Gulf Shores Vacation and Activities

Sep 24 2020

How To Have the Best Pet-Friendly Vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama

A vacation to the Alabama Gulf Coast has something fun for everyone in the family, including your four-legged family members! Here at Harris Vacation Rentals, we offer a wide array of pet-friendly vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. If you want to get out and about during your trip, you don’t have to leave your dog at home. There’s plenty of activities throughout the area where you can bring Fido. Keep reading to learn how you can have the best pet-friendly vacation in Gulf Shores.

As you get excited about your Gulf Shores getaway, you’ll want to start booking fun-filled activities to enjoy during your vacation. You can book all your excursions in one convenient place with OnceThere.

Your Pet–Friendly Vacation in Gulf Shores

Whether you want to spend the day on the beach sunbathing and swimming, explore the great outdoors, or sit down for a delicious bite to eat, there’s plenty of ways that your dog can get in on the fun with you during a pet-friendly vacation in Gulf Shores.

Dog-Friendly Beaches and Parks Along the Alabama Gulf Coast

Fort Morgan Beach – Compared to beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Fort Morgan Beach is considerably more serene and private. If you want to spend the day in the sugar-white sand, your leashed pooch is welcome to join you. Dogs are permitted between the Old Fisherman’s Warf and Fort Morgan Pier.
Orange Beach Waterfront Park – This gulf-front spot is a fantastic place to spend the day with your human and fur kids. The park features a 400-foot fishing pier, scenic walking paths, picnic areas with grills, and restrooms.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail – Reconnect with Mother Nature and head to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. This area consists of interconnected nature trails that span over 27 miles. Your pup will have a blast exploring the trails and roaming through swamplands, freshwater marshes, and lush forests.
Gulf State Park – At Gulf State Park, your dog can join you for hikes along their nature trails. If you want to let your pup run free off-leash, that’s an option at their Dog Pond. Here, you’ll find obstacles for agility training, communal toys like tennis balls and hoops, and an exercise course that includes jumps, weaves, tunnels, and more!

Other Dog-Friendly Attractions

Tiki’s Mini Golf – indulge in a bit of friendly competition with a round of miniature golf. At Tiki’s Mini Golf, well-behaved canines on leashes are welcome. This 18-hole course is shaded by majestic oak trees, keeping you and your dog cool during hot summer days.
Historic Fort Morgan – Go back in time and visit this fascinating Civil War-era fort. Your leashed dog is welcome to join you as you explore the barracks and watch live re-enactments. Fort Morgan guards the entrance to Mobile Bay, which has sandy beaches for dogs to explore.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants Near Gulf Shores

The Royal Oyster – 807 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Pirate’s Cove Marina & Restaurant – 6664 Co Road 95, Elberta, AL 36530
Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar – 25753 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Flora-Bama Yacht Club – 17350 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL 32507
Flora-Bama Ole River Grill – 17400 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL 32507
Fisher’s Dockside – 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561
And more!

Pick Your Gulf Shores Pet-Friendly Rental

When it comes to pet-friendly vacation rentals, we’ve got you covered. We know that pet-sitters and kennels can be expensive, so why not bring man’s best friend along with you? Harris Vacation Rentals offers pet-friendly house rentals throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Many of these homes feature Gulf views, private pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and more!

Check our availability and start planning your Alabama Gulf Coast vacation. We can’t wait to host you!

Sep 08 2020

You Need To Know These Tips for Working From a Vacation Home

Over the past months, remote work and online learning have become more popular than ever. If you find yourself in this situation, why not take your work on the road? After all, you deserve a change of scenery after spending so much time at home lately. Our vacation rentals on the Alabama Gulf Coast provide WiFi and spacious areas to get work done. Keep reading to learn about some of our tips for working from a vacation home.

Our Tips for Working From a Vacation Home

1. Create a Designated Workspace

If you’re working from home, it’s a good idea to designate a workspace. You’ll want to be sure that you have all of your work materials, it’s comfortable, and it’s away from all the distractions. Also, make sure that it’s in an area that has a strong WiFi connection. With Harris Vacation Rentals, all our vacation homes are equipped with high-speed WiFi. Some larger rental properties have two routers for added strength and speed.

