Gulf Shores Vacation and Activities

Apr 15 2018

Gulf Shores Vacation: What You Need to Know

In addition to the beautiful 32-mile stretch of powder-white beaches and the undeniable fresh seafood options, Gulf Shores has much to offer guests looking for a beach retreat. The subtropical climate and multitude of outdoor Gulf Shores activities make Gulf Shores one of the most popular vacation destinations in the southeast. With activities geared for all ages, sometimes the hardest decision is what to do first. Alabama beaches are an easy choice with fun events, great Gulf Shores rentals, dining and much more. But, before you start planning, here are a few things you need to know about a Gulf Shores vacation.

Gulf Shores Vacation Discounts

Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have Welcome Centers offering valuable information on restaurants, shopping, Gulf Shores attractions and entertainment. The knowledgeable staff is always willing to help and share tips on making the most of your Alabama beach vacation. Whether you’re looking for an Orange Beach fishing charter, a round of golf, a souvenir shop or a Gulf Shores restaurant, there are resources available to help you make a decision. At the Welcome Centers, you’ll find plenty of coupons and discounts, and even a beach map to make planning easy.

The natural settings and the beautiful turquoise waters draws crowds from all over the world. For visitors on a budget looking for a discount on attractions, dining and even grocery shopping, request a Free Tourist Book online for additional coupons and discounts. Don’t miss out on great deals and valuable beach information.Rouses offers printable coupons so grocery shopping doesn’t have to be stressful, and the money you save can be spent on memorable experiences like watersports at Chute ‘Em Up Parasail, dining waterfront at Cobalt, The Restaurant or tickets to the waterpark at Waterville USA.

Clean Gulf Shores Beaches

Alabama beaches are a popular vacation destination for many reasons, including its sugar-white sand. The beaches are impeccably clean considering there are more than five million visitors a year to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Thanks to the Leave Only Footprints initiative, they will stay that way for years to come. Visitors are encouraged to bring everything you may need for a day, weekend or week at the beach, but the ordinance requires everything be removed within one hour after sunset each night or it will be disposed of by beach crews.

Not only does this keep the beaches free of trash and debris for your own enjoyment, but helps protect nesting sea turtles, as well. Each year, hundreds of endangered sea turtles make their way to Alabama’s beaches between May and October to lay their eggs. When trash or beach gear is in their way, they turn and head back to the water without laying their eggs.

Make your beach trip easy by using a wheeled cart to transport your gear, and be an active participate in the Leave Only Footprints initiative.

Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals

With so many choices, choosing vacation rental accommodations can be overwhelming. However, there are great Gulf Shores rentals available directly on the beach, on the bay and even on Little Lagoon. Whether you’re looking for dog-friendly accommodations, rentals in specific areas or something for large groups, Harris Vacation Rentals Management makes searching for your perfect spot in the sand effortless. With vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your vacation needs and budget. Avoid the extra VRBO or HomeAway fees, and book your Gulf Shores Alabama vacation directly for added savings and personal service. Keep those extra dollars in your pocket to use for attractions, dining and just enjoying your beach getaway.

For more “what you need to know” information, find out about the newest beach attractions in Four New Beach Attractions on Alabama Beaches. Learn about the latest improvements to make Gulf Shores beaches accessible to all, especially wheelchair travels in Wheelchair Travelers Now Have Easy Beach Access.

Mar 05 2018

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

When you fur child is just as much a part of the family as the two-legged members, it’s tough to leave them behind on vacation. Luckily, when you book a Gulf Shores or Orange Beach vacation, you’ve got options. From pet-friendly attractions to beach houses and even dog-friendly restaurants, you can plan an entire vacation with your pup in mind.

One of our favorite places to start our planning is food! Alabama beaches are packed with great restaurants, and the fact that many are pet friendly is a big plus when you’re a dog-loving family. These top spots will have you licking your chops for more when your pup tags along on vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Make plans to visit some of our favorite Gulf Shores dog-friendly restaurants on Alabama beaches.

Orange Beach Dog-Friendly Restaurants: The Gulf

The Gulf in Orange Beach takes the coastal chic factor up a notch. This open-air restaurant is coastal living at its best, especially when you can bring your fur child along. All seating is outdoors and all music is played on vinyl records.

