Orange Beach Vacation and Activities

Oct 30 2024

8 Must-Try Breakfast Spots in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & Fort Morgan

You’ve heard it all your life… breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it’s not just the most important, but is also one of the most delicious!

No matter if you have an appetite for eggs or a craving for a cinnamon roll, you can start your day right during your next Alabama vacation with these Orange Beach and Gulf Shores breakfast restaurants.

After much taste-bud tempting research, we’ve compiled a list of our six favorite breakfast spots. Before you head off on an adventure to Gulf State Park or for a round of golf, feast on these drool-worthy selections. It’s also perfectly acceptable to take a nap after breakfast while on vacation. You might just need one!

1. The Ruby Slipper Café

Website: https://www.rubybrunch.com
Address: 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: +1 251-360-2400

It’s hard to choose a favorite at The Ruby Slipper Café in Orange Beach is difficult because every item on the menu gets a thumbs-up!

However, what this slice of breakfast heaven may be best known for is its eggs benedicts. These aren’t your ordinary benedicts, either. Don’t order expecting your selection to be served atop an English muffin. Instead, you’ll find a monstrous, airy homemade southern biscuit. You have six extraordinary benedicts to choose from, including the Chicken St. Charles, which includes a fried chicken breast and two poached eggs finished with a pork Tasso cream sauce.

Tasty Tip: Order a side of Pig Candy Bacon or the French Toast Batons stacked up like a game of Jenga. The kids will love it, and so will you!

2. The Southern Grind Coffee House

Website: https://thesoutherngrind.com/
Address: 4751 Main St #116, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: +1 251-923-3265

The Southern Grind Coffee House is a local favorite. You can’t go wrong with breakfast in this relaxed, beachy coffee shop. There are two locations for you to get your caffeine fix: one at The Wharf and the newest location inside Hotel Indigo (both in Orange Beach).

This mom-and-pop shop serves up a great selection of breakfast items, but our favorites are Chef Jim’s Belgian Waffles topped with fresh strawberries, fresh whipped cream and drizzled in white chocolate. If that sounds like pure indulgence… it is! However, you’re on vacation and that’s allowed!

Another favorite at this Orange Beach restaurant is the Jalapeno Potato Scramble. Load up on your protein with three eggs scrambled with fresh baby spinach, Bella mushrooms, and either cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or feta cheese.

3. Brick & Spoon

Website: https://www.brickandspoon.com/
Address: 24705 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: +1 251-981-7772

Rise and dine at Brick & Spoon located on Canal Road in Orange Beach AL. Voted one of the “Top 10 Breakfasts in the US” by Travel + Leisure, it’s hard to pass up the restaurant’s shrimp & grits. It’s a meal big enough to feed you and a friend, or ask for a to-go box and save the rest for lunch! If you have a sweet tooth, opt for the bananas foster French toast with caramelized bananas and pecan pieces.

Tasty tip: Don’t miss their “build your own Bloody Mary” option where you choose the ingredients and the spice level to create your signature cocktail.

4. Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill

Website: https://www.sassybass.com/amazin-grill/
Address: 5160 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: +1 251-975-1010

When you want a down-home breakfast with made-from-scratch recipes, the locals know to head to Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill in Fort Morgan. There’s nothing fussy about the food, and that’s what makes it so filling. In fact, grab a plate and head to the breakfast buffet filled with all your traditional favorites and a few unique dishes, too.

The owner swears by the savory porridge made with grilled beef, pork, and oatmeal porridge. Another one of our favorites at this Fort Morgan restaurant is the generously stuffed grilled shrimp burrito.

5. Café Beignet

Website: https://www.facebook.com/cafebeignet/
Address: 200 W Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: +1 251-948-2311

When a quick breakfast is calling your name, and a sweet tooth is driving your breakfast choice, nothing beats Café Beignet in Gulf Shores. If you’ve never had the culinary pleasure of sinking your teeth into this puff of donut-like powdered sugary goodness, you’ve been missing out.

Order a dozen for $12. You can order them plain and covered in confectioners’ sugar or get the vanilla pudding-filled beignets topped with chocolate syrup. Either way, you really can’t go wrong. We think they’re best served alongside a delicious latte (dunking them is recommended).