2. Set Working Hours

While working remotely, it has been proven that setting work hours and creating a routine for yourself will increase productivity. Set your alarm every day and start and end your workday at the same time. Be sure to schedule in time to eat lunch and take a break from time to time. It’s essential to clear your mind, so consider taking a stroll on the beach or breathing in some fresh air on your balcony or deck.

3. Make Time To Relax and Have Fun

After the workday has ended, spend time with family and be sure to enjoy your vacation. Planning after-work activities gives you something to look forward to and will make your day fly by faster. All our vacation homes are located throughout Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach and keep you close to the area’s best attractions, restaurants, and outdoor. Plus, many of our properties offer private pools, fully-functional kitchens, and spacious living areas, so you don’t even have to leave if you prefer to stay home.

Plan Your Vacation Today

Now that you know some of our best tips for working from a vacation home, it’s time to start planning your trip. For decades, Harris Vacation Rentals has been helping make families make their dream vacations a reality. We even offer pet-friendly properties so every family member can come along for the fun. Our homes come in an array of sizes, and we have many large properties that can house the whole family. If your children are doing online schooling, there’s plenty of room for them too!

Check our availability and start planning your trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast today! We can’t wait to host you.

Aug 18 2020

How To Make the Amazing Trip From Atlanta, GA, To Gulf Shores, AL

Are you craving an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city? Make the trip from Atlanta, Georgia, to Gulf Shores, Alabama. With its white sandy beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and fantastic vacation rentals. There’s nowhere better to go than Gulf Shores! Keep reading to how you can embark on a trip from Atlanta, GA, to Gulf Shores, AL.

When you arrive in Gulf Shores, you’ll want to explore everything that this charming coastal area offers. To book fun-filled activities at affordable prices in one convenient place, use TripShock. Our program makes booking Gulf Coast adventures easy!

Head From Atlanta, GA, To Gulf Shores, AL

The distance from Atlanta to Gulf Shores is approximately 348 miles. This makes it the perfect spot for a convenient getaway with manageable travel times. Whether you prefer to fly or drive, there are options to make this trip perfect for you.

Road Trip

Pack the car and take a road trip down south. The drive from Atlanta, GA, to Gulf Shores, AL, only takes about five and a half hours. The route is relatively straight and follows along I-85 South and I-65 South.

If you want to break up the trip, Montgomery, AL, is the perfect place for a pit stop. After leaving Atlanta, you’ll reach Montgomery in just under two and a half hours. As the capital of the state, there’s plenty of things to see and do in this city. Some of the most popular things to do in Montgomery include visiting the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Montgomery Zoo, and Hank Williams Museum.

Flying

If you’d prefer to fly instead of driving, that’s a viable option. You can fly out of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and into the Pensacola International Airport (PNS). The flight only takes a little over an hour. Once you land, you can rent a car or take a transportation service to Gulf Shores. That car ride is approximately one hour long.

Explore Everything That Gulf Shores Has To Offer

You did it! You’ve made it to the Gulf of Mexico. Make the most out of your vacation and explore everything that this one of a kind area has to offer.

Hit the Beach

When you live in Atlanta, you’re landlocked. Luckily for you, Gulf Shores isn’t far away, and it’s home to incredible beaches. Voted one of the best beaches by Coastal Living magazine, Gulf Shores Beach is famous for its unbelievably sugary-white sands. Spend your days relaxing by the shoreline, building sandcastles with your family, or taking a dip in the ocean. From jet skiing to parasailing to beach volleyball, there’s always fun to be had at the beach!

Experience Alabama Gulf State Park

One of the most gorgeous places to visit in Gulf Shores is Alabama State Park. The park has a variety of incredible sights and activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Gulf State Park is home to Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail, the largest paved trail network in the United States. It weaves its way through the town and links to a series of hiking and biking trails. The park also features a scenic golf course where you can practice your swing.

