Perfect Condo In Gulf Shores Beach Condos
This gorgeous condo is housed inside a larger complex, giving you a sense of community and convenient access to essential services. Theres a large balcony where you can enjoy views of the ocean which is only a two-minute stroll away from your front door! They include lots of little extras to enhance your stay, such as beach chairs and a cooler.
What Orange Beach And Gulf Shores Have In Common
Both of these Alabama beaches have beautiful waterfront, including publicly available beaches .
Both have super fresh seafood, like royal red shrimp, flounder, snapper, mahi mahi, oysters, crawfish, grouper, and more.
Both have access to the Hugh S Branyon Backcountry trail, for miles of walking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Both have watersport rentals, for sightDOING like kayaking or parasailing.
Both have plenty of places to stay, so you can pick what works best for your family.
And both have ice cream places. Hello, vacation!
Best Western On The Beach
The view from the Best Western on the Beach is inspiring no matter what time of day you glance out to the ocean, which is located just outside the door.
Guest rooms have amenities like a kitchenette with a refrigerator. You can book rooms with fireplaces and balconies for added relaxation.
It is a mile from the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier and just a few steps from the famous white-sand beaches of the Gulf Shores.
The property has an indoor heated pool, a beachside pool, a kiddie pool, and hot tubs. Guests have direct access to the beach, but you are only a few minutes from some of the top attractions in the area, including Bon Secour Bay and Wildlife Refuge Gulf State Park and Orange Beach Marina, where you can book fishing charters and dolphin-watching excursions.
Address: 337 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, Alabama
Accommodation: Best Western on the Beach
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Coastal Arts Center Of Orange Beach
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If youre looking for great cultural things to do near Gulf Shores, be sure to make time for the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach.
This coastal campus is situated along the shores of the famed Orange Beach.
An enriching arts experience for children, teens, and adults, the center provides a wide variety of artistic experiences, all with breathtaking views of Wolf Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Notably, the center offers art classes and camps for children throughout the summer as well as immersive art experiences for adults too.
Teaching different styles of art that employ an array of artistic mediums, the center is the perfect place for budding artists to learn new techniques.
Furthermore, the center has an onsite art gallery thats enjoyable to peruse.
Finally, the areas only glassblowing studio, The Hot Shop, and a clay studio are both situated on the same campus.
If youd like to make some time for the Coastal Art Center, be sure to make reservations in advance of your arrival.
Address: 26389 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States
Harris Vacation Rentals In Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is known for its pristine white beaches, fantastic hiking trails, and family-friendly attractions. Harris Vacation Rentals is proud to offer a collection of Gulf Shores beach homes of all different shapes and sizes. Whether youre looking for a pet-friendly rental, a home with a private outdoor pool, or a beautiful beachfront house with views of the Gulf of Mexico, weve got you covered.
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How Do I Get Around Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is served by two airports, the Mobile Regional Airport , a 90-minute drive northwest, and the larger Pensacola International , an hours drive east. Most major airlines serve both airports, but youre likely to find better deals from a greater variety of destinations when flying into Pensacola. When you land, youll want to rent a car the region is a bit too spread out to traverse on foot. But if you can get your hands on a bike, youll have plenty of trails to explore during your stay.
Jack Edwards National Airport Where To Stay In Gulf Shores On A Budget
- COOLEST thing to do near the Airport: tee off at Craft Farms Golf Club the most popular course in Gulf Shores.
- BEST place to visit near the Airport: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great activity for a rainy day in the city.
You might be surprised to hear that the area surrounding the airport is the most budget-friendly. It is a little bit further inland from the beach , but still has plenty of great attractions nearby. The area surrounding the highway is packed with entertainment venues, laid-back restaurants, and huge malls.
Yukolthorn Nasongkhla
If youre visiting with a car, the beach is only a five-minute drive away. Most hotels and condos in this neighborhood come with ample parking, meaning there are plenty of savings to be had. The attractions here are more geared towards families with older kids. Its also a great neighborhood for rainy day activities.
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Tropic Falls Theme Park
This exciting theme park is one of many top tourist attractions for adults and children.
Situated amid a vibrant, tropical-themed setting, this amusement park is packed with thrills for all ages.
The park is home to 22 rides such as swings, roller coasters, and racer rides as well as more subdued attractions such as teacups and flying butterflies for younger riders.
Whats more, the park is also home to an indoor water park with water slides galore as well as an exciting wave pool.
In addition to the many thrilling amusements, the 520-acre park has many convenient eateries with a combination of 15 restaurants, snack bars, and food kiosks, there are tons of tasty bites to be had.
