Gulf Shores Vacation and Activities

Jul 19 2018

Important Tips for Pet Friendly Vacations in Gulf Shores

When we say “bring the whole family on vacation,” we really do mean the entire family, including your fur child. We know planning a dog-friendly vacation can be tricky. Not everyone loves our four-legged family members as much as we do. It’s shocking, we know! But, don’t let that deter you from enjoying a beach vacation fit for the entire family. Before you hit the road with pup in tow, read up on these five things to know about a pet friendly vacation on Alabama beaches.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Not all beaches allow pups to play, but you have do have options! Dogs are prohibited on Gulf Shores AL beaches and Orange Beach. However, you and your beach-loving fur child will enjoy the wide-open spaces of white-sand beaches in Fort Morgan. Rent a Fort Morgan AL beach house and you’re just a few steps away from a day of sandy fun during your dog-friendly vacation.

In addition to Fort Morgan, Orange Beach Waterfront Park offers a peaceful spot for your pooch to splash and play. The park is located on the banks of Wolf Bay. The water is shallow with few waves, making it the perfect spot for pups and small children. There is also a fishing pier, restrooms, picnic tables and swings. An outdoor shower makes it easy to rinse the sand off of Fido before heading back to your dog-friendly condo in Orange Beach.

Dog-Friendly Attractions Alabama

You didn’t bring Fido all this way to be left inside a crate all day! Get out and enjoy Gulf Shores and Orange Beach attractions on your pet friendly vacation. Historic Fort Morgan is a great place for your pup to run off energy. Explore the Civil War-era barracks and hear re-enactors in period dress tell the Fort’s history while you walk the grounds. Fort Morgan routinely offers guided tours throughout the year.

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a great way to spend the day. The trail offers more than 25 miles of paved paths and boardwalks over water through Orange Beach and the Gulf State Park. Experience several different ecosystems during your hike. Restrooms are available along the trail, as are benches to rest and take in the scenery. You may spot resident wildlife along the trails, including turtles and more.

Feeling artistic? Stop by The Hot Shop at the Coastal Arts Center. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration with your pooch. You can also create your own piece of art with a glass-blowing lesson. There’s really no better souvenir than one you make yourself. The Coastal Arts Center is located on the same grounds. Pets are welcomed on the first floor of the center while you browse work by local and regional artisans.

Play a round of miniature golf at Tiki’s Mini Golf in Gulf Shores. Leashed pets are allowed on the course. Putt away, but don’t let Fido get the ball!

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

More and more restaurants are welcoming pups on their patios in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, making dog-friendly vacations even easier. Some of our favorites include Flora-Bama Yacht Club, Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, The Royal Oyster, The Gulf, Bill’s by the Beach, Fisher’s Dockside, Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar, Bayes Southern Bar & Grill, Another Broken Egg, Villaggio Grille at The Wharf, The Southern Grind Coffee House, Sassy Bass Caribbean Grille and Pirate’s Cove Marina & Restaurant.

Call Ahead

Pet policies do change from time to time at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants and attractions. Be sure to call ahead to confirm they still welcome visitors on dog-friendly vacations. Ask if restaurants will provide your pup with a bowl of water during your visit, too. Spots like The Southern Grind offer your fur child treats and a designated water bowl is always available on their patio.

Pet Friendly Vacation Accommodations

Perhaps the most difficult part of planning a Gulf Shores AL vacation with your pooch in tow is finding dog-friendly accommodations. That is, until now. Harris Vacation Rentals Management has become the leader in pet-friendly condos and beach houses on Alabama beaches, and the inventory of this type of vacation lodging continues to grow. Browse condos and cottages for your dog-friendly vacation and find the one that best meets your needs.

Read pet policies for lodging carefully. A pet fee is applicable on all accommodations that allow dogs. With minor exceptions, the number of pets is generally limited to two. For the most hassle-free fun, be sure to familiarize yourself with pet policies prior to your arrival.

For more great information on dog-friendly vacation in Gulf Shores A:, read

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach.

Jul 06 2018

5 Adrenaline Pumping Gulf Shores Activities

You’ve spent the week relaxing on Alabama’s white-sand beaches, but now you need some adrenaline-pumping fun for one last vacation hoorah. What do you do? We’ve got ideas to give you the thrills and chills you’re seeking with these unique Orange Beach and Gulf Shores activities.