Tasty Tip: Get them hot and devour them hot! Beignets are best when they’re just out of the fryer and dunked in powdered sugar. These are the pillowy delights a Gulf Shores breakfast dream is made of!

6. Sunliner Diner

Website: https://www.sunlinerdiner.com/gulf-shores/
Address: 100 E 2nd Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: +1 251-937-6590

You can’t beat Sunliner for breakfast in a classic diner setting, and you’re guaranteed to fall in love with the 1950s setting and the great food. The waffles are a must-try, as are the cheddar cheese omelets. For something lighter, try the avocado toast. Or, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss the banana nut French toast.

Don’t forget to bring some quarters for the jukebox for an authentic 1950s experience!

7. Tacky Jacks

Website: https://www.tackyjacks.com/
Address: 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: +1 251-948-8881

Tacky Jacks has locations in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan and each branch guarantees a great start to your day.

You’ll find classic American dishes on the menu including shrimp and grits, farmer’s omelet, and short stack pancakes. The crabcake benny is a top pick — it’s served with gouda grits that you won’t be able to get enough of.

For a boozy brunch, add a mimosa or a Bushwacker (a creamy frozen cocktail and the Gulf Shore’s signature drink) to your order.

8. The Hangout

Website: https://www.thehangout.com/hangout-gulf-shores/
Address: 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: +1 251-948-3030

This popular coastal spot will be a hit with the whole family with its extensive breakfast menu, beach access, and the famous foam pit.

This spot is also great value and the all-you-can-eat family-style breakfast will set you up right for the day. For $19.99 per adult and $8.99 per child, you’ll get all the breakfast classics including eggs and sausages. And they’ll keep ‘em coming until you say stop!

Enjoy the Best Breakfast in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Really though the number one spot for a Gulf Shores breakfast is…your own balcony or beachfront deck!

Smell the salt air and enjoy cool morning breezes without changing out of your pajamas. Our vacation rental homes in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan all come with fully equipped kitchens and everything you need for breakfast in paradise, minus the groceries and chef, of course!

Pick up breakfast-ready muffins and fruit or send someone out on a Café Beignet run. Sip your coffee and enjoy the views of Alabama’s beaches. It really doesn’t get any better than this.

Oct 10 2024

8 Best Pizza Places in Orange Beach

Family-friendly, spacious, and stunning, our luxurious home rentals are just steps from one of Alabama’s most impressive stretches of sand – Orange Beach. Known for stunning shores with sparkling white, placid turquoise waters and loads of fun activities—notably without the “Spring Break-Style” crowds that many Gulf Coast beaches harbor.

While the beach’s namesake orange, satsuma, and grapefruit trees didn’t come to fruition, a diverse range of Orange Beach restaurants, attractions, and sugar-white sand beaches keep the visitors (and locals) coming to the shores. This guide will showcase the flavors of Alabama, cultivating a list of more creatively crafted, often New York-style, specialty pizzas that will fuel you and the whole family for a day exploring the Gulf Coast.

Here are our nine favorite places to grab a slice within Orange Beach and the surrounding area.

1. Rotolo’s Pizzeria

Photo Credit: mOai99

25755 Perdido Beach Blvd ste f1, Orange Beach, AL
rotolos.com
$
Recommended: The Angry Pig Speciality Pizza with bacon, BBQ sauce, Italian sausage, and jalapenos. Or the Muffaletta Pizza.

This southern pizza chain offers a family-friendly atmosphere for dine-in or carry-out pizza, with a special emphasis on crafting the perfect crust. A poor crust can absolutely ruin a perfectly good pizza pie. Ensuring they make every sauce and crust fresh each day and utilize only high-quality vegetables and meats for the toppings, this pizza place isn’t like your typical chain. Offering chicken wings, subs, and our personal favorite, the Muffaletta sandwich, alongside traditional and non-traditional pizza.

2. Pizza at the Pass

27267 Perdido Beach Blvd C2, Orange Beach, AL
pizzaatthepass.com
$$
Recommended: Greek Pizza with Mozzarella, Gyro Meat, Feta Cheese, Tomatoes, Red Onion, & a Drizzle of Greek Sauce

Pizza enthusiasts looking for a thin-crust pizza that’s perfectly crisp will be pleased by Pizza at the Pass. You can order from their hand-molded specialty pizzas or build your own pie with options for Gluten-free crust and vegetarians.