Relax on comfortable lounge furniture with waterfront views of Alabama Point. Watch the charter fishing boats come and go. If you’re lucky, you may even see the Navy’s precision flight team, the Blue Angels, fly overhead on Sunday afternoons during the summer! A visit to The Gulf is a unique experience, not only for you, but for Fido, as well. The Gulf is also THE place to get a burger at the beach! All natural beef smothered in house-made garlic aioli and topped with cheese and crispy bacon might just make you visit The Gulf more than once during your vacation!

What makes The Gulf a great stop on your dog-friendly vacation agenda? With all seating outdoors, your pooch can go anywhere you go. Dogs also love laying in the cool sand on The Gulf’s beach area.

Where to Stay Near The Gulf

Just a short drive from The Gulf is United We Sand at the Cottages at Romeo Beach. This two-bedroom beach cottage welcomes you and your pup. You’ll feel like you’re in a tropical oasis with plenty of room to spread out.

Gulf Shores Dog Friendly Restaurants: The Royal Oyster in Gulf Shores

Looks can be deceiving. At first appearances, you may not even notice The Royal Oyster. It sits in an unassuming little blue building just off of Highway 59 on a lagoon inlet in Gulf Shores. This small restaurant is known for its melt-in-your-mouth oysters, Shell Bank Selects. These oysters are harvested a few miles down the road in Fort Morgan, and owner, Marissa, routinely goes out to tend the oysters with her friends at the oyster farm. In fact, Marissa is growing the restaurant’s own variety of oysters with the help of the purveyors at Shell Bank Selects. It’s a whole new take on farm-to-table dining!

You can order up your oysters raw and on the half shell or one of several preparations. Can’t decide? Order a flight and try them all! If you’re not an oyster fan, don’t let the name of this dog-friendly restaurant confuse you. There are plenty of other selections, including pastas, burgers and fresh seafood. You can’t visit The Royal Oyster without sipping on one of the bartender’s signature craft cocktails. They’re always mixing up something new and refreshing!

What makes The Royal Oyster a perfect stop for you and your pooch and one of the top dog-friendly restaurants in Gulf Shores? The uber-casual outdoor dining area is a good place to start. Pull up a stool to an outdoor high top and enjoy waterfront views. These dog-loving restaurateurs will even give Fido a bowl of water on those hot days. The Royal Oyster’s laidback vibe is a great spot for talking with the locals and enjoying a casual lunch or dinner with your fur child.

Where to Stay Near The Royal Oyster

Park your paws at the Blue Parrot # 3 or Blue Parrot #7 in Gulf Shores. These dog-friendly beach houses have everything you and your pooch need, including a pool and direct Gulf-front views! At the Blue Parrot, you’re just a short drive from The Royal Oyster and other pet-friendly Gulf Shores restaurants. Both beach houses offer five bedrooms with rooms to accommodate 16 guests.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants: Flora-Bama Yacht Club and Flora-Bama Ole River Grill

These sister restaurants make more than just pups feel welcomed. Located across the road from the legendary roadhouse, the Flora-Bama Lounge, these two restaurants are not only pet friendly, but boat friendly, as well! Have boat, will travel? You’re in luck! Cruise down Ole River with Fido at the bow and dock your boat at the Flora-Bama Marina or beach it on the sand.

If laid back is what you’re looking for, you may not find a more ideal spot than the Flora-Bama Yacht Club. These dog-loving folks know how to relax! With a bushwacker in hand, find a spot at a picnic table and listen to beach tunes flow from the speakers or from a live band. Don’t let the name fool you. The Flora-Bama Yacht Club welcomes you as you are – flip flops, swimsuit cover up, sandy dog and all. Your must-order item? Feast on a platter of Bacon & BBQ Fire-Roasted Oysters. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did. You also won’t find a better rib-eye on the island. Order up a medium hand-cut certified Angus Beef Ribeye, and we won’t tell if you pass Fido a few bites.

Located next door is the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill. Find a spot on the deck to perch your pup and enjoy views of boats idling by. Chef Jon Gibson is known for his unique creations, including Fried Mac & Cheese and Big Earl’s Shrimp & Grits that you’ll want to write home about. There’s a story behind the Fried Mac & Cheese, and if you have the pleasure of visiting with Chef Jon he may just tell it to you. We don’t give spoilers though!

What makes the Flora-Bama Yacht Club and Flora-Bama Ole River Grill pup worthy? One word – beach! You’re located right on the banks of Ole River and there’s plenty of white sand and clear water for cooling off at these two dog-friendly restaurants.

