Gulf Shores Vacation and Activities

Jul 08 2020

Everything You Need to Know About Gulf Shores Mini-Golf

When you vacation in Gulf Shores, AL, you will be surrounded by a plethora of fun-filled activities. If you’re looking for the perfect way to shake things up from going to the beach every day, try your hand at Gulf Shores mini-golf. Miniature golf is a beloved pastime by people of all ages and is the perfect way to have family fun or a romantic date night.

If you’re searching for additional exciting things to do during your Alabama Gulf Coast vacation, look no further. Let our team do the searching for you, so you can focus on what matters most: making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

The Best Places to Enjoy Gulf Shores Mini-Golf

To learn more about the best places to try for a hole in one throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, keep reading!

Tiki’s Mini-Golf and Bike Shack

Location: 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Head to Tiki’s Mini Golf and Bike Shack to get the most bang for your buck. This family-friendly adventure center offers all-you-can-play miniature golf for $5. This 18-hole golf course is ideal for people of all skill levels and features majestic oak and cypress trees. You’ll fall in love with their iconic orange-colored “greens” and zany holes adorned with spooky ramshackle cabins, menacing polar bear sculpture, and faux-junkyard accessories.

Tiki’s is also your headquarters for bike rentals in Gulf Shores. Enjoy an eco-friendly activity, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the coast. They offer free delivery, and you can rent bikes by the hour, the 1/2 day, or the full day. The bike shop is perfectly situated close to the beach and the best biking trails in the area.

Shrimpy’s Mini Golf & Ice Cream

Location: 204 E 2nd Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

A day on the Alabama Gulf Coast doesn’t get much better than mini-golf, arcade games, fresh seafood, and ice cream. That’s exactly what you’ll find when you visit Shrimpy’s Mini Golf and Ice Cream! The crisp, emerald greens of this fishing village-themed course will draw you in, and the punny, seafood-inspired names of the holes will keep you entertained. After a round of putt-putt, head over to the ice cream parlor and cool down with a scoop of their mouthwatering ice cream, such as their Cookie Brownie Sundae. Or, feed your appetite next door at Mikee’s Seafood.

Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf

Location: 3201 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

You’re in for a fantastic adventure at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf. This thrilling course includes pirate ships, waterfalls, and mesmerizing tropical props and flora and fauna. You’ll follow in the footsteps of notorious pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd and continue through the caves where pirates buried their booty. If you have a large group or are celebrating a birthday, Pirate’s Island will be more than happy to accommodate you. If you have children with you under the age of three years, they’ll play for free!

Stay in a Harris Vacation Rentals Vacation Rental

After a rousing game of Gulf Shores mini-golf, retreat to your home away from home—a Harris Vacation Rentals Vacation Rental. We’re proud to offer vacation homes of all sizes throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Choose from pet-friendly properties, and homes with private pools, hot tubs, and convenient beach access. There’s no time like the present to start planning your next getaway. Check our availability and start getting exciting for your Gulf Coast vacation!

Jun 17 2020

Nashville, TN, to Gulf Shores: Everything You Need to Know

Do you reside in Nashville, Tennessee? Are you interested in planning a road trip to a fantastic beach destination? Pack the car and head from Nashville, TN, to Gulf Shores, Alabama! It’s the perfect change of scenery, and the travel time from Nashville to the Gulf Coast is a breeze. To learn how to make this dream vacation a reality—read on!

When you arrive at your destination of Gulf Shores, AL, you’ll want to be sure to plan exciting activities to fill your time. Let our team do the searching for you, so you can focus on what matters most: making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

How to Get From Nashville, TN, to Gulf Shores

The distance from Nashville to the Alabama Gulf Coast is about 470 miles. You’ll arrive at your destination in no time!

