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5-Day Adventure-Packed Itinerary to Gulf Shores, Alabama
If you’re heading to Alabama’s Gulf Coast and prefer a more active vacation, here is a 5-day itinerary just for you!
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I grew up vacationing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama so these emerald waters feel like home to me. But when I think of taking a beach vacation I can get a little stir-crazy before I even get there. Spending hours and hours on the beach just isn’t my thing. Plus, my pale, freckled skin burns in mere moments of sun exposure!
If you want to add some activities off the sand to your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation, I’ve put together this sample itinerary just for you.
Table of Contents
Day One
If you’re staying in Orange Beach and driving in from the North or West, know that the Foley Beach Express is a toll road. A normal vehicle will cost $3.50. It will save you time over driving the beach road through Gulf Shores, however.
Afternoon
Arrive at your Gulf Shores or Orange Beach lodging. Check in at local condos is generally around 2-4 p.m.
Whether an ocean front view is your priority, or you’re just looking for something that’s budget-friendly, there are plenty of options for you on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
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While there are both condos and hotels in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, condos are definitely more plentiful.
Check out these gorgeous boutique hotels and homes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama!
- Large Cottage — Perfect for a family or friend getaway!
- Beachfront with parking and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico!
- Large, private balcony — VIEWS — and fitness, sauna included onsite.
Since condos generally come with full kitchens, they can also help you save money since you won’t have to dine out as much! While I’m not a huge fan of cooking while I’m on vacation, I know having a kitchen is also a huge benefit for families with children.
Drew and I always load up on some breakfast items, energy drinks for the morning, jugs of bottled water (the water at beaches always tastes a little funky to me), and a pint or two of ice cream.
Evening
Grab a casual dinner at the Shrimp Basket. There are locations all over the area, but there is one centrally located right in Orange Beach. The Shrimp Basket does great fried seafood. Order a fried shrimp platter or a po’boy – and make sure you try the corn fritters! You’ve earned it. Don’t forget to order a bushwacker because, hey, it’s 5’oclock somewhere.
Day Two
Morning
Enjoy breakfast at Brick & Spoon. Bloody Mary lovers, you can play mixologist by creating your own Bloody Mary with seemingly infinite choices of alcohols, spice levels, cheeses, meats, and other toppings.
Travel & Leisure listed Brick and Spoon as one of the Top 10 Breakfast Spots in the US. Try the Bama Chick, the Café Beignets, and the Bananas Foster French Toast.
Hit the grocery store to load up on drinks, snacks, and food items you’ll need during your stay.
Afternoon
It’s your first day at the beach. Relax. Spend this moment soaking in some Vitamin D (and Sea) and catching up on your ever-growing reading list. Alabama’s coastline includes 32-miles of sugary white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
What makes the sand so beautiful in Gulf Shores? Well, thousands of years ago, quartz rocks tumbled their way down from the Appalachian Mountains, got knocked to bits in rivers and streams, and wound up creating the pristine white sand shoreline!
Take a cooler down with plenty of hydrating beverages and fresh fruits. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen – the Gulf sun is intense – and a beach towel.
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Evening
Grab dinner and a drink or two at The Gulf. Sit back and enjoy the sound of the ocean while you nosh on seasonally focused and locally inspired cuisine and sip on tasty cocktails.
The restaurant and bar is made from recycled shipping containers and the chic and casual vibe is set with modern and plush seating and hanging bistro lights.
Try their Spicy Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita and the Instagram-worthy “Surfs Up.” Made with blue curaçao, coconut rum, peach liqueur, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice this signature layered beverage is just as visually appealing as it is colorful!
Images provided by The Gulf.
Day Three
Morning
Get up early and take a sunrise walk on the beach to look for shells that washed up overnight. Make yourself a lite breakfast and enjoy it on your balcony overlooking the ocean.
Late Morning / Early Afternoon
Rent a pontoon boat! This is hands down one of the best things I’ve ever done around the area! We loved cruising the spectacular bays around Orange Beach with our pups Olive and Nola Mae. We’ve been out with this company three times – and have seen dolphins each time!
Set a course for scenic Bird Island, Robinson Island, and Rabbit Island. These three small islands welcome you ashore with gorgeous sparkling waters and sandy beaches. This is the perfect place to lay out and relax or picnic if you want.
What You Get:
- 4 hours on a double-decker pontoon boat (some have slides!)
- Up to 12 passengers
- Pets allowed
- Temporary boaters’ license
Evening
After a day in the sun and cruising the water around Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you’ll be hungry!
Cure those hunger pangs by eating at the best dang seafood places in America, the Gulf Shores Steamer.
This local restaurant only serves up steamed platters of freshly caught seafood, so you won’t find any fried food here at all.
Order the Bay Steamer or the Small Steamer Platter – and you plate will be piled high with of crab legs, oysters, Royal Reds, and clams.