Charter Fishing I Orange Beach

We’re not talking about the kind of fishing your grandpa did. We’re talking rod-bending, arm-aching charter fishing 30 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. As the charter fishing mecca of the Southeast, Orange Beach boasts more than 100 experienced charter fishing captains. Connect with Reel Surprise Charters for tall fish tales and a fishing experience to write home about. Reel Surprise Charters offers shared-expense charters, as well as private fishing trips. Their head boat (a boat accommodating 20 or more anglers) is one of the most popular charter fishing trips in Orange Beach.

The Park at OWA I Foley

Just north of Gulf Shores in Foley, Alabama, is the newest amusement park on the Gulf Coast. With 21 spine-tingling rides, thrill seekers will love a day at OWA. The park also added Wacky Waters, an interactive splash pad for the smaller thrill seekers in your group. Spend the day zipping and zooming on your favorite rides and then finish up with dinner in Downtown OWA at Wahlburgers.

Waterville USA I Gulf Shores

For a wet and wild ride, visit Waterville USA, one of the most popular Gulf Shores attractions. The 20-acre waterpark and amusement park boasts a wooden roller coaster, go-karts and, of course, numerous waterslides and water attractions. See how well you can ride the waves on the Flowrider or race your family down Rainbow Falls. The really adventurous should ride the Screamin’ Demon. Not for the faint of heart, you’ll drop 60 feet in this white-knuckle scream machine. The Screamin’ Demon is a high-speed body slide.

BeachFlight Aviation I Gulf Shores

Touch the sky with a personal flight aboardBeachFlight Aviation. Soar above the beaches and Gulf of Mexico with an experienced pilot on a trike, also known as a powered hang glider. Packages for these Gulf Shores attractions start at $150 for a one-on-one flight experience.

Hummingbird Zipline I Orange Beach

This list wouldn’t be complete without the Hummingbird Zipline at The Wharf. Soar 115 feet above the ground on the Orange Beach zipline course. The course offers eight ziplines and has been ranked as the number one attraction on TripAdvisor for three years. You’ll fly high at more than 30 miles per hour during a two and a half-hour tour over the Intracoastal Waterway and through wetlands. The less-adventurous in your crowd can browse the shops at The Wharf, play miniature golf or go for a ride on the tallest Ferris wheel in the Southeast.

How do you get your kicks on an Alabama beaches vacation? Explore these top thrill-seeker, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores attractions to put the finishing touches on your annual vacation.

Contact us today to learn more about Gulf Shores activities and to book your next vacation rental!

Jun 29 2018

Does a Gulf Shores Vacation Fit Your Travel Style?

Families for generations have always enjoyed Gulf Shores vacation. When many people refer to the Alabama Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores is often the beach that comes to mind. The oldest of the Alabama beach communities of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan and Orange Beach, the city has a special place in many visitor’s hearts.

Each of these three beachside communities offers visitors something different, but how do you decide which one meets your travel style? Read on to see how a Gulf Shores vacation checks off the boxes for your next beach getaway.

What Makes Gulf Shores Tick

Unlike the sleepy community of Fort Morgan, the City of Gulf Shores is a small, but bustling beach town. For families who want to be in the heart of the action, Gulf Shores is your destination. For a Gulf Shores vacation, the downtown beach area offers a variety of restaurants, shops and attractions, many in walking distance of Gulf Shores condos and beach houses. Teens love the main public beach area, and it’s easy for parents to keep an eye on everyone with spacious, wide-open beaches.

What’s New in Gulf Shores AL

The main public beach in Gulf Shores saw a makeover in 2018. The area, also known as Gulf Place, now includes grassy areas, picnic tables, shade, fitness areas and more. In addition, an AccessMat was installed by the City of Gulf Shores to make it easier for wheelchair travelers and anyone with limited mobility to get to the water during a Gulf Shores vacation. The 200-foot mat stretches from the sidewalk towards the Gulf and then runs parallel to the water. The mat is changing the way those in wheelchairs get to experience Alabama’s white-sand beaches.

Gulf Shores Events

If you love a great festival, then Gulf Shores is your go-to beach town. The Annual National Shrimp Festival is held the second weekend of October and offers four days of live music, arts and crafts and, of course, thousands of pounds of fresh, Gulf shrimp! The festival has been going strong for 47 years and is a fun (and delicious) addition to a Gulf Shores vacation

Oyster lovers should head south the first weekend in November for The Oyster Cook Off and Craft Beer Weekend at The Hangout. Celebrity chefs and Food Network stars offer cooking demos and local and regional chefs go head-to-head for the best oyster bites. There’s even an oyster shucking contest for festival goers! This two-day event includes a craft beer night where dozens of labels of brew can be sampled.