Try the cheesy garlic toast or the baked meatballs alongside a family-sized pizza if you plan on dining in. If you’re not feeling like driving from Orange Beach, Pizza at the Pass is also available for pizza delivery if you order online from Doordash or Uber Eats.

3. Perdido Beach Pizza Company

Photo Credit: DenisProduction.com

27200 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL
perdidobeachresort.com/perdido-beach-pizza-co
$
Recommended: Perdido Deluxe with Italian Sausage, Canadian Bacon, Black Olives, and Banana Peppers.

A variety of dining options with views of the Gulf. Perdido Pizza Company is part of the greater Perdido Beach Resort dining area, which offers not only excellent pizza at this shop but also craft burgers, exceptional ice cream, and tasty seafood in various restaurants within the premises.

Pop into this one-stop shop for dinner and dessert, and wash down your delectable pie with Hershey’s ice cream and Frios gourmet popsicles. Their flavorful pies are available in personal and family sizes, so come hungry.

Definitely one of the most kid-friendly meals in Gulf Shores.

4. Villaggio Grille

4790 Main St F108, Orange Beach, AL
villaggiogrille.com
$$
Recommended: Happy Hour Half-Price Pizza!

Let’s class up pizza. This is the favorite pizza place when it comes to sit-down dining. It is also one of the best places to eat on the water in Orange Beach. With an ambiance fit for a date night, you can enjoy brick-oven pizza, delicious pasta dishes, and exceptional seafood at their year-round outdoor seating on the patio.

Here, you can take in the airy breeze of the Gulf of Mexico while savoring some authentic Italian pizza and pasta with the whole family. For those not looking to dine in, you can always order some takeaway pies or family-style pasta that serves four people in one of our luxurious beachfront homes.

5. Vinny’s Pizzeria

Photo Credit: New Africa

4651 Main St K-1, Orange Beach, AL
vinnys.pizza
$
Recommended: Pepperoni Log or Pepperoni By-the-Slice

From the red-checkered tablecloths, Pac-Man arcade games, and extra large slices to the unpretentious attitude, Vinny’s will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back into a simpler time. Open every single day from 11 AM to 9 PM, you can always count on Vinny for a delicious slice or an excellent Italian-style sandwich.

Even better, it’s conveniently located right next to the Ferris wheel on the Wharf. Here, you can stick to the classic’s. It doesn’t get better than the tasty pepperoni pizza paired with a frothy Root Beer Float or a draft Yuengling beer for those 21+ guests.

6. Island Time Daquiris and Pizza

4830 Wharf Pkwy W G101, Orange Beach, AL
facebook.com/islandtimeoba
$
Recommended Cheesy Bread

What’s a slice of Pizza without a sports bar? If your answer is nothing, then Island Time at the Wharf is just the spot for you. With fruit-forward cocktails, live music, a full bar, and plenty of outdoor seating, this hot spot is just the tropical New Orleans-themed pizza joint you’re looking for. Try the Shrimp Pizza or one of the many flavors of chicken wings available. Old Bay Seasoned is a local favorite.

7. Crico’s Pizza

Photo Credit: Ratov Maxim

309 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL
cricospizza.com
$
Recommended: Crico’s Favorite with pepperoni, bacon, ham, sausage, jalapenos, and onions. Or try an Italian sub filled with tasty cured meats.

Right off the main beachfront drag, you can enjoy a lunch buffet, delicious pizza, and some tasty subs in a casual dining environment with both indoor and outdoor seating. This has been a hot destination since it landed on the map in 1998.

You’ll find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with locals as well as fellow tourists. With loads of dressings to top your sandwich with, wacky concoctions like the Flying Pig Stick, and a preference for fresh local ingredients, this is a perfect pizza place day or night.

8. Lauria’s Italian Bar & Bistro

25637 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL
facebook.com/LauriasOrangeBeach
$
Recommended: Buffalo Chicken flatbread

When it comes to reviews and ratings, we’ve saved the best for last. Lauria’s leaves every single customer writing rave reviews and especially satisfied. Maybe it’s the quaint, homey interior or the attentive service, or maybe the pizza is just that good. While it’s definitely not your typical New York Slice, Lauria’s pizza is excellent for those in search of a more flatbread-style pizza crafted with care.