Entertainment and souvenir shopping are additional things to do when visiting Tropic Falls Theme Park.
One of the most exciting tourist attractions in Gulf Shores, Tropic Falls Theme Park is a must-do for the whole family.
Address: 1501 S OWA Blvd, Foley, AL 36535, United States
Are The Alabama Beaches A Good Destination To Visit With Kids
Yes! When it comes to family friendly, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are about as good as it gets. Most of the accommodations were built with families in mind. Kid-friendly food and activities abound in the area. Restaurants nearly all have things like kids menus and high chairs, and no one is going to look twice at you taking kids just about anywhere in the area.
Thats not to say there isnt a scene, however, for other kinds of travelers. The area is increasingly popular for girlfriend getaways and golf trips. And theres enough of a party and bar scene that spring breakers and 20 somethings can find something that works for them too. But family-friendly is definitely the dominant vibe.
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Turquoise Place By Spectrum Resorts
Our stay at Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts was nothing short of luxurious. From the moment we drove up to those gorgeous blue-green glass towers and checked in, we felt relaxed and pampered.
My daughter and I stayed at Turquoise Place with my sister and her family. There were six of us in a 3-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath condo and never once did we feel crowded the condos are huge!
My brother-in-law, who is the cook of our family, loved the high-quality appliances in the chef-ready kitchen, as well as the grill on our balcony.
The new Spectrum Club Lounge is another great perk to staying at Turquoise Place. With your SpectrumBand wristband , you have access to the Lounge for free continental breakfast, ping-pong, pool table, special toddler activities, and video game consoles.
In the afternoons, they have a full cash bar available, as well as evening receptions to mingle with other guests.
Turquoise Place is right on the beach and you should definitely take advantage of their beach chair service. You can rent a set of two chairs, a small table, and an umbrella for one day or for your whole stay.
Its fantastic having a dedicated spot with an umbrella to keep you shaded and the employees will come by and adjust the umbrella any way you want throughout the day. Just walk out to the beach and find an employee who will set you up.
Additional amenities include:
- Tiki bar, boutique and gift shop
- DVD rentals
The Biggest Complexes To Look For Places To Stay In Orange Beach Alabama
The Phoenix buildings are all very popular, including Phoenix X and Phoenix West II . There is a new building that recently opened Phoenix Orange Beach that looks really nice. Check availability and pricing
The Palms is another great option. Its also highly recommended by local Moms Check availability and pricing
The Caribe is also nice but is not right on the beach. We walked to the beach which is not far but you can catch a shuttle too. Both are beautiful white sand beaches & both are fun with lots of activities . The condo we stayed in had a lazy river & slide the kids loved & it was right on the beach! Check availability and pricing
Lastly, we suggest you look at the Turquoise Place condos. It has an indoor pool, lazy river, bar, live music, fitness center, snow cones shop for kids and on beach. Each unit has a hot tub on the balcony Check availability and pricing
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Spacious Apartment With Beach Views
A great choice for larger groups, this remodeled two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment can sleep up to eight guests.
Convenience is key in this top-of-the-line Gulf Shores Airbnb, which features a Smart TV in every room and handy appliances like an in-unit washer and dryer and a dishwasher. The spacious apartment features one master bedroom with a king-size bed and one smaller bedroom with two double beds, and there is an extra sofa bed in the living room. Guests can enjoy balcony access from both the spacious living area and the master bedroom, and there is a lovely full kitchen near a dining table for when you feel like eating in. The rental also comes with access to the propertys impressive heated pool, which is the largest in the area, and there are beach towels and beach chairs available in the storage bin on the balcony.
Guests can take just a few steps to the beach and walk to several popular attractions, including the famous restaurant known as the Hangout. Waterville Amusement Park is also just a short drive away, making this rental a great choice for guests traveling with children.
Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is a gorgeous destination with plenty to offer budget travelers. The white sand beaches are a beautiful setting to enjoy the Gulf Coast sunshine. With plenty of watersports, entertainment venues, and restaurants, theres a little something for everyone to make this the perfect family vacation.
We love all the neighborhoods in this guide, but if youre only visiting for a few days, we definitely recommend West Beach. This central neighborhood is home to most of the tourist attractions and gives you a great overview of the city.
That being said, whichever neighborhood is best for you depends on what you want to get out of your stay. Shelby Lakes is a peaceful area for those that want a more secluded feel, while heading inland to the area surrounding the airport is perfect if youre on a budget. Either way, we hope weve helped you figure out your itinerary for your upcoming trip.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
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Springhill Suites Orange Beach At The Wharf
The SpringHill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf is an all-suite hotel in Orange Beach located close to the coast. It is within walking distance to shopping and entertainment in the area and a short drive from the beach.
