Lifestyle at the Beach
As a long time, busy Realtor in our beautiful area, I get the opportunity to visit every corner of the beach. I must say, it is truly a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Whether you're just visiting or you live here all the time, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a wonderful way of living in virtually every area of your life.
The Alabama Gulf Coast is very family-friendly and offers many things to do for all ages. Here are a few options....
Some of the standouts for family fun include:
- 20 acres of water park, amusement park, and escape rooms
- 17 water slides
- Go-Kart racing
- Wave simulator for surfing and body boarding
- Mini-golf
- Wave pool
- Refreshments and much more
For now our zoo is located about a mile from the beach and showcases over 600 exotic animals. However, our little zoo is becoming an even larger attraction in November 2019. The new 25 acre zoo will offer a larger, more modern environment for the animals as well as provide theme park entertainment, event venues, dining, and educational programs. The zoo is the most ticketed venue in Baldwin County.
There are dozens of things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the entire family, which is one of the reasons why so many folks come here every year AND move here!
Relaxing on the beach is the epitome of lifestyle in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach......
Of course, our beach is the highlight for the whole area! The Alabama coast attracts over 6 million visitors annually who want to take in the beautiful, emerald waters of the Gulf and the sugar-white sands of our beach. The 32 mile coastline stretches from the Florida state line all the way to the tip of Fort Morgan. The beach is also very wide which gives sunbathers plenty of room to spread out while soaking up the rays.
Although there are a ton of things to do here, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a fantastic place to just relax.
While you'll find more beach goers near the public access points, the picture above is fairly typical for most of our coast. For every condo community and beach house, part of their private property is the beach (up to the mean high tide line). So, if you're staying right on the beach as a visitor or owner, you won't feel too crowded.
Public Beach Access
So much to do, so little time.......
The Wharf of Orange Beach is kind of like a city within the city. Not only is there a ton of shopping and beautiful waterfront condos available but you can play too. Here's what you'll find at The Wharf:
- 112 foot Ferris Wheel
- 18 hole mini-golf
- Sound and light shows
- Hummingbird Zipline - 8 towers covering 6,000 feet
- Bazooka Ball and Lazer Tag
- Escape Room
- AMC Movie Theater
It's all about the water sports in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach where you'll find opportunities for:
- Paddleboarding
- Jet Skiing
- Parasailing
- Boating
- Fishing
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Sailing
- Equipment Rentals
Visit this page for a complete list of local businesses that can hook you up for all of the fun you can handle in the water.
The Alabama Gulf Coast has several championship golf courses to choose from for fun and challenge. Look at the map below for Craft Farms, Gulf Shores Golf Club, The Peninsula, and Kiva Dunes.
Golf Courses at the Beach
Other Ways to Play at the Beach:
- Adventure Island
arcade and mini-golf
24559 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-974-1500 - Fun Boats Dolphin Cruises
251-971-1893 - Pirate's Island Adventure Golf
3201 Gulf Shores Pkwy
251-968-4653 - The Factory
trampoline park, arcade
18948 Oak Rd W
251-202-0900
The Alabama Gulf Coast is one of the most diverse eco-systems in the country and there are plenty of places to explore nature in all its glory.
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park is a true natural wonder where visitors and locals can take advantage of 28 miles of trails and 9 different ecosystems. Here's a little of what you can enjoy at Gulf State Park:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Camping
- Geocaching
- Swimming
- Paddling
- Wildlife watching
- Exploring
- Fishing
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
The Backcountry Trail offers 7 trails for hiking and biking and connects with Gulf State Park. You can explore 6 distinct ecosystems while staying active with nature.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a massive 7,157 acre "safe harbor" to a variety of wildlife on the coast of Gulf Shores. This is perfect for those who would love to explore nature in its purest form. Bring comfortable shoes!
Whether you're into running on the beach, water sports, and sweating it out in the gym, our beach has plenty of opportunity to stay healthy and be active.
Side note: In June 2018, Gulf Shores was designated as a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community (one of 2 cities in Alabama).
Health & Fitness Centers in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach
You don't have to look too far to find a great place to eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach....
According to Yelp, here are the top places to eat at the beach...
- Anchor Bar and Grill
4575 Wilson Blvd
251-200-0250 - Brick & Spoon
24705 Canal Rd
251-981-7772 - Flying Harpoon
112 Windmill Ridge Rd
251-948-4645 - Bahama Bobs
601 W Beach Blvd
251-948-2100 - The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails
1154 W Beach Blvd
251-948-2431 - The Gulf
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-424-1800 - Luna's Eat & Drink
25753 Canal Rd
251-980-5862 - Big Fish Restaurant & Bar
25814 Canal Rd
251-981-5516 - Kitty's Kafe
3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy
251-948-5233 - The Royal Oyster
807 Gulf Shores Pkwy
251-923-4882 - Ruby Slipper Cafe
24151 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-800-7470 - Cobalt
28099 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-923-5300 - Fin & Fork
24131 Perdido Beach Blvd
Well, you can't live in a resort town and not have any great places to shop! According to Yelp, here are the top places to spend your money in the area....
- The Wharf
4830 Main St
Orange Beach
251-224-1000 - Tanger Outlets
2610 S McKenzie St
Foley
251-943-9303 - Tallulah's Treasures by the Sea
Women's clothing, decor
25122 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-981-6003 - Happy Shak
jewelry and accessories
517 Gulf Shores Pkwy
251-504-0779 - Salt Coastal Outfitters
Gift shop
25122 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-215-945 - Retro Road Trip
Gift shop
701 Gulf Shores Pkwy
251-967-1017 - Geez Louise Boutique
Women's clothing, accessories, shoes
701 Gulf Shores Pkwy
251-948-5684 - Too Hot Mamas
Swimwear
27267 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-974-142 - Downtown OWA
100 N Owa Blvd
Foley
251-923-3443 - Souvenir City
Gift shop
217 Gulf Shores Pkwy
251-948-7280 - Sanroc Cay
Multiple shops
27267 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-981-5423
When the sun goes down and you're ready for some "big boy and girl" entertainment, there are plenty of places to have a drink and listen to some music.
Here are a few to get you started...
- The Hangout
101 E Beach Blvd
251-948-3030 - Splash Bar
27200 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-981-9811 - Pink Pony Pub
137 E Gulf Place
251-948-637 - Flying Harpoon
112 Windmill Ridge Rd
251-948-4645 - The Cove
131 Cove Ave
251-968-535 - The Club at Live Bait
24281 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-974-1395 - Flora-Bama
17401 Perdido Key Drive
850-492-0611 - The Gulf
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-424-1800 - San Bar
27267 Perdido Beach Blvd
251-979-9069
The lifestyle in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is relaxing, family friendly, healthy, and excites your senses. If you are in the real estate market to buy or sell a home in lower Alabama, please reach out to me.
Jeff Nelson
251-654-2523
jeff@livegulfshoreslocal.com