You can grab a sandwich, a pasta dish, or a decadent slice of homemade cheesecake alongside your pizza as well. Another noteworthy mention of Lauria’s? It also hosts live music. There are actually two different locations right around the corner from one another, so choose the one that best suits you.

Grab a Slice in Orange Beach, Alabama

Our stunning rental properties await. We’ve got a collection of coastal homes to choose from for you and the whole family right in the heart of Orange Beach, Alabama. Here, you can plan the perfect family getaway or reunion and start the yearly tradition that will give you memories for decades to come.

Our homes are large and well-equipped, and they are centrally located within minutes of town and all these spectacular pizza places. Those who order takeout will have the amenities and comfort of eating their meals and feeling right at home.

Don’t wait; book your Orange Beach getaway today!

May 07 2024

15 Best Things to Do in Orange Beach, AL

A place for strolling and taking in the gorgeous sights of the beach and the ocean alongside a number of fun-filled things to see and do, Orange Beach deserves to be on every vacationer’s Gulf Shores itinerary.

If you’re looking for a beach getaway to Alabama’s coastline, Orange Beach is the place to be.

Read on below to learn more about things to do in Orange Beach, AL so you can plan your dream getaway.

1. Spend a Day Exploring The Wharf

Website: https://alwharf.com/
Address: 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-224-1000

No trip to Orange Beach is complete without stopping at The Wharf. Here, you’ll find a variety of attractions housed in one single locale. The Wharf Ferris Wheels is one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast U.S., and the Gulf of Mexico views from the top are spectacular. The enormous outdoor concert venue known as The Wharf Amphitheater is the best place in the city to see live music, and a bevy of stores and restaurants will satisfy your appetite for both shopping and high-quality cuisine.

2. Have Fun at Orange Beach Waterfront Park

Website: https://www.orangebeachal.gov/375/Waterfront-Park-Kids-Park
Address: 26425 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-981-6039

Orange Beach Waterfront Park is the perfect place for sightseeing and walking around in the scenic loveliness of Orange Beach. Nestled against Wolf Bay, this park has picnic areas with grills, paved walking paths, a fishing pier, and a lit park for children.

3. Have Some Family Fun at Adventure Island

Website: https://adventure-island.com/
Address: 24559 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-974-1500

This Gulf Coast institution has been open for almost 30 years and is packed full of fun for the whole family. Zip around on the go-karts, go to battle at laser tag, or test your skills on the mini golf course. Bumper boats and a teacup ride are ideal mini thrills for little visitors, and the huge range of arcade games will keep older kids entertained for hours.

4. Learn to Sail

Photo Credit: shutterstock.com/Giovanni Rinaldi

Website: https://www.orangebeachal.gov/386/Wind-Water-Learning-Center
Address: 26233 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-424-5909

If watersports are your thing, head to the Wind and Water Learning Center to improve your sailing skills. You’ll learn to recover if you capsize, how to rig, and how to notice weather and wind directions. If you already know what you’re doing, boat rentals are available here, too.

5. Learn About Orange Beach’s History

Website: https://www.orangebeachal.gov/246/History-Museum
Address: 25805 John Snook Dr, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-981-8545

Orange Beach History Museum is located in a century-old schoolhouse and is the best place in Orange Beach to learn about the region’s Native American and fishing history. With stories from local families and collectibles that have been donated over the years, you’ll get an in-depth look at what life was like for Alabama’s past residents.

6. Stroll Along the Perdido Boardwalk

Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/perdido-key-state-park
Address: 15301 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507
Phone: 850-492-1595

Hop over the state border to Florida to discover the 247-acre Perdido State Park. The beachfront boardwalk makes this area of natural beauty accessible to all visitors while protecting the delicate ecosystems underneath. Once you’ve finished strolling, enjoy a relaxing hangout on the beach to soak up some sun or enjoy an al fresco lunch in the covered picnic area.