The studio suites include a mini refrigerator and microwave, and some suites come with a balcony.
The hotel has an outdoor pool, a whirlpool, and fitness center for guests to use. Complimentary breakfast is included.
The hotel location is within walking distance to The Wharf, where you can enjoy the attractions and take water excursions from the marina. You are just a few miles from the Gulf Coast beaches, Gulf State Park, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and the outlet mall.
Address: 4673 Wharf Pkwy., Orange Beach, Alabama
You Can Also Fly And Rent A Car
Pensacola airport is very close by and both American and Southwest fly directly in less than 2 hours.
Its about an hour to drive to Orange Beach and the Car rental pick-up can get very busy, so try and book a skip-the-counter option or rush there once you deplane.
When flying home, allow extra time due to the airport size being smaller if its crowded during the Summer and if flying Southwest, they may not have the self-check in machines available to tag your own bags and take them to the bag drop. You may have to line up to check-in with an agent.
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Hotel Indigo Orange Beach
The Hotel Indigo in Orange Beach is surrounded by the natural beauty of the area. It is just steps from the beach and close to the Gulf State Park Pier and hiking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail next to the hotel.
This is a pet-friendly hotel, and the proximity to outdoor attractions is nice for pet owners.
Hotel Indigo has rooms and suites with spa-inspired bathrooms, mini refrigerators, and bath robes for suite guests.
The hotel has an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness facility.
The hotel offers vacation packages that combine experiences or add room extras upon arrival for special occasions.
Address: 22843 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama
Authentic Cottage Near The Airport: Yellow House
This cute little cottage has somewhat rustic interiors though we believe these just add to the authentic charm. It is away from the main road, making it one of the best options available if you value peace and quiet. The Pinnacle, a large shopping center in the area, is only a short walk away and the beach is about five minutes by car.
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Back To The Basics: How Far Apart Are Orange Beach And Gulf Shores
As the crow flies, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are just 10 miles apart, or about a 20-minute drive with Gulf State Park in the middle.
Unofficially, when people refer to Orange Beach they typically include the area east to the Florida state line similarly, Gulf Shores stretches westbound toward Fort Morgan. Because of this, if youre going from one extreme end to the other, it could easily take you 35-40 minutes to get from A to B.
That type of distance makes it short enough you can explore both, but its just enough stop lights along the way that picking the right base will save you time in the car. No one wants to commute on vacation!
Boardwalk Condo With Ocean Views
Soaring high ceilings and spacious sunny bedrooms make this stylish Airbnb in Gulf Shores the perfect choice for a refreshing getaway by the sea.
Suited for up to six guests, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo is furnished with one king-size bed, one queen-size bed, and one sofa bed. There is also a large open living area with a stunning wall of mirrors and a bright wall of windows leading onto the private balcony, and the rental comes with an updated full kitchen with stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops. Additional amenities include an on-site pool and in-unit laundry facilities.
The perfect location of this beachfront condo makes for some spectacular ocean views, and guests can enjoy easy access to surrounding amenities and attractions.
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Beachfront Apartment On West Beach Boulevard
Located in the low-density condo complex known as Sunrise Village, this quiet two-bedroom apartment is the perfect vacation rental in Gulf Shores for anyone looking to avoid the crowds.
Up to six guests can stay in the two-bedroom, one-bathroom condo, which comes furnished with two queen-size beds and one sofa bed. With desirable modern amenities like a modern full kitchen, an in-unit washer and dryer, and a Smart TV, the condo is well equipped for longer stays, and two brand-new mattresses promise a wonderful night of rest. The interior design is cheery and colorful with a fun beach theme and plenty of eye-catching artwork, and the beachfront location is sure to put you in the vacation spirit.
This relaxing Airbnb in Gulf Shores comes with an on-site pool which, along with the beach, is guaranteed to never be too crowded.
Uss Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Lovers of military and maritime history will enjoy spending some time at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The Memorial Park is an interesting thing to do near Gulf Shores, even if military and maritime history isnt really your thing. The USS Alabama was built in the 1930s for the United States Navy. It was part of the South Dakota class of battleships. There were four South Dakota class battleships made, and the USS Alabama was the last one.
The battleship was used frequently in the Pacific Theater during WWII. It was then retired in the 1960s and moved to the area that would become the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The park has been open to visitors since 1965. It is one of the most notable attractions in Alabama and has become a must-see for anyone visiting the state. You can tour the battleship, and there is also a green space to relax in. There is also a visitors center where youll learn all about the battleships history.
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