By Car

The most common way to travel from Nashville, TN, to Gulf Shores is via car. The drive from Nashville will take a little over seven hours. The quickest route begins on I-65 South, which you will stay on for 412 miles. You’ll take Exit 37 and get on I-10 East in Loxley from AL-59 South. Follow I-10 East for about 23 miles to Baldwin Beach Express. Take Exit 49 and follow Baldwin Beach Express, Foley Beach Express, and AL-59 South/Gulf Shores Parkway to your Gulf Shores destination.

Make Pit Stops Along the Way

If you’re not in a rush to get to Gulf Shores and are interested in making your journey into a road trip with some interesting pit stops, we’ve got you covered. Choose from these unique cities and make some stops along the way.

Birmingham, AL – Birmingham is a beautiful city with a rich history and many interesting things to do. Some of the best attractions include Birmingham Zoo, Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and more!
Montgomery, AL – A fantastic stop to make on your road trip is in the capital of Alabama—Montgomery. Some of the top attractions here include The Hank Williams Museum, the Alabama State Capital, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, and Alabama Safari Park.
Mobile, AL – Mobile is known for being a port city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. During your visit, you can view the USS Alabama battleship from the WWII era anchored in Battleship Memorial State Park. You can also visit the Mobile Carnival Museum, the 1850 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the Mobile Museum of Art.

By Plane

If a road trip isn’t your style, you can also fly into Pensacola International Airport. The flight time is less than an hour and a half. When you land, you can rent a car or take a transportation service and drive to Gulf Shores, which only takes about an hour.

Once You Arrive in Gulf Shores

You did it! You’ve reached your destination and arrived in the one and only Gulf Shores! Now what? It’s time to relax, catch some waves, and soak up some rays of sunshine. There’s so much to see and do on the Alabama Gulf Coast; you’ll never be bored. Some favorite activities among locals include:

Dolphin cruises
Parasailing
Jet skiing
Sunset cruises
Visit OWA entertainment park
Mini golf
And more!

Browse our complete collection of things to do in our TripShock program and start getting excited about your vacation!

Find Your Perfect Gulf Shores Alabama Vacation Rental

Here at Harris Vacation Rentals, we have been helping families create their dream vacations come true throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, for over three decades. We specialize in pet-friendly beach rentals so every family member can join you on your getaway. We are dedicated to making sure you have nothing short of a magnificent experience on the Alabama coastline. Our team is here to show you what true Southern hospitality is all about. With a solid reputation for providing unmatched customer service, we are proud to show you everything this beautiful region has to offer.

We offer beach rentals in all sizes to accommodate both small and large groups. Our beach rentals include condos and vacation houses directly on or near the white sands of the Gulf Coast, and many properties include private pools. Each of our Gulf Shores condos on the beach are kept in pristine condition and feature a myriad of amenities that will ensure you and your travel companions genuinely feel at home throughout your stay. All of our rental locations are conveniently within a short distance of the area’s popular attractions, activities, restaurants, shops, and of course, striking white sands and clear, blue waters. Browse our properties and find your perfect vacation spot today!

Jun 08 2020

How to Save Money and Book Direct in Gulf Shores

Are you considering vacationing to the scenic Alabama Gulf Coast? That’s fantastic news! You’ll need somewhere to rest your head and make your home away from home. If you’re like most, your vacation rental planning begins by hopping onto Google, and your search results are instantly filled with advertisements from Airbnb, Expedia, TripAdvisor, and many others. For those who aren’t seasoned travelers, it may seem simple to jump on one of those sites and begin to browse their inventory of Gulf Shores vacation homes. Why do that when you can book direct with Harris Vacation Rentals? If you didn’t know, there are a plethora of reasons why you should book direct in Gulf Shores with Harris Vacation Rentals. We’re here to tell you what they are!

Reap the Benefits and Book Direct in Gulf Shores With Harris Vacation Rentals

1. Save Money

If you book through a third-party booking site, you’ll fall victim to hidden fees and increased rates. These websites will increase the price of vacation rentals and pocket the difference for a profit. Don’t give your hard-earned money away to online travel agencies that charge additional hidden service fees. Instead, book directly on our website for the best rate on your family beach vacation. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you are working with the most caring, responsive guest service in the industry. When you book with Harris Vacation Rentals, you’ll always receive the lowest price on your Gulf Shores vacation— guaranteed!