7. Learn a Skill at Coastal Arts Center

Website: https://www.orangebeachal.gov/324/Coastal-Arts-Center-of-Orange-Beach
Address: 26389 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-981-2787

If you and your family appreciate handmade artisan crafts and artwork, you might want to check out the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. Here you can choose to create your own masterpiece or pick out a pre-made beauty from the gallery, gift shop, clay studio, or hot glass shop. This makes a great rainy-day activity.

8. Take Your Furry Friend to Orange Beach Dog Park

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com/Volodymyr Burdiak

Website: https://www.gulfshores.com/things-to-do/orange-beach-dog-park/
Address: 27920 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

For those of you traveling with four-legged companions, Orange Beach Dog Park is a wonderful place to let them run free with dogs of their own size (as there are separate sections for small and large dogs) under the shade of towering trees. Water and benches are also provided.

9. Cruise the Alabama Coastal Connection Scenic Byway

You can check out the magnificent natural setting of Orange Beach on the Alabama Coastal Connection Scenic Byway. This incredible drive leads to white-sand beaches, quaint downtown areas, historic sites, wildlife preserves, and mouthwatering seafood restaurants along the way.

10. Explore Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Website: https://www.orangebeachal.gov/369/Hugh-S-Branyon-Backcountry-Trail
Address: Alabama 36561

With 26 trails to explore among nine ecosystems, this is an unbeatable spot for lovers of outdoor activities. Historically, these trails were used by the area’s Indigenous peoples and then by explorers and settlers. These days, visitors here can enjoy biking, hiking, jogging, and rock climbing here.

11. Have a Beach Day

Photo Credit: shutterstock.com/Sherry252

Alabama beaches are famous for their long stretches of white sand and calm waters, and many of the best beaches in the USA are in or near Orange Beach.

Gulf Shores is one of our favorite public beaches — this wide expanse of unspoiled sand is an ideal spot for family days out. Cotton Bayou is great if you’d like to try your hand at kayaking and paddleboarding, and there are some great equipment rental options to choose from.

12. Meet Cute Critters at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Website: https://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com/
Address: 20499 Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-256-7008

This charming family-friendly attraction has been voted the number-one zoo in Alabama and is home to more than 199 species including eight endangered species. Enjoy close encounters with cute creatures including sloths, kangaroos, and lemurs, then head to the picnic area to refuel.

13. Take a Day Trip to Mobile

Just an hour northeast of Orange Beach is the vibrant city of Mobile. There’s so much to do here, making it the perfect day trip for those who want to see a little more of Alabama.

Discover WWII history at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, explore the city’s famous gastronomic scene, or take a delta wildlife kayak tour. There are plenty of free things to do in the city, too, including exploring Mobile Bay and the Mobile Carnival Museum.

14. Feast on Seafood

Website: https://www.tackyjacks.com/locations-ob
Address: 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-981-4144

No beach vacation is complete without a seafood feast, and Tacky Jack’s is a great option. This casual coastal eatery is open all day and serves scrumptious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to its army of loyal patrons. Seafood is as fresh as it comes — don’t miss the ‘Tacky Shrimp’ prepared with a house-made special spice mixture. For those who don’t eat seafood, there’s a great variety of meat and vegetarian dishes, too.

15. Take to the Water

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing voyage or an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of ways to discover the beauty that lies just off the Gulf Coast. Here are some of our favorite ways to see the sea:

Fishing charter – choose from inshore and deep sea fishing to see if you can catch your own supper
Sunset cruise – watch the sun setting over the glistening water on a romantic sunset cruise
Sailing cruise – embark on a nautical adventure and explore the coast when you book a sailing cruise
Parasailing – take to the sea — and then the skies — for unbeatable views of Orange Beach and beyond
Dolphin cruise – watch the most playful creatures in the ocean frolic as you sail off the Alabama coast

What Will You Do First at Orange Beach?

There’s so much to do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama that you’ll need at least a few days here to see the highlights! Ensure a comfortable stay in the best locations during your getaway when you book a vacation house or condo with Harris Vacation Rentals.

Photo By Kevin Stephenson from Florence, AL, USA – Sunrise – Front, CC BY 2.0

Jul 15 2021

The Ultimate Orange Beach Summer and Fall Guide for Orange Beach

Plan Your Next Orange Beach Vacation with This Guide!

