attractions in gulf shores

Apr 02 2019

Why The Hangout Gulf Shores Is the Place to Be

Book Your Family Vacation With Harris Vacation Rentals Today!

Music. Food. Fun. These are the three ingredients for an unforgettable Gulf Shores vacation. Where can you go to find all of these elements in one place? The Hangout Gulf Shores! This colorful, open-air attraction features various restaurants, live music, bars, and shops. It’s a great spot to spend the day with family or friends.

The only other thing you need for an unforgettable vacation is the perfect rental home. At Harris Vacation Rentals, we ensure the best experience for our guests. From beachfront bungalows to luxurious condos, there’s something to fit everyone’s vacation style. Book your rental home today!

About The Hangout Gulf Shores

Today, The Hangout has become the heart and soul of Gulf Shores. Its vibrant, lively atmosphere has been a staple of Gulf Shores culture since the 1950s and 60s. Nearly 70 years ago, The Hangout was a meeting place for surfers enjoying the local beaches.

The Hangout remained a local gathering place until Hurricane Ivan destroyed the property in 2004. However, The Hangout returned bigger and better than ever in 2008! After a significant rebuild, the entertainment venue continues to grow to this day.

Things to Do at The Hangout

The Hangout is one of our favorite places for family fun in Gulf Shores. The venue is just feet away from the Gulf of Mexico, making it a beautiful place to spend time after a day at the beach.

Eat & Drink

What kind of food are you in the mood for today?

The Hangout dining room is constantly buzzing with excitement and delicious food. The venue’s signature dishes include the Cajun Campfire Steak, Hangout Jambalaya, Hang 10 Cheeseburger, Big Beach Burger, and Shaka Wrap. Are you feeling hungry yet?

Peruse all of the menus at The Hangout, then select some of the tastiest beachfront cuisine you’ll ever have!

You can also find Gulf Shores’s most famous drinks here. Chill out with a cocktail at the mermaid bar, sip on a draft beer, enjoy a frozen drink at the daiquiri bar, or try one of the featured brews. You can’t go wrong!

Have Fun

There’s something fun for those of all ages at The Hangout! Unique photo ops include the giant shaka hand, hangout chairs, and, of course, the beach.

Kids (and adults, too!) love playing in the sandpit and participating in the hourly foam party. There’s also an area for backyard games, a souvenir T-shirt shop, and a colorful wish wall. Enjoy live music at the mermaid stage and huddle around the fire pit on cool nights.

Our favorite aspect of The Hangout is all of the vintage decor, especially the wall collections. From old-school lunch boxes to black and white photographs, these memorabilia will transport you back in time!

Hangout Music Fest

The Hangout Gulf Shores is best known for its fantastic annual music festival. The Hangout Music Fest is the most famous Gulf Shores concert, and thousands flock to attend every year. Held the weekend before Memorial Day, this multi-day outdoor festival features some of the industry’s top artists. Relax beachside, jam out to amazing music, and take part in all the fun activities at the event. What’s not to love?

For more information about the music festival, check out the official website.

Hang Out at Harris Vacation Rentals

After you’ve explored The Hangout Gulf Shores, return to your stunning Harris Vacation Rentals vacation rental. Our homes are an attraction in and of themselves, and La Mahana is no exception. This gorgeous ground-level unit features a private patio, tropical decor, and a fully equipped kitchen, You’ll also have access to unbeatable amenities, from a crystal blue swimming pool to an outdoor shower and grilling area. The rental includes beachfront access so that you can start your mornings with a sunrise walk along the shore.

There’s nothing better than a family vacation by the ocean! Browse our properties and book your trip today! Browse our deals now!

Mar 20 2019

Where Is the Best Shopping in Gulf Shores, Alabama?