2. Experience the Best Customer Service

When you book your vacation rental through third-party sites like Travelocity or VRBO, you’re taking a risk by trusting a representative who is unfamiliar with the property or the location of vacation rentals. On the other hand, when you book direct with Harris Vacation Rentals, you’re communicating directly with our staff, which is dedicated to ensuring your family vacation is a complete success. We have personally been on the property, are knowledgeable about the local area, and can help answer any questions you may have before or during your stay. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you have a direct line of communication, and you can expect the utmost care during your family vacation.

3. Have Access to Special Offers and Add-Ons

Harris Vacation Rentals offers an array of spectacular specials and discounts throughout the year. When you book direct in Gulf Shores with Harris Vacation Rentals and sign up for our monthly newsletter, you’ll always be the first to know about exclusive offers and sales on all of our beach houses.

4. Keep Your Cash to Enjoy More Activities and Attractions

Our VIP Concierge can help you have the experience you want! We make it easy to enjoy the activities you’re most looking forward to. If you want it, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re up to the challenge: we want you to make lifetime memories during your visit. Simply select any services you may need, share any special events that need celebrating, and we will begin working with our local partners to ensure your stay is one that your family holds in their memories forever.

Let our team do the searching for you, so you can focus on what matters most: making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Book Direct in Gulf Shores Through Harris Vacation Rentals Now

Are you ready for your next unforgettable family beach vacation? Harris Vacation Rentals offers a wide range of vacation rentals throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Whether you’re searching for a home with a private pool, a pet-friendly rental, or a luxury property for a holiday trip, we can help you find the perfect property that caters to your specific needs. Contact us today and book direct for the best rate. We can’t wait to assist you!

Jun 02 2020

An Amazing Guide to the Gulf Shores Restaurants Where Kids Eat for Free

When you’re visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it’s easy to find kid-friendly restaurants. After all, the Alabama Gulf Coast caters to families, so it’s no surprise that so many of these Gulf Shores restaurants let kids eat for free. If you’re planning a budget-friendly vacation, a free meal is certainly a nice perk!

Don’t forget to book your Gulf Shores vacation home with Harris Vacation Rentals. We’ve got the best properties around!

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Gulf Shores Restaurants Where Kids Eat for Free

Los Tacos

Head to Los Tacos and enjoy a fantastic Mexican meal. Each Thursday, when you purchase an adult entree, you can receive one kid’s meal for free! Their kids’ menu includes favorites such as chicken tenders, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Plus, on Saturdays, you can enjoy their refreshing Traditional Aguas Frescas for free all day. You can try unique flavors such as Horchata, Jamaica, Tamarindo, and Limonada.

Original Oyster House

At the Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores, you can get up to two kids (10 and under) meals free on Tuesdays as part of winter specials from November through February. The Causeway location offers “Kids Eat Free” on Tuesdays all year long. The kids’ menu includes popcorn shrimp, pizza, chicken tenders, fried fish fillets, and more. Of course, the regular menu offers an array of delicious seafood favorites for the adults. With your savings, you’ll be able to top off dinner with a slice of peanut butter pie!

O’Charley’s

Take a quick drive with the family up to Foley, AL, and enjoy a scrumptious, wallet-friendly meal. When you dine in, kids under 10 years old eat for free all day, every day! You can’t beat that. You can get one free kids’ meal for every adult entree purchased. Their kids’ menu features pasta dishes, pizza, corn dogs, and more!

Other Places to Eat in Gulf Shores That Are Kid-Friendly

Tacky Jacks

Your kids will have a blast at Tacky Jacks as they romp around the sandpit and children’s playground. Their kids’ menu has tasty treats, such as grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, popcorn shrimp, cheeseburgers, and more. Then, satisfy their sweet tooth with the Chocolate Brownie Explosion and a scoop of vanilla icecream.