Summer and fall are both great times to visit Orange Beach! During the summer months, this popular beach vacation spot is jumping. The crowds and activity level hit their peak, and so do the temperatures. The water and sand are hot, the breeze is warm, and the beach party is in full force. Come fall, the temps and the crowds begin to let up. It’s all fun!

Get Outside and Hit the Beach

Time to grab your cooler, funky beach hat, sunscreen, and colorful beach towel and hit the beach. Our bodies turn into little solar panels as we soak up all the sun we can while lying on the toasty sand. It’s as if we have to soak up as much as possible so we can make it through the rest of the year. Catch up on your sleep or a few good books while you sunbathe, or do some serious beachcombing or a little surf fishing. Best of all, if you book one of our beachfront vacation rentals, you can do it all while you’re just a few steps away from the AC and flat-screen in your rental. Enjoy your first cup of coffee out on your deck, while you watch the sun come up or the kids splashing in the surf.

Fall is also one of the prime birdwatching seasons here on the coast as migratory birds stop to rest. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is just one of several area parks that are part of the Alabama Birding Trail and offer fully accessible, meandering trails through various coastal habitats. Fall is a great time for birdwatching and hiking!

Get Out on the Water

Rent jet skis for the entire family and everyone can spend the day zipping along the coast. You can also take parasailing lessons and fly with the gulls as they hunt for lunch. Book a quick helicopter tour of the coast for an amazing aerial view of the bright blue Gulf.

Treat the family to a half-day dolphin watching tour out on the Gulf, or take your partner on a romantic sunset dinner cruise. If you’re here with a group of friends, book a glass-bottom or double-decker party pontoon and spend the day out on the water catching up with each other, sightseeing, doing a little fishing, and just having fun. Feeling a little more serious? Book an eco-tour and follow your guide as everyone silently glides through bayous, mangroves and the backwaters of the Gulf in kayaks, while getting up close to fish, turtles, shorebirds, and gators. It’ll give you a totally different perspective on the Gulf.

Get Fishing!

Serious anglers and novices love fishing in the Gulf! The fishing is good year-round, and there’s a wide variety of places to fish. There’s no need to rent a boat and head out to sea here in Orange Beach. Grab your gear (and license) and just walk out to the beach in front of your rental. Set up your beach chair and cooler next to your rod, and you’ll be pulling pompano, redfish, ladyfish, and flounder out of the surf in no time. Both surf fishing and pier fishing are great for families with small children looking for that first fishing experience. Don’t forget your crab trap!

Rent one of our Orange Beach waterfront vacation rentals with a private boat dock or fishing pier and you’ll be that much closer to enjoying your time out on the water. Not only are the docks and piers perfect for tying up your kayak, but they’re also great for fishing, sunbathing, and even dining al fresco under the stars. Bring your own boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard, or rent what you want from one of the local marinas.

Fish inshore to get closer to the water – and the fish – on your kayak or canoe as you hunt for flounder, speckled trout, sheepshead, black drum, pompano, and mackerel. Cruise the creeks, channels, and marshes along with the barrier islands and coast while you enjoy the beautiful scenery and the company of shorebirds and our local dolphin pod.

The world’s largest artificial reef system is here in the Gulf. You can fish for king mackerel practically year-round here, and the reef is home to some of the best grouper and snapper fishing you’ll find anywhere. The reef and nearby wrecks not only offer amazing fishing opportunities but they’re great scuba diving spots too, and many are nearshore and easily accessible.

Book a charter for serious offshore or deep-sea fishing. Let someone else take care of those pesky little details like licenses, bait and equipment, and let someone who knows the local waters and where to find the fish do all the work. These charters last all day, and some overnight charters are available. Experience the thrill of reeling in trophy amberjack, king mackerel, grouper, tuna, marlin, swordfish, or wahoo.

Looking for excitement, but not the commitment of an all-day deep-sea excursion? Chasing tarpon or stalking a tailing redfish through the marsh is exciting with a fly rod when you’re in a kayak. Of course, you can head offshore too for some really challenging fishing as you try to land that big ole grouper on a fly rod.

For something completely different, try your hand at bow fishing. Yes, bow fishing! Bow in hand, search for carp, alligator gar, and drum in freshwater, or try saltwater night bow fishing and gigging for a truly unique adventure. Imagine hunting for a shark, at night, armed with a bow! This is an exciting, exhilarating way to make great memories that last a lifetime.