Less than a decade old, but one of the biggest events on Alabama beaches is The Hangout Music Festival. Gear up for three days of nearly non-stop music located directly on the beach in Gulf Shores. If you love to tap your toes and dance in the sand, this festival has your name on it. Festival extras include carnival rides, hammock beach, roller disco and even a wedding chapel. Held the third weekend of May, the festival hosts nearly 40,000 music lovers. However, if a three-day music festival doesn’t float your boat, we recommend a Fort Morgan or Orange Beach vacation during this weekend. Roads near the main public beach will be closed during Hangout Music Fest.

Where To Eat During Your Gulf Shores Vacation

There’s no shortage of good eats on a Gulf Shores vacation! Whether you love a great beachside dive like Bahama Bob’s or prefer something a little more refined like Bill’s By the Beach, dive in and dine out. Bahama Bob’s is a Gulf Shores tradition for many families. Simply walk up from the beach and feast on a shrimp po-boy with great views of the water.

Wine lovers can’t miss a dinner at Bill’s By the Beach during a Gulf Shores vacation. With one of the largest wine collections in Gulf Shores (more than 115 selections!), there’s a pour you’ll love. They are also known for Bloody Mary’s that are piled high with extras. It’s really a meal in a glass with shrimp, bacon and even a slider! Ruby’s Signature Shrimp & Grits and the Crab Cake Dinner are must-order dishes at Bill’s.

Gulf Shores Attractions

Water, water, everywhere, but you still must go to Waterville USA. The waterpark is packed with adrenaline-pumping slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and FlowRider. There’s even a separate area for younger kids to splish and splash. There’s also a wooden roller coaster, arcade and amusement park with go-karts.

Little, but mighty, don’t miss a stop at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. There are few places where you can hold baby kangaroos or personally interact with lemurs, and the beach zoo is one of those places. Fair warning! The lemurs love to take selfies and may just takeover your camera and phone!

Gulf Shores AL Condos

Whether you choose a condo or a Gulf Shores beach house, you’re close to everything. Beach houses offer a great option for large families or those who want additional privacy. Add a private pool to the mix and you’ve made your guests very happy! In Gulf Shores, there are accommodations on Little Lagoon, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll also find a great selection of pet-friendly vacation rentals.

Now, tell us, does Gulf Shores fit your vacation travel style? Stay tuned to find out how it compares to a Fort Morgan or Orange Beach vacation in our three-part series on travel styles.

Does a Fort Morgan Vacation Fit Your Travel Style

May 14 2018

Check in Day? What to Expect from your Gulf Shores Rental

You’ve waited months for your check-in day to arrive. No matter if you’re a planner or you fly by the seat of your board shorts, we’re here to prep you for what to expect when you check in your Gulf Shores rental. White-sand beaches are calling your name, and the sooner your toes hit the sand, the sooner your everyday stress melts away. Sit back, read on and take note of these five things to know when you’re headed to Alabama beaches.

Where do I check in at?

When you rent one of our Fort Morgan, Orange Beach or Gulf Shores rentals, your check-in location will vary based on the condo or beach house you select. Some units have keypads, allowing you to go directly to your Gulf Shores rental. A code will be emailed to you prior to your check-in day. Some rentals may have a lock box with your keys inside. Just like the units with keypads, a code will be emailed to you prior to your arrival. For condos and beach houses with traditional locks, you’ll pick up your keys at the Harris Vacation Rentals Management rental office. Your welcome email will contain all of these details and put you in the know.

How early can I check in and how late can I check out?

This is the important question! It puts you that much closer to your toes-in-the-sand moment! Check in is at 3:30 p.m. and check out is at 10 a.m. However, if the Gulf Shores rental you select has a vacancy prior to your arrival, there’s the possibility of a check in as early as noon. The day before your departure, you can also request a check out as late as noon. Late check outs depend on several factors, including if a guest is arriving the same day as your check out.

What do I do once I arrive at my Gulf Shores rental?

Relax, of course! However, before you make a beeline for the beach, perform an initial walk through of your beach vacation rental. While we strive for excellence, sometimes things happen. If you notice anything that needs attention, don’t hesitate to report issues to us as soon as you see them! We know how important an Alabama beach vacation is, and want it to be hassle free. We’ve been welcoming many of the same families back to the beach for more than 30 years. Our family wants to ensure your family is taken care of. Call us at 877-446-4853, ext. 2 or email us at [email protected] with any issues during your stay. For after-hours emergencies, including plumbing or A/C issues, call 251-504-7800.

What should I bring to enjoy the Gulf Shores rentals?

