Gulf Shores Vacation: What You Need to Know

Gulf Shores Vacation: What You Need to Know

Gulf Shores vacationIn 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

Leave Only FootprintsAlabama 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

Dog-Friendly RentalsWith 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.

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.
Dog-friendly Orange Beach dining
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

Gulf Shores Dog-Friendly RestaurantsLooks 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.

Flora-Bama's Dog-Friendly RestaurantsIf 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.

Top Reasons to Visit Gulf Shores for Halloween

There are plenty of reasons to visit Gulf Shores all year long, but planning your vacation during the Halloween season adds a special touch of spooky fun to your stay. Read on to learn more about celebrating Halloween in Gulf Shores!

Fantastic Weather During Halloween in Gulf Shores

With average temperatures in the mid- to upper-70s during the month of October, you and your guests will be reveling in the nice temperatures while the rest of the country starts to get chilly. Even the water stays warm, meaning you can plan a beach day in the middle of fall!

OWA’s Town of Terror

Located in the nearby city of Foley, OWA is an entertainment destination that hosts the Town of Terror on weekend nights throughout October. The Town of Terror has a haunted house, bloodthirsty butchers, insane asylum escapees, and more. They even have special Flashlight Nights, where you can explore the park guided only by the light of a flashlight for extra scares. Flashlight nights are held on Thursdays and Sundays from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, while regular Town of Terror hours are held on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00pm to midnight. Admission ranges from $10.00 to $44.95. Town of Terror is open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm on the nights of October 30th and 31st.

Pumpkin Patch Express

Perfect for a fall-themed steam train ride during the day or a haunted thrill ride at night, the Wales West Light Railway Pumpkin Patch Express runs in the nearby town of Silverhill from the end of September through October 31st. The train rides are only scary after 7:00pm. Other attractions and activities on-site include pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house, a pumpkin cannon, pumpkin decorating, a haunted barn, and more. Admission is $15.00 per person plus tax, with children two and under admitted for free.

Caribe Marina Ghost Cruise

Taking place at Caribe Marina & Watersports in Orange Beach on select days during October, the Caribe Marina Ghost Cruise invites visitors to experience Halloween in a uniquely coastal way. Cruise around Perdido Bay on a moonlit cruise while listening to ghost stories and being haunted by ghouls. The forty-five minute cruise departs twice per night at 7:00pm and 8:00pm. Admission is $15.00 per child and $20.00 per adult.

Trunk R Treat at The Wharf

An alternative to trick-or-treating by going door-to-door, Trunk R Treat at The Wharf is a family-friendly event where people can dress up, kids can have fun doing activities like face painting and riding camels, and Main Street plays host to cars and trucks filled with candy. This event takes place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm on October 31st.

Harris Vacation Rentals – Your Gateway to Gulf Shores

For more information on what Gulf Shores has to offer for your vacation during Halloween and beyond, contact our reservation specialists and book your lodgings in one of our incredible vacation rental properties today!

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!

Best Cheap, Local Restaurants in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

It’s smart to look around and compare prices when you’re looking for restaurants. After all, even though we offer very affordable rentals, it’s good to make a practice of being thrifty elsewhere—especially when you don’t need to sacrifice quality!

The best cheap restaurants in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores to eat at on vacation are local mom n’ pop shops—what’s the point of going to explore a new place if you’re just going to eat at the same place you always do? Instead, you should be looking for places where you can experience the local cuisine—and in a southern gulf town, it’s cooking you can’t get anywhere else! Here are a few ideas to get your mouth watering:

Sea-n-Suds

This cheap restaurants in Orange Beach is a great spot to visit while you’re on the beach. It’s not hard to understand why Sea-N-Suds has been around so long. You can get a delicious sandwich and a side here for $9 and enjoy it right by the Gulf! Their seafood is reasonably priced too, and fresh from the source. It’s the perfect place to grab “beach food!” You’ll find it by E. 3rd Street and E. Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores.

Flip Flop Deli Shop

Despite the name, this restaurant is anything but a flop! The prices are quite the bargain given this restaurant’s combination of location, portion size, and service. They have a whole smorgasbord of different options— and each one is spectacularly delicious! Their offerings all make a great beach-outing bite: they offer pizza, snow cones, sandwiches, ice cream, and coffee! You’ll always get your money’s worth here. It’s on Beach Boulevard, west of 4th Street.

The Cove Bar and Grill

If you crave the bar scene but are worried about food prices, check out this spot! This casual spot is great for a good meal, with classic bar food like mozzarella sticks as well as southern staples like fried green tomatoes. For main courses, they feature sandwiches, salads, and wraps, with almost all offerings under $10—enjoy a meal while playing some billiards! It’s on (quite fittingly) Cove Avenue between Gulf Shores Parkway and W 2nd Street.

China King

Ranging from $6 lunch specials to the $12 chef specials and assortments of appetizers to add in for just $4 or less each, China King gives quite a lot of value! There’s an immense menu, too, so even people not fond of Chinese food are likely to find something that sounds delicious. Chinese restaurants may be hard to find in Baldwin County, but China King delivers! China King is in a strip mall on the north side of Alabama’s Coastal Connection in Orange Beach, but if you’re nearby you can even order online—perfect if you can’t stand leaving your vacation rental!

Stay with Harris Vacation Rentals

And if you’re interested in more nooks and crannies in Gulf Shores, book a vacation rental with Harris Vacation Rentals! Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you discover our delightful town. Call us at 1-877-446-4853 to book today!

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