Have a Blast at an Amusement Park

Head just a few minutes up the road and make your way over to The Park at OWA. This unbelievable amusement park features 23 different attractions, thrilling rides, can’t miss events, and some of the most delicious park food you have ever experienced. It also offers 10000 square feet of water park fun. Whether you’re young or old, The Park at OWA has something for everyone.

Gulf Shores is home to more than one amusement park. Since its opening, Waterville USA became one of the premier entertainment destinations for families vacationing along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The excitement never stops at this park. One of the most popular attractions is the Flowrider. Channel your inner surfer and ride over a continuous wave. You can 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. This world-class one, two, and three passenger tubing adventure sends you through the jaws of a Great White Shark, a tunnel, a waterfall, and a quick drop to the lagoon below. This ride is the Gulf Coast’s most awesome tube ride.

Stay in a Luxurious Vacation Rental

When you arrive in Gulf Shores, you’ll need somewhere to rest your head and make your home away from home. Here at Harris Vacation Rentals, we’ve been making dream vacations a reality for over three decades. We’re happy to offer vacation homes of all shapes and sizes and varying amenities for whatever your group needs. We provide pet-friendly rentals, homes with private pools, and more. We even offer properties in Fort Morgan and Orange Beach, in addition to Gulf Shores.

One of our standout properties is 50 Shades of Blue. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is perfect for any beach lover. Located right in the heart of Gulf Shores, guests will be able to access the area’s best attractions easily. It’s situated directly across from the beach and features two decks, giving it the ultimate coastal appeal. This pet-friendly home offers a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious bedrooms, a laundry room, and more!

There’s no time to waste! Check our availability and find the perfect vacation rental for you. We can’t wait to see you in Gulf Shores!

Jul 22 2020

Here Are the Best Tips for Homeschooling on Vacation

Are you homeschooling your children? This provides a priceless opportunity for flexibility and travel experiences. Why stay at home when the world can be your classroom? When you participate in homeschooling while on vacation, you have more space to explore and be creative. Pack up the kiddos and head to the Alabama Gulf Coast for a fun-filled family vacation. For tips for homeschooling on vacation—read on!

3 Tips for Homeschooling on Vacation

When you rent a vacation home with Harris Vacation Rentals, it’s easy to be productive and make the best out of homeschooling. Keep reading to learn about our top tips for homeschooling on vacation!

1. Use High-Speed Wifi

In today’s world, schooling doesn’t happen very often without the internet and technology. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to search the web, and your device won’t load. When you say with Harris Vacation Rentals, you’ll always have access to free, high-speed wifi. Some of our larger homes have two routers for added speed and efficiency.

2. Make Your Own Field Trips

When you’re vacationing in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, you’re surrounded by fascinating activities and adventures. This is the perfect opportunity to get out of the house and plan your own unique field trips. In fact, your whole vacation is essentially one long field trip! Hop on a boat and learn about our area’s ecosystems and wildlife on a Dolphin Cruise. Or, get up close and personal with the environment with a Wildlife Kayak Tour.

3. Create Family Memories

One of the best tips for homeschooling on vacation is to make it a fun experience for the whole family. If one parent usually takes the lead with the schooling, switch things up and let the other parent or various family members get involved. Then, instead of recess, let off some steam with a midday family dip in the ocean!

Stay in a Vacation Home That’s Big Enough for the Whole Family

For years, Harris Vacation Properties has been helping families create memories on their dream vacation. We even offer pet-friendly homes so that every family member can come along—even the furry ones! We’re dedicated to making sure your group has nothing short of a magnificent experience along the Alabama coastline. Our team will show you what genuine southern hospitality is all about.

We’re happy to provide a wide array of rental homes that’s perfect for any family. For example, Barefoot offers eight bedrooms, seven and a half baths, and can comfortably accommodate up to 28 guests. This stunning beachfront home features a private, heated pool and spacious outdoor areas. It also has a fully-functional kitchen, laundry room, beautifully-decorated living areas, and an elevator for added convenience.

Are you ready to start planning the vacation of a lifetime? There’s no time to waste! Browse our accommodations and find the perfect one for you. We can’t wait to host you.

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!

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