Let’s see…floats, beach towels, sunscreen! Your Gulf Shores rental will include a starter supply of paper towels, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, bath soap and toilet paper. This should get you through your arrival day on Alabama’s beaches. You should bring additional toiletries, as well as garbage bags, spices for the kitchen, groceries and any additional personal items needed. Also, unlike hotels, there is no daily housekeeping service. Gulf Shores condos and beach houses are cleaned prior to your arrival and after your departure. If you’d like an interim cleaning, this can be arranged for an additional charge for any of our Gulf Shores rentals.

What’s next?

After you’ve checked all the boxes, it’s time for fun in the sun on Alabama’s white-sand beaches. Put your feet up, take a nap, go for a swim or feast on fresh, Gulf seafood. If you need more ideas on what to do or where to eat in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan, browse these blogs for details:

May 02 2018

4 Tips for Staying at One of Our Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals with Family

So, you’re considering going on vacation with the entire family – grandparents and children. Three generations of family together for a seven-night Gulf Shores vacation could go one of two ways. It’s either a blissful week of connecting, reminiscing and memory making or you wish you had rented separate condos. A successful multi-generational family vacation requires a little planning and flexibility. Read on to for making family memories at one of our Gulf Shores vacation rentals.

Plan Together

If these were the 10 Commandants of a multi-generational family vacation, this would be the most important one. Planning together helps cater to the needs of all travelers, from toddler to teenager and parent to grandparent. This is when you lay it on the table. Talk about the preferences and limitations of everyone going. Toddlers will likely require downtime. Teenagers will want to be where the action is. Parents may want to relax and grandparents may be ready for golf and shopping. Discuss expectations prior to booking your Gulf Shores AL vacation rental. Setting realistic expectations that everyone is on board with can be the difference between a good vacation and a “good grief” vacation.

Be Flexible

Just like planning together, flexibility ranks high on the scale of attributes for a multi-generational family vacation. Give each other some space and know that every moment doesn’t have to be spent together, unless everyone wants it that way. Give the kids time to be kids. Enjoy some of the hot new Gulf Shores attractions together and give yourself plenty of beach time. Determine what activities and Gulf Shores restaurants you’d like to all experience together, then allow the remaining time to be flexible.

Travel writer, Becky Beall of The Travel Voice By Becky, travels regularly with her adult children and grandchildren. “Multi-generational trips are always special times! I have found the key to successful vacations full of memories is to keep the ages of the youngest travelers in mind. There may need to be afternoon pauses for naps and snacks, but it will be well worth it to have children who are rested and happy. Don’t pass up opportunities for photos, either! They’ll be the best “happies” from your travels,” she said.

Set a Budget

When dealing with a large group, here’s where things can get tricky. A great multi-generational family vacation doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s important to talk with each other to determine the type of Gulf Shores rental needed and an acceptable budget for everyone. Whether you need an Orange Beach condo rental or Gulf Shores beach house, you can find rentals to fit all budgets, from economy to luxury.

You should also address meals and dining out. Condos and beach houses offer fully-equipped kitchens, making it easy to prepare meals. If you plan to prepare most of your meals at your home-away-from-home, assign meal nights to each family.

Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals

Many times, your largest vacation expense is your accommodations. A multi-generational family vacation will usually require at least a three-bedroom beach rental. However, during your planning stage, you may have discovered you’d all enjoy yourselves more in separate condos that are near each other. Condos like Endless Summer and Coastal Bliss are both located at The Beach Club in Gulf Shores. The units are near, but separate. The Beach Club is an ideal resort for multi-generational family vacations. The resort boasts children’s activities and kid’s camps, as well as multiple restaurants, a full-service spa and six pools.

A duplex may also fit the bill for your beach vacation. Blue Parrot #3 and Blue Parrot #7 are ideal for large families who need extra (and separate) space. The five-bedroom duplex is directly on the beach in Gulf Shores and offers several large decks, as well as a shared pool.

If you prefer to stay together, a large beach house like Barefoot in Fort Morgan is calling your name. With eight bedrooms and a private pool, everyone will have a spot to spread out. The Fort Morgan rental also has an elevator and the downstairs shower is equipped with grab bars. This is an ideal property for anyone in your group with mobility issues.

Regardless if you’re planning a multi-generational family vacation or a trip with you and kids, vacations rarely go as planned. There will likely be some bumpy spots, and that’s okay. Take each experience as it comes and go with the flow. Sometimes, it’s these vacations that make the best memories around the dining table for years to come.

Browse our vacation rentals by bedrooms and contact us when you’re ready to book one of our Gulf Shores vacation rentals!

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