The Hangout

Your children will thank you when you take them to the Pirates and Princess Breakfast Feast at The Hangout. Throughout the summer, this hands-on event features treasure hunts, sing-alongs, magic tricks, and more! The feast is offered daily three times throughout the day, so there’s always something to accommodate your family’s busy schedule.

For more budget-friendly restaurants, stop by the Gulf Shores or Orange Beach Welcome Centers to pick up coupons and learn about exclusive discounts.

The Perfect Family Vacation Home Awaits

When you rent with Harris Vacation Rentals, you’ll have no problem finding a vacation rental that will fit all of your needs and budget. We have an impressive collection of homes located throughout Gulf Shores available in various sizes. Some properties are even pet-friendly! Browse our properties and find the perfect one for you and your family today!

More Gulf Shores Restaurants

Didn’t find what you were looking for here? Browse these blogs for the beach eats info you’re seeking…

7 of the Best New Gulf Shores Restaurants

6 Must-Try Restaurants for Orange Beach, Gulf Shores Breakfast

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach
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May 29 2020

How You Can Enjoy the Best Eco-Friendly Travel in Gulf Shores

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is known for its 32 miles of pristine, sandy white beaches. During your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you can enjoy fascinating native wildlife, picturesque scenery, and outdoor adventures. However, none of this would be possible if we didn’t do our part to be environmentally-friendly and “leave only our footprints behind.” If you’re curious how you can do your part and how you can do the best eco-friendly travel in Gulf Shores, please keep reading!

Don’t forget to book your Gulf Shores vacation home with Harris Vacation Rentals. We’ve got the best properties around!

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Tips and Tricks for Eco-Friendly Travel in Gulf Shores

Eco-Friendly Basics

If you’re new to the idea of being environmentally-conscious, that’s no problem! There are many simple ways to start easing yourself into the lifestyle.

Carry a reusable water bottle – The best way to prevent adding unnecessary plastic to the environment is by ditching disposable water bottles. You can also carry a glass or metal straw to use as you sip summer cocktails to avoid polluting the natural habitats of our nesting sea turtles.
Avoid driving your car – Every time you start your car engine, you immediately pollute toxins and chemicals into the environment. Thankfully, it’s convenient to avoid using your vehicle during your stay in Gulf Shores. You can rent a bicycle and explore the town with the sea breeze blowing through your hair. If you’re looking the perfect place to cycle and get some extra exercise, hop on the 15-mile Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail or ride through Gulf State Park.
Save energy – We know that summer temperatures can rise and be brutal. However, sometimes we’re greeted by cooler days with refreshing ocean breezes. If that’s the case, take a break from using your air conditioning and open your deck/balcony doors or windows.

Eco-Tourism Excursions

Continue to go green during your vacation and participate in fun-filled ventures that don’t leave a carbon footprint.

Kayaking – Hop in a kayak and explore the local waterways and get a workout in. There’s no better way to sightsee the waters than this!
Paddleboarding – Most people have kayaked or canoed before. Have you ever tried paddleboarding? Give it a try! You’ll get a full-body workout and enjoy the sights of the coast.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge – This refuge was established to protect migratory birds, sea turtles, and other endangered native species. You’ll have a blast hiking through the gorgeous nature trails and searching for wildlife and rare flora and fauna. You can also fish, birdwatch, and boat at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

Stay With Harris Vacation Rentals

Make a Harris Vacation Rentals vacation rental your home away from home during your eco-friendly travel in Gulf Shores. Many of our Gulf Shores properties feature private beach access so that you can walk to the beach! You can also have access to sparkling pools, fitness centers, boat slips, and beautiful piers. With Harris Vacation Rentals, you always feel like you’re in a serene oasis. Browse our vacation homes today and find the perfect one for you!

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