Catch your limit, then grill all those freshly caught fish out on your deck. And if you didn’t have any luck with the fish, just make a stop by one of our local fish markets and grab everything you’ll need. Blalock Seafood& Specialty Market is just one of many local markets offering fresh seafood, wine, cheeses, condiments, and seasonings. Try their Ginger Wasabi! And you can get everything at Lartigue’s Fresh Seafood, from fresh seafood and fixings to go, to fish bait and fishing charters.

Spend the Day at The Wharf

Can’t decide what you want to do, or maybe everyone wants to do something different? No worries, just head to The Wharf. It has everything from shops and spas, to mini-golf and a movie theater. Plus, there are outdoor concerts in their amphitheater year-round.

For some fast-paced fun, check out their arena for laser tag, the newest arcade games, or play Bazooka Ball. And for something a little different, the Outer Limits VR arcade has five fully immersive rides you have to experience to believe. At the Breakout Orange Beach escape room, you can choose from several different scenarios including The Kidnapping, Hostage, and Operation: Casino. Solve the puzzles and try to break out in time!

There’s a zipline! The Hummingbird Zipline Course speeds across the wharf and surrounding wetlands and forest via eight tower spots. Once your need for speed is fulfilled, enjoy a leisurely ride on the Ferris wheel where you’ll have time to enjoy the view. One of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the Southeast, this landmark attraction is a great way to end your day.

Need food on your Orange Beach vacation? Whether you want fine dining or a quick snack, you can find the perfect spot at The Wharf. Is your group looking for a family-friendly, casual dining experience? Try STKburger for burgers, wings, and lobster rolls or Ginny Lane Bar and Grill for fresh, local seafood, a kids menu, and craft brews and cocktails all with a great waterfront view. And the Southern Grind Coffee House is great for a quick bite with specialty coffees, sandwiches and salads, pastries, and their special gelato.

Make a stop at Gulf Coast House of Jerky. They have such a wide variety of interesting flavors, you’ll want to try them all – beef, buffalo, fish, pineapple, pork, alligator, shark, python, elk, venison, kangaroo, and more. Maybe you just want to skip right to dessert? You’re sure to find what you crave at Dippin’ Dots, Kilwins (serving delicious confections since 1947), or the Sugar Shack. I know the kids will love them all!

Island Time Daiquiris, Kentucky Mist Distillery, and YoHo Rum and Tacos (custom cocktails and tacos!) will keep your thirst quenched with refreshing adult beverages and entertainment. Stop at The Sandshaker for a few of the local favorite beverages – the Bushwacker! They have live music and are open late too.

Be sure to stay after dark for The Wharf’s sound and light show! Free to the public, this nightly show features popular music and synchronized lighting effects, all on The Wharf’s Main Street.

Festivals and More!

There are tons of activities all summer long, but fall is festival season here in the Gulf. And, here are a few of the area’s annual festivals to get you started.

Pastry chefs come from all around to show off their sweetest concoctions at The Wharf’s Sweetest Chefs event in September. The Flora-Bama’s Bulls on the Beach, also in September, hosts bull riders for this bull riding show. You can test your own skills on their mechanical bull if you dare, or just watch all the action while enjoying a Bushwacker or two.

October brings the nationally known Annual National Shrimp Festival to nearby Gulf Shores. With lots of shrimp and seafood, live entertainment, vendors, local art booths, and plenty of kid’s activities, this is a family-friendly festival. If you love shrimp, you can’t miss this festival. Of course, there will be Octoberfest celebrations everywhere. Be sure to check out the fall festivities at The Hangout, Flora-Bama, and The Wharf for Octoberfest, and get your fill of beer, brats, and German goodies served up Gulf style. Be ready to enjoy dancing to polka music on the beach!

The first weekend in November, The Hangout’s Annual Oyster Cook-off & Craft Beer Weekend (also in nearby Gulf Shores) starts with live music and plenty of craft beer to sample and includes an oyster shucking contest and Bloody Mary Invitational. Chef’s from all over the country show off their favorite oyster recipes at the cook-off on Saturday.