Where to Stay Near Flora-Bama

Dock of the Bay located on Wolf Bay in Orange Beach may just be a doggie paradise. There’s plenty of outdoor space for your pooch to run and play at this four-bedroom beach house. This house offers a fishing pier, so bring your boat and motor over to Flora-Bama Yacht Club or Flora-Bama Ole River Grill. You’re just a short ride away by boat.

There are plenty more dog-friendly restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, but these are our tried and true favorites. Now that you’re ready to feast with your fur child, book your pet-friendly vacation rental. Harris Vacation Rentals Management offers more than 40 pet-friendly rentals on Alabama beaches. We’re paws-itive you’ll find a Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan vacation rental that’s perfect for every member of your family.

For more pet-friendly vacation planning tips, read The Greatest Pet-Friendly Activities in Gulf Shores.

Jul 25 2017

5 Relaxing Activities in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores is the perfect quiet beach town to relax in. And if you do want to go out and see the city, you can still relax while doing it! Try some of these relaxing activities in Gulf Shores Alabama:

Tread the Grounds of Fort Morgan

Although it’s a half-hour drive west from Orange Beach, Fort Morgan keeps getting visitors from all over Baldwin County. Far from the military pomp of its heyday, today the quiet grounds let visitors come in and guide themselves around the area, exploring the quiet Fort and letting history play out in their mind’s eye. Bring along a picnic and enjoy the sound of the nearby waves while you eat.

Ride Up the Ferris Wheel

Orange Beach’s Wharf can be a busy place—it’s home to some of the best restaurants and lots of shopping options. But when you want to take a break, head toward the Ferris Wheel, where you can literally rise above all the commotion. The leisurely ride will give you lovely views of the area, and are a perfect way to feel completely alone with someone.

Visit an Art Gallery

What’s more calming than an art gallery? We have several here to choose from, each of them offering something different thanks to the unique blending of different local artists gathered there. Some of the galleries even have art available for purchase; if you have room in the suitcase, a hung painting is a fabulous way to retain memories of your trip!

Tino’s Fine Arts and Frames is on Alabama’s Coastal Connection south of Portage Creek, the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is on 24th Avenue between 1st and 2nd Street, and the Susan McCollough Gallery is on Cypress Bend Drive.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

This isn’t nearly as quiet a place as the others mentioned, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t relaxing! The “Little Zoo that Could” boasts an impressive array of animals for how small the city is, with over 500 animals present. Take your time and browse the exhibits at your leisure; a zoo is definitely an area where you can go at your own pace, just like the animals.

Take a Cruise on Your List of Activities in Gulf Shores Alabama

The waters of the Gulf can be very relaxing, especially when someone else is at the helm! If you want to go out on the Gulf, there are several places who’ll take you. High Pressure Charters is just one of many Orange Beach-based cruise charters. Sunset cruises, dolphin cruises, and more are perfect for relaxing and getting some stellar photos!

Have it All with Harris Vacation Rentals

And of course, sometimes there’s no better way to relax than at your beachfront home! Rent with us and have a relaxing rental all to yourself. Call us at 1-877-446-4853 to learn more about our wonderful offerings!

Jul 18 2017

Five Healthy Restaurants in Gulf Shores to Eat at Post Fourth of July

We all know the over-indulgences of sweets that happens each Halloween and Christmas, but the Fourth of July is just as bad for throwing some of us off our diets. You may be tired of fried shrimp and deep-fried food at the various restaurants in Gulf Shores. If you want to go somewhere with some more wholesome options, then check out these healthy restaurants in Gulf Shores. Keep in mind though, we love our food hearty in Gulf Shores, so you’ll have to keep your eyes off certain areas of the menus!

DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen

Are you tired of seafood places that think everything is made better with gravy or heavy cream sauces? Try DeSoto’s then—they really emphasize the natural flavor of the food, with dishes like steamed snow crab legs and flounder almodine keeping things simple and wholesome. Keep in mind that a meal here will cost $20 or more—even so, the reviewers keep coming back to this gem. This restaurants in Gulf Shores a little off the beaten path near the southern end of Gulf Shores Parkway.

The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar

Right nearby DeSoto’s is another great option: The Steamer! Their website proudly boasts that there isn’t a crumb of fried food in their restaurant. If you’re looking to get away from the trans and saturated fats that clog your arteries, then have a hearty yet healthy meal at the Steamer!