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Day Four
Morning
Rent a bike or set out for an early morning run through the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system. Sea-oat covered sand dunes are the norm along the coast, but those who venture inland are rewarded with beautiful live oaks, pines, freshwater lakes, rivers, and bayous – all just waiting to be explored. Fifteen different trails wind through 27 miles of paved scenic paths and six different ecosystems. Here’s your chance to see exotic migrating birds and alligators!
Before you leave the area, make a stop at the Gulf State Park fishing pier. It’s the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama’s only public pier on the Gulf! It’s a great place to take in the expansive view of the ocean. You’ll be entertained by the hungry birds that plague the fishermen. In addition, you stand a chance of seeing some sharks and stingray in the waters below attempting to steal the day’s fresh catch.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Moe’s Original BBQ. This small BBQ franchise has several locations spread out over the United States, but the boys who turned smokin’ meats into their business originally hail from Alabama. So, where better to get Moe’s real southern BBQ than its homeland?
Moe’s is famous for their Alabama-style hand-pulled pork, smoked chicken wings, and Memphis-style dry rubbed ribs. And don’t leave without trying plenty of their tasty southern sides and famous banana pudding.
Wash it all down with a great selection of local beer.
Images provided by Moe’s Original BBQ.
If you’re feeling energized, head to The Wharf. There are many restaurants (from local to chain, and casual to fine dining), bars (from daiquiri bars to boat bars), shopping (locally owned boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops), and even a zip line – so you’re bound to find something here to please everyone.
Images provided by The Wharf.
Be sure to check the Warf’s schedule on Friday and Saturday nights where (pre-COVID) they hosted “Dancing in the Street” — a dance party along their Main Street. Admission is free and it’s family friendly!
Get an afternoon caffeine jolt at the Southern Grind Coffee House. They also have delicious breakfast plates (with several vegan options) and wonderful local artwork and jewelry.
Other notable stops at The Wharf are Pour Smart Bar, Kentucky Mist Distillery, Murder Point Oyster Company, and the ferris wheel!
Evening
Climb aboard a 52-foot catamaran and watch a beautiful Orange Beach sunset from the water! Picture yourself enjoying a glass of wine (or your favorite beverage!) cruising the warm bay waters around Orange Beach. Your eyes close to enjoy the gentle, warm breeze as your favorite music comes through the speakers. Your eyes open to see two dolphins curiously investigating your boat. Now that’s relaxing in style!
You can set sail for around $50 per person.
Day Five
Morning
Check out of your home away from home and take one last look at the ocean before heading back to reality.
There are so many other fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama – this is just the tip of the iceberg. Find 30+ fun things to do in Gulf Shores and get more restaurant ideas.
About Sarah
Sarah hails from the land of fried chicken, sweet tea, buttered biscuits, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet…Alabama! She loves exploring undertouristed locations and sharing them with you.
Outfit Ideas
Keep cool and stay stylish when you visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast with this outfit ideas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Gulf Shores is March through May and September through November. Take advantage of these off times since they are less busy and less expensive than summertime.
The main difference between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores is that Orange Beach feels a little more family friendly. It’s quieter and less wild. There is definitely more of a Spring Break vibe going on in Gulf Shores – however that also means that there’s typically more going on. In addition, you can generally find cheaper lodging in Gulf Shores compared to Orange Beach.
No alcoholic beverages. No tents/canopies larger than 7’x7’x4′ unless they are placed in a designated tent area. No tobacco and e-cigarettes.
Yes, prohibition is still a thing in the Bible Belt, and yes – you can now purchase beer and wine on Sundays throughout most of Baldwin County.
The ocean in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama is warm, blue, and clear — with gentle waves – perfect for kids! However, the clear water of the Gulf of Mexico isn’t your see-a-shipwreck-for-a-mile Caribbean water, so don’t be disappointed.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama have normal tropical weather — meaning there is almost always a chance of rain or thunderstorms. If it rains, head into the town of Foley to the Tanger Outlet Mall where you’ll find Michael Kors, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor factory stores (and a TJ Maxx for my other Maxxinistas!). Lambert’s Throwed Rolls is also a good restaurant for a rainy day. It has delicious southern home cookin’ and a fun atmosphere. Around this area, you’ll also find a movie theatre, a Target, an escape room, and a good (albeit pricey) ice cream shop.
Resources to Help Your Travels
As always, everything on this site is completely free. If you found this post (or anything on YouFoundSarah.com) useful, I’d be grateful if you considered using the affiliate links below. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are the services Drew and I love to use ourselves when we plan our travels. Thanks for your support!
— Sarah
- Tours by Locals and GetYourGuide.com – For finding high-quality tours around the world.
- VRBO.com – For finding unique stays across the world.
- Enterprise Rent A Car – For quality rental cars that get you moving.
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