Gulf Shores is known for its white sand beaches, deep blue waters, and amusing attractions. During the heat of the day, take a break from the high temperatures and treat yourself to an afternoon of shopping in Gulf Shores in Alabama. Leave some extra room when you’re packing your bags, because there are plenty of tempting trinkets to buy along the Gulf Coast! Read on to discover where to shop in Gulf Shores. Then, browse our family vacation rentals and start planning your vacation today!

Have the Most Fun Shopping in Gulf Shores in Alabama

There’s something to entertain every type of shopper in Gulf Shores. What will you discover during your trip?

Unique Shops

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind stores, you’re in the right place! You won’t find a shop like Fran’s on 59 anywhere else. This specialty boutique, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Gulf Shores, sells a mix of antiques, garden sculptures, jewelry, and home goods. Fran’s on 59 is the ideal store for treasure hunters seeking their next great find!

Calling all candy lovers! The Chocolate Corner, voted Alabama’s #1 chocolate shop, specializes in all things sweet. Whether you’re searching for homemade fudge, beach-shaped treats, or ice cream, this is the place for you.

Malls

Do you want to shop ‘til you drop? The Foley Tanger Outlets has all of your favorite stores in one place. With over 100 stores to choose from, you’re bound to see something that catches your eye. Will you get a cute swimsuit at the Express Factory Outlet or a new set of clubs at Golf 4 Less? The choice is yours!

Our favorite mall in the area is The Wharf at Orange Beach. This all-in-one entertainment hub has it all. Spend the afternoon shopping, grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, and see a movie or concert at night. Don’t miss a ride on The Wharf’s iconic Ferris wheel, either!

Need more recommendations? Check out our blog on the top five shopping malls in the area.

Souvenir Shops

Of course, you can’t come back from vacation without a few souvenirs! Check out Souvenir City for everything from Gulf Shores koozies to shark tooth necklaces to T-shirts. We also recommend window shopping along Beach Boulevard, the city’s main street, for some great deals. You’ll find a plethora of souvenir stores just steps away from the ocean! Don’t forget to check these places out during your shopping in Gulf Shores in Alabama!

Soak up the Sun at Harris Vacation Rentals

After you’ve explored the best shopping in Gulf Shores in Alabama, you’ll deserve some time to relax. Luckily for you, we know the perfect place! Southern Living at the Palms is a beautiful Orange Beach vacation rental with breathtaking views of the ocean. The spacious three bedroom, two bathroom condo sleeps ten just steps away from the sea. Spend your days basking in the sun on the beach or at the pool, then cook a family meal in the fully equipped kitchen during the evenings. You and your family deserve a tropical vacation. Reserve your stay before this fantastic unit is all booked! Book one of our favorite condos and browse these amazing deals!

Dec 14 2018

Sing Your Heart Out at the Greatest Gulf Shores Concerts

There are few better places for year-round live music than Gulf Shores, Alabama. All year long, this beachfront town is the perfect setting to see your favorite band perform. Locals and tourists alike love to experience the area’s lively entertainment scene, so we’ve compiled the essential guide to Gulf Shores concerts. What are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family, belt out the lyrics to your favorite songs, and dance like no one is watching! Then, continue the fun at a private vacation rental with Harris Vacation Rentals!

Have a Rockin Good Time at These Gulf Shores Concerts

From intimate shows on the water to nationally acclaimed music festivals, there’s no shortage of concerts to attend in Gulf Shores. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy the Gulf Coast music scene!

Join the Party at Local Music Festivals

Hangout Music Festival

The annual Hangout Music Festival is the most renowned music festival on the Gulf Coast. Rain or shine, you can enjoy three days of music from the top rock, hip-hop, indie, and electronic artists in the industry. Past and upcoming artists include The Chainsmokers, Halsey, The Killers, SZA, Logic, The 1975, Khalid, and Hozier. For access to exclusive artist performances and preferred viewing areas, treat yourself to VIP tickets.

You’ll never be bored with activities like a tropical spa, puppy kissing booth, and a roller disco. Toast s’mores and tell stories around the fire at Camp Hangout, or take a spin on the Ferris wheel for an excellent view of the Gulf. You don’t want to miss the beachfront Hangout Festival this May ‒ get your tickets now!

Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival

Talented musicians from all over the country perform at the Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival. The festival spans across two dozen venues along the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast and features over 200 acclaimed, up-and-coming artists. Check out shows in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, as well as Pensacola’s Flora Bama beach bar.

One of the best parts of the festival is that the artists have a chance to share their musical journey with attendees. Some of the songs that guests hear are still in demo stages, and the musicians love to hear audience feedback. If you love music and are eager to learn more about the songwriting process, this is the festival for you. Learn more about the performers and get ready for ten days of soulful music this November!

Return for a Concert Series Encore

The C Spire Concert Series comes to Gulf Shores every spring and summer for months of outstanding outdoor music concerts. Plenty of talent passes through the Wharf Amphitheater each season. Past and future headliners include Imagine Dragons, The Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & The Blowfish, Zac Brown Band, and Jimmy Buffett. Explore the full lineup of upcoming events and reserve your tickets!

In addition to attending a concert at the Amphitheater, you can explore the rest of The Wharf at Orange Beach. You can shop, dine, see a movie, or play some mini golf at this entertainment destination.

Swim Out to a Floating Music Venue

Have you ever heard of a concert you could swim to? Well, there’s a first for everything! Gumbo Key is less of a concert venue and more of a well-kept local secret. Boaters find the event by using GPS coordinates which lead them to a barge marked with a flag. Gumbo Key’s “leave no trace” policy promotes more than just mystery. The event is adamant about cleaning up all trash to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.

There’s no better way to celebrate the summer solstice than attending a free, floating concert. In years past, thousands of people have flocked to the mythical floating venue to hear live Southern music serenade the Gulf Coast.

All you need is a boat to get you there! Check out some of our boat rental options and head out to the elusive Gumbo Key. Then, spend the rest of the day zipping around the open ocean and exploring the magic of Gulf Shores.

Get a Taste of the Area’s Best Live Music

A guide to the music of Gulf Shores would be incomplete without mentioning some of the best places to experience live music with a little more local flair.

Pleasure Island Tiki Bar

Pleasant Island Tiki is known for their open-air beach vibes and excellent live entertainment. Take a seat at the colorful bar, enjoy views of Terry Cove, and immerse yourself in the sounds of Gulf Shores. The live music lineup includes regular favorite Al & Cathy, a local classic rock band. Get ready to jam out with a drink in your hand!

Papa Rocco’s

Live music and a kitchen open until midnight? Count us in! Papa Rocco’s pizza and oyster bar serves up free, in-house concerts every night of the week. Don’t miss their extended happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday through Friday.

Insider tip: If you are in town for St. Patrick’s Day, check out Papa’s owner Bill McGinnes’s Pub Crawl.

Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s

Lulu’s family-friendly restaurant is a Gulf Shores landmark. Bring the kids, order some fresh-caught seafood, and soak up good vibes. Climb the ropes course and play at the arcade while live music fills the air. Lulu’s is an all-in-one hotspot for family fun!

Come Sail Away to a Gulf Shores Vacation Rental

Attending a Gulf Shores concert will have you dancing all night long! We have good news: discovering the Gulf Coast music scene is one of many fun things to do in Gulf Shores. Hit the beach, rent a bike, play a round of golf… there are limitless options for fun on Gulf Shores!

Now, all you need is to find the perfect vacation rental for you and your family! At Harris Vacation Rentals, our wide range of Gulf Shores vacation rentals have something for everyone. During your stay on the Gulf Coast, let our Tiki Time property be your home away from home. This charming, bayfront bungalow is beautifully decorated and comfortably sleeps 10. The house has its own pool, a large deck overlooking the lagoon, and a covered entertainment area. The private pier is ideal for kayaking, fishing, and family photo ops. The ultimate family vacation is at your fingertips. Browse our vacation rentals and start planning your Gulf Shores getaway today!
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