The Gulf Shores area is the ultimate place for a fun, relaxing, and unforgettable beach vacation! Whether you want to spend your time on the beach or inland, there are so many great things to see and do. Since we’re locals to the Alabama Gulf Coast, we’ll give you our picks for an outstanding Gulf Shores bucket list.
After you check out our Gulf Shores bucket list, start planning your unforgettable vacation along the Gulf of Mexico. Click the link below to get exclusive rates on the best outdoor activities and lively attractions in the area.
No matter what time of the year it is, there’s always something to do here. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan are filled with top-notch family-friendly activities that will keep the whole group smiling.
You can’t beat the weather during the spring months in Gulf Shores. The high temperature hovers around 75-80 degrees, and by late spring, the ocean is warm enough to take a dip. Plus, most children are still in school, so the best beaches and attractions aren’t too crowded. Check out some of these fun-filled things to do in spring.
The Gulf Shores area is in full swing during summer, and it’s the perfect spot for an unbelievable beach vacation. The opportunities for fun and making memories that will last a lifetime are practically endless! Check out some of our top picks below.
During autumn, accommodation rates are lower, and there is plenty of warm weather to enjoy along the Gulf. Plus, the kids are back at school, which means it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a well-earned, romantic, adults-only getaway. Here are some fantastic options for fall activities!
Don’t let the dreary winter season get you in a funk. Drive south and enjoy a serene getaway by the coast. This season attracts fewer crowds and tourists so that you can make the most out of your trip. Check out some of our picks for winter activities in Gulf Shores.
If staying in a beautiful, luxurious vacation rental is on your bucket list, look no further than Harris Vacation Rentals. Our properties are out of this world. They’re located throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Plus, they each come with an array of outstanding amenities. Whether you’re looking for oceanfront views, a private pool, game room, or a pet-friendly property, we’ve got you covered.
As you’re planning your beach vacation, be sure to check out Tripshock. Here, you can book the best activities and things to do in the area at exclusive rates. If you’re looking for a family-friendly tour, equipment rental, or ticket to an exciting event, Tripshock has got you covered.
Browse our availability and pick the perfect vacation rental for you. We can’t wait to host you during your incredible beach vacation!
Nothing compares to the sweet feeling of summertime. If you’re searching for the best summer getaway, look no further than the Alabama Gulf Coast. With breathtaking white-sand beaches, fantastic restaurants, and a plethora of things to do, Gulf Shores is your headquarters for summertime fun. Read on to find out our picks for the best summer activities in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and other nearby towns. With our help, it’s easier than ever to create the ultimate summer vacation bucket list.
It’s time to start getting excited about your Gulf Shores vacation this summer! Browse our collection of luxurious vacation rentals and find the perfect one for your group.
The fun never stops on the Gulf Coast! Discover the best summer activities in Gulf Shores and give yourself something to look forward to.
OWA is an amusement park and entertainment destination with over 20 rides and an interactive splash pad for hot summer days. The area also features restaurants, shops, and fun-filled events. You can easily spend an entire day getting an adrenaline rush and feasting on good eats just north of the beach in Foley, Alabama.
Waterville is an amusement park and waterpark consisting of 20 acres of pure fun. Whether you want to sit back and relax while floating down a lazy river or pick up speed on the Dune Racer, there’s something for all levels of adventurers here at Waterville USA. There’s also a Flowrider surf simulator, arcade, mini golf course, concessions, and more!
If you want to combine an adventure in the great outdoors with a bit of healthy exercise, why not try kayaking? Guided kayaking tours in Gulf Shores are a great way to discover the coastal ecosystem and backwaters of this gorgeous area! Some of our favorite nearby kayaking outfitters include Wild Native Tours and Coastal Kayak Excursions. They offer nature tours, sunset tours, dolphin tours, and more! You’ll fall in love with the natural beauty of this stunning environment.
Get an out-of-this-world bird’s eye view of the beach on a Lost Bay Helicopter Tour. These tours are perfect for seeing miles of our famous white-sand beaches and turquoise water. You can even see schools of fish from up above. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
If you’re a history buff, you need to go back in time and visit the Holmes Medical Museum. The museum was Baldwin County’s first hospital and operated from 1936 to 1958. The museum is arranged as it was an operating hospital, and most artifacts and machinery are original. This unique piece of history has remained virtually unchanged for the last 60 years!
Here at Harris Vacation Rentals, we’re proud to offer pet-friendly vacation rentals. If you want to take your pup’s vacation up a notch, head to The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby for swimming, running, and playing with other fur kids. Then, visit one of our favorite dog-friendly restaurants.
Are you ready to take things up a notch? Cat Boat Tours are like water sports, but better! You can glide over the back bays in a personal watercraft. The boats sit low and zip through the water. You choose to embark on your own expedition or take a guided tour and hear about celebrity homes on Ono Island.