Our Orange Beach Vacation Rentals

Now you’re going to need a beautiful, comfy place to rest up after a long day of playing on the beach or fishing for dinner. Luckily we have vacation rentals throughout the Orange Beach area that will be the perfect home-away-from-home for your stay here. Relax and enjoy the balmy ocean breeze and the beautiful view from private decks and covered porches. Just one step into our bright, airy rentals will start your stress seeping away. Open floor plans make it easy to gather your entire group together for a freshly grilled fish dinner or friendly poker night.

Choose from beachfront, beach-adjacent or waterfront rentals. We offer comfy one and two-bedroom rentals just right for a romantic getaway or couples weekend. If you’re bringing the whole family or it’s time for that reunion with all your college buddies, we have spacious rentals that can accommodate large groups too. Many of our Orange Beach rentals are pet-friendly, so you can bring your favorite furry friend. All of our rentals have free Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and amazing views.

Your Orange Beach Vacation

If you need help finding the perfect vacation rental for your Orange Beach vacation, just give us a call! We’d love to help with the final selection or to suggest other activities to fill your days. One suggestion is to check on the Blue Angels practice schedule while you’re staying on the Gulf Coast. They practice their amazing aerial acrobatics year round and it’s worth the trip to nearby Pensacola!

Nov 20 2019

Everything You Need to Know About Gulf Shores vs. Orange Beach

It can be difficult to choose the perfect location for your family beach trip, especially when there are so many amazing options along the Alabama Coast. Where are the best beaches? Are there plenty of activities, dining options, and shops near your vacation rental? What is the nightlife like? Many of our guests ask these types of questions when trying to decide between Gulf Shores vs. Orange Beach for their family vacation. To help make planning easier, we have highlighted a few differences between these two great locations. Read on to learn more and choose the destination that’s right for your family!

Gulf Shores vs. Orange Beach: What’s the Difference?

The Gulf Coast is home to the best beaches in the country – it’s no secret. Whether you choose to stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama, you’ll experience equally beautiful beaches in both locations. Sugar-white sand, sparkling aquamarine waters, and plenty of sunshine await at either destination. Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also offer extremely fresh seafood, access to scenic hiking and biking trails, watersport rentals, great shopping and dining. So, what is the major difference? While either of these amazing destinations would be a great choice for your beach getaway, it depends on your family’s personal preference.

Enjoy Exciting Activities in Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores offers more activities and attractions such as Zooland Mini-Golf, Waterville USA, the Gulf Coast Zoo, The Track Family Fun Park, South Baldwin Community Theatre, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and much, much more. From amusement parks and family-friendly fun to exciting nightlife and entertainment, the list of things to do in Gulf Shores is endless. If you’re searching for a vacation rental located in the heart of it all, this would be a great option for your stay. Whether you seek adventure or total relaxation, the possibilities are endless in Gulf Shores!

Relax and Unwind in Orange Beach

On the other hand, Orange Beach offers a quieter and more laid-back beach vibe. If you’re more interested in lounging by the shoreline during your getaway, this may be more your speed. Cast a line into the Gulf, play a round of golf at Orange Beach golf course, or enjoy spending time with family in your Harris Property. Orange Beach also has its fair share of attractions and activities as well. The Wharf at Orange Beach is your ultimate destination for family fun. Here, you’ll discover fabulous shops and restaurants, Alabama’s longest zipline course, breakout games, arcades, charter boat cruises, mini-golf, a Ferris wheel and more.

Have the Best Family Beach Vacation With Harris Vacation Rentals!

When it comes to choosing between Gulf Shores vs. Orange Beach, you really can’t go wrong. Either destination would be an excellent option for your family beach getaway, especially when you’re staying in a Harris Property! Unlike Orange Beach hotels or Gulf Shores hotels, our spacious vacation rentals offer a unique lodging experience that you won’t find elsewhere. Choose the exact home you want, whether it’s a pet-friendly accommodation, a rental with a private pool, a beachfront property, or a luxury home. The whole family will have plenty of room to unwind and socialize after a fabulous day of adventure!

Harris Vacation Rentals offers vacation rentals in three amazing locations: Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Choose the location that’s right for your family and get ready for your next unforgettable trip to paradise. Browse our properties and contact us to book your stay. We can’t wait to welcome you!

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