Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are two of the top beach destinations in the U.S. These Alabama cities are connected by sugar-white sand beaches, the stunning Gulf State Park, and The Backcountry Biking Trail. So I compiled this ultimate Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama blog for planning your trip.

The Best Summer Destinations in The U.S.

Because Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are so close together, it’s easy to visit attractions, restaurants, and beaches in both cities no matter where your accommodation is.

Here’s the ultimate Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama blog post!

When To Go

March – May is Gulf Shores and Orange Beach’s shoulder season. Temperatures will rise from the high 60s in March to the low 80s in May, perfect for golfing, biking, hiking, and lounging on the beach. The Gulf of Mexico will still be chilly for swimming in March, but the water will be pleasant by May. There are Spring Break crowds in March and April, but the prices and tourist numbers won’t be as high as in the summer.

June – August is the peak travel season. Crowds will be at their highest, so reserve your tours in advance, and if you’ll be at a public beach, stake out your spot early each day. Prices will also be at their highest, so book ahead of time to save some money and ensure you can get accommodation. Temperatures will be in the 90s, and the humidity will make it feel like 100, so plan your outdoor activities in the mornings and evenings.

September – November has pleasant temperatures in the high 70s to mid-60s and low crowd numbers. But this is hurricane season, so rain is common, and there’s always a chance your trip could be canceled. Accommodation prices and availability are great during these months. Plus, the National Shrimp Festival is in October, and the Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Weekend are in November.

Like most beach towns, December – February is the low season because the day, night, and water temperatures are cold. But if you’re okay wearing a layer on the beach, golf course, and bike trails, then you can score some incredible accommodation deals. If you’re here in December, then you’ll want to attend the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade.

Where To Stay

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have some incredible hotels for every budget and preference. From the boutique Beach Club Resort and Spa to the lux Lodge at Gulf State Park to chain hotels where you can use your points, I’ve rounded up the best hotels in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

If you’re bringing an RV, I suggest the Gulf State Park Campground. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also have some incredible vacation homes.

What To Do

Have some beach days

Shop at The Wharf and ride the Ferris wheel at night

Enjoy the rides at OWA

Visit Fort Morgan

Bike at Gulf State Park

Play a round of golf at one of the area’s world-class golf courses

Charter a boat for fishing, snorkeling, swimming, or exploring the Gulf or the intercoastal waterways

Go for a nature hike in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

If you’re celebrating something, rent your own floating tiki bar for the day

Channel your inner child and have fun at one of the area’s mini-golf courses, laser tags, arcades, or water parks

Where To Eat

My Favorites: Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar (Seafood, American, $$), GTs On The Bay (Seafood, $$), Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina (Seafood, $$$).

Shrimp: De Soto’s Seafood Kitchen ($$), Shrimp Basket Orange Beach ($$), Wolf Bay Restaurant at Orange Beach ($$).

Oysters: Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar ($$), The Gulf ($$), The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar ($$).

Ice Cream: Scoops Ice Cream ($), Island Ice Cream & Treats ($), Kilwins Orange Beach ($$).

Fine Dining: Cobalt (American, Contemporary, Seafood, $$$$), Sunset Cork Room (American, Seafood, $$$), Perch (Cajun & Creole, American, $$$).

Pizza, Burgers, & Tacos: Mama Lottie’s Pizza ($$), Hurricane Grill & Wings ($$), Yo Ho Rum & Tacos ($$).

Know Before You Go

Eat out early or late. These towns have an amazing food scene, which means that top restaurants can have multi-hour waits at the peak dinner time from 5:30-8:00. And many restaurants don’t take reservations. So plan to arrive earlier or later to get a table at some restaurants.

No fires are allowed on the beach.

Dogs are not allowed on the beaches, but there are dog parks in the area.

Parking is limited at the public beaches, so arrive early to get a parking spot or choose a hotel or vacation home within walking distance of a public beach.

Don’t leave beach chairs, canopies, or other gear on the beach at night because the cities will dispose of it.

Fireworks are not allowed on the beaches.

Alcohol is allowed on Orange Beach beaches, but alcohol is not allowed on Gulf Shores beaches.

No glass bottles are allowed on any beach in either town.

In Orange Beach, tents and sunshades are only allowed north of the Mean High Tide Line (there are signs for this). In Gulf Shores, tents and shelters larger than 7 feet by 7 feet and taller than 4 feet are not allowed on public beaches.

Don’t walk on the dunes or beach vegetation. Dunes are the primary defense against hurricane damage and are a shelter for beach wildlife.

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This post is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama blog are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama blog are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.