Quench your thirst and order a flight of the bartender’s favorite craft brews, like the Hundred Daze IPA, at Big Beach Brewing Company in Gulf Shores. This fun spot is kid and dog-friendly—another reason we love it! Be sure to get there before sunset and watch the sun sink from the brewery’s deck.
If your sand castle skills aren’t what they used to be, give Sand Castle University a try! You’ll learn all the tips and tricks for building a spectacular sand structure. You’ll even be provided with a video from your lesson. It’s a great souvenir and a fun way to share your experience with friends and family.
No beach vacation during the summer is complete without spending some days in the water and sand. The Alabama Gulf Coast public beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and once you visit, we know you’ll agree!
What better way to experience Gulf Shores than on the water? Live the life of a local for a day and rent a boat from the Flora-Bama Marina. They offer luxury pontoon boats, as well as pontoons with slides. You can also rent jet skis. After your day on the water, hit up the Flora-Bama Yacht Club for ice–cold Bushwackers and fire-grilled oysters.
With its plethora of delicious restaurants and exciting activities, it’s easy to spend an entire day at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Treat the family to miniature golf, a Ferris wheel ride, or even a concert in the 10,000-seat arena. Satisfy your hunger with yummy eats at some of our favorite Orange Beach restaurants, including Ginny Lane Bar & Grill and Villaggio Grille.
Orange Beach is the fishing mecca of the Southeast. Head out to see, drop a line, and try your best to reel in red snapper, Spanish mackerel, redfish, grouper, and more. Some of our favorite fishing charters include Orange Beach Fishing Charters and Red Eye Charters.
No trip to the Gulf Shores would be complete without a trip to the infamous Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The zoo is home to over 100 animal species, including 22 critically endangered species. During your visit, you can have the unbelievable opportunity to hold a baby sloth, kangaroo, or lemur!
Who doesn’t love a good discount? If you’re looking for a rainy-day activity, head to Tanger Outlet Centre and shop until you drop! The outlets feature over 120 stores and a merry–go–round and splash pad to keep the kids happy.
It’s time to plan the best summer vacation you’ve ever had! Harris Vacation Rentals offers the best rental properties in the area—hands down! No matter what size property you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. Plus, all our rentals come with superior amenities, such as oceanfront views, fully-equipped kitchens, game rooms, private/community pools, hot tubs, elevators, and more!
Browse our availability and pick the perfect home for you! We can’t wait to host you this summer.
Salty air, ocean breeze, and blue skies for miles. This is what the perfect Gulf Shores day looks like. One of our favorite things to do in the area is to rent a boat and explore the Gulf Coast first-hand. During your next Orange Beach vacation, spend a day on the water, soaking up the sunshine. Read on to discover the best Orange Beach boat rentals. Then, get ready to book the ultimate family beach vacation with Harris Vacation Rentals!
This family-oriented boat rental company is a staple of the Gulf Shores boating community. Located at The Wharf Orange Beach, Orange Beach Boat Rentals provides you with a map of the area as well as a complete tour of the vessel before you head out on the bay.
All of their boats include safety equipment, life jackets, clean restrooms, two anchors, satellite radio, leather cushions, and more. Select from either a half, full, or multi-day boating trip. Be sure to make your reservation in advance, and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Orange Beach!
Another full-service boat rental company, Wallace Boat Rentals encourages its customers to be their own captain. No boating license is required, though ample instruction and maps are provided. All boats include life jackets, safety gear, and anchors.
Additionally, Wallace Rentals customers can choose to rent a traditional boat, a pontoon boat, or a jet ski. How will you decide to explore 20 miles of bays, rivers, and islands?
Located across Perdido Pass, Flora-Bama Marina offers pontoon boat, kayak, paddleboard, and jet ski rentals by the hour. Additionally, the marina’s deep sea fishing charters give you the opportunity to catch your own fish under the guidance of an expert captain.
After a day on the water, head across the street from the marina to Flora-Bama. This all-in-one fun spot has restaurants, bars, and live music.
There are plenty of ways to experience the Gulf Coast! Jet ski rentals and other Gulf Shores watersports are popular for thrill-seekers and adventurers. If you’re looking for a quieter way to spend your vacation, Gulf Shores is also a great place for fishing and relaxing on the beach.
Now that you’ve selected from the best Orange Beach boat rentals, it’s time to get out on the water! There are so many things to see on the Gulf Coast, from beautiful beaches to stunning sunsets. After a day’s worth of boating, you’ll want to a relaxing night, and we know just the place.
What sounds better than a gorgeous, bay-front vacation home with a private boat slip? We can’t think of anything! Bay Dreamin in Fort Morgan features open entertainment areas, a game room, and accommodations for up to nine guests. Outside, enjoy the screened porch and outdoor shower. Bay Dreamin is the perfect place for your family to call home for a week!
At Harris Vacation Rentals, we want your family vacation memories to last a lifetime. Browse our vacation rentals and get ready for your dream getaway!