Restaurants in Gulf Shores: Sunset Cork Room

Okay, we may be stretching what counts as “healthy,” but red wine is supposed to be good for your heart right? Really, we couldn’t fail to mention this gem. Their starters are easy on the palette, from the cheese plate to the salads. This is an upscale restaurant a little higher on the price, but everything they make is packed with flavor from skill and spice, not from fats and sugars. This great spot is tucked away on 16th Ave just east of Gulf Shores Parkway.

Brick and Spoon

If you’re new to the region and haven’t tried this Southern breakfast/lunch chain before, you’re in for a treat! Their portions are huge, but the prices reasonable for the quality and fantastic service. If you’re trying to eat light, go for the grilled veggie sandwich and farmer’s market benedict. But make room for their signature bloody mary. It has veggies so its healthy right? It’s on Canal Rd just a few blocks east of The Wharf on the way to Orange Beach.

Portabella’s

Okay, so this is a little bit of a drive up into Foley, but its worth it. Portabella’s is a lovely Italian restaurant that features the staples: pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and most importantly, salads! A good salad can be hard to find in Gulf Shores, so if you want a plate of leafy greens that’ll still leave you full, you should try Portabella’s. It’s located in Foley on N. Mackenzie Street.

Cook It Up in Your Harris Vacation Rentals Vacation Home!

And if none of these options are up to your standards, then use your rental home’s kitchen to make your own healthy dishes! Call us at 1-877-446-4853 to book a fabulous Gulf Shores rental today!

Jun 02 2017

Our Guide to Waterville USA

Since opening, Waterville USA in the heart of Gulf Shores has become one of the premier entertainment destinations for families vacationing along the Alabama Gulf Coast. From the start of the season in late May to the end of the season in mid-August, Waterville is a favorite for those looking to break from the pristine beaches for a change. So, what’s there to do at Waterville? Well, there’s the water—bucket loads of it! This may be the best place to spend a day when you cannot get into the Gulf water.

Attractions & Things to Do at Waterville USA

One of the coolest attractions is the Flowrider, especially if you like hanging ten. The Flowrider creates a continuous wave over a base of soft foam. You will be able to practice all your tricks on a perfect wave with no fear of falling or injury.

If you’re a thrill seeker, then you’ll want to get in line for Great White, a world-class one, two, and three passenger tubing adventure through the jaws of the Great White Shark, a tunnel, a waterfall, and then a quick drop to the lagoon below. This ride is the Gulf Coast’s most awesome tube ride.

And if that isn’t fun enough, then really get your heart going on the Screamin’ Demon. Yeah, it’s that scary—and thrilling! What is it? It’s a water slide not for the faint of heart! Drop almost 60 feet in a flash on Waterville’s white-knuckle scream machine. This high-speed body slide is a must for thrill seekers.

But not all the attractions at Waterville USA might make you skip lunch; there’s plenty of relaxing water-centric attractions like Shrimp Boat Village—a waterworks attraction and the ultimate water playground. This water wonderland has something around every corner. Three stories of sprays, geysers, net crawls, slides, water cannons, and dumping buckets abound on this amazing attraction. Turn the handles and soak a friend or family member on Waterville’s interactive water playground. Shrimp Boat Village is fun for the whole family and must be experienced firsthand, but beware of the giant shrimp bucket dump!

There’s also Rainbow Falls, Crystal Waters River, North Shore Wave Pool, Gold Rush, and much more, with plenty of things to do for the really little ones. And when it comes time for some grub, Waterville’s got a great snack and lunch bar. Want to just get some rays? Then relax on a lounge chair and let your troubles float away!

Last but not least, Waterville USA is home to the Cannonball Run, a wooden rollercoaster that hits 50 MPH. Feel the thrill of zero-gravity and pure speed with family and friends on the Gulf Coast’s fastest wooden coaster, day or night. This is definitely one of the Gulf Coast’s coolest attractions and a must ride for sure.

Plan Your Waterville USA Getaway with Harris Vacation Rentals

Looking for the most family-friendly attraction in Gulf Shores? It’s Waterville USA, and it’s nearby your very own Gulf Shores vacation rental from Harris Vacation Rentals. Book today and take your family on a wet and wild vacation! Browse through our condo rentals as well as our deals.

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