches here are full of soft sugar-white sand, clean shoreline, and that stunning turquoise water. Even if you’re visiting outside of summer, the beaches are just as lovely. Cooler months make them peaceful and perfect for long walks, looking for seashells, and building sandcastles.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has quite the history. Known as the “Little Zoo that Could” due to being the first zoo to completely evacuate due to a hurricane in 2004. The zoo was completely destroyed due to the hurricane. While it was initially rebuilt at the same location, it was eventually moved to a new and safer inland location that opened in 2020.
Our family loved this little zoo. The exhibits are well designed with natural elements and spacious enclosures. We loved how close you can get to the animals, and the interactive experiences like feeding the giraffes. If you’re visiting Gulf Shores any time of year, the zoo is an easy half-day activity that doesn’t depend on beach weather.
Gulf State Park
One of the most peaceful and scenic parts of our trip was kayaking at Gulf State Park. This park is such a gem with miles of trails, lovely lakes, and beautiful coastal views. We rented kayaks and paddled through the calm water for an easy and relaxing adventure.
Even if you’re visiting during cooler months, kayaking is a fun, family-friendly activity that doesn’t require perfect beach weather. Gulf State Park also has bike rentals, nature programs, playgrounds, and boardwalks that make it a great stop year-round.
Fort Morgan
If your family enjoys a little history mixed with adventure, Fort Morgan is worth a visit. This 19th-century military fort sits right at the edge of Mobile Bay and offers incredible views. You can walk through tunnels, explore open courtyards, and imagine what life must have been like for soldiers stationed here.
Our kids had a blast running around the brick corridors, and we loved learning more about the local history. This is another great all-season activity since most of the fort is outdoors and easy to explore at your own pace. Don’t miss visiting the fort museum as well.
Family Fun at The Track & The Wharf
For a little extra excitement, we headed to The Track. This family fun park features rides, mini-golf, a 5,000 square foot arcade and an incredible six go-kart tracks! The kids would have stayed here all day if we let them.
We also visited The Wharf in nearby Orange Beach, which is packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The ferris wheel is a must-do with incredible views from the top, especially at sunset.
Sunset Dolphin Cruise
My absolute favorite experience of the entire trip was the sunset dolphin cruise with Island Time Private Boat Charters. There is something so magical about being out on the water with the sky turning shades of pink and orange while dolphins swim alongside the boat.
Our boat captain, Pat was great at spotting the dolphins and taking us to the best views. We even stopped at an island and were able to hop out to walk around. This private cruise meant we could decide which places we were most interested in and we could have the best views without fighting big crowds.
Where to Eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
One thing we were pleasantly surprised by was just how many family-friendly restaurants there are in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. From casual seafood spots to beachside cafés with playgrounds, there are so many great options.
We enjoyed everything from pasta and fish tacos to classic kid-approved meals. Dining out never felt stressful as the atmosphere is relaxed, the service is friendly, and many restaurants have gorgeous views. Here are the places we tried during our trip and enjoyed.
Lulu’s Gulf Shores – A must-visit for families! Great food, waterfront views, and tons of activities for kids including the arcade, ropes course, and outdoor play areas. The atmosphere is fun for all ages.
The Hangout – One of the most iconic spots in Gulf Shores. The food is great, but the real draw is the live entertainment, foam parties, giant sandboxes, and photo ops everywhere. It’s a place where you can truly relax while the kids play.
YoHo Rum & Tacos – Located at The Wharf, YoHo has creative tacos and a casual vibe that’s perfect after a day of exploring. We loved walking around The Wharf shops and riding the Ferris Wheel afterward.
Original Oyster House – A beloved Gulf Shores staple with fresh seafood, big portions, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. The kid’s meals even come with a tiny alligator toy!
GT’s on the Bay – This spot offers coastal fusion dishes, stunning water views, and big fish tank kids will love. It’s great for both date night and family meals, thanks to the outdoor seating and breezy atmosphere.
Sarah’s Homemade – A lifesaver on a busy day! We picked up ready-made meals to heat up back at our condo and everything was delicious.
Sunliner Diner – We loved this spot for breakfast. This retro 1950s-themed diner is so fun inside with great food, colorful milkshakes, and even a classic car you can dine inside.
Sweet Cone Alabama – The kids’ favorite! A colorful and fun ice cream and candy shop with tons of flavors and toppings. It’s the perfect stop for an afternoon treat or a post-dinner indulgence.
You can find an even larger list of restaurants here.
Why Gulf Shores Should be Your Next Family Vacation
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a great mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you prefer to lounge on the beach, attend a special event, or visit local attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With the new direct flight options thanks to Allegiant, getting to Gulf Shores is quicker and more convenient than ever.
Even though we visited in the summer, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach truly work for all seasons. Summer means the perfect weather for splashing in the ocean or pool. Cooler months mean emptier beaches, great deals on resorts, more pleasant weather for exploring outdoor attractions. With the new direct flights, getting here from the Midwest is easier than ever.
Whether you want a warm winter escape, a spring break adventure, a laid-back fall getaway, or a classic summer beach trip—Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are a perfect family-friendly destination year-round.
Have you ever visited Gulf Shores?
