48 Hours in Beach Towns
April 2023
BY KATE BURROUGHS
Where Alabama embraces the Gulf of Mexico with white-sand beaches, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley provide the nonstop fun and laid-back charm you seek.
Friday AFTERNOON
First things first, take a deep breath. You’re finally on vacation, so let the fun begin! Kick things off in Foley, just a few miles north of the beach, at what’s quickly becoming a family-friendly landmark—OWA.
Scream on thrill rides and slip down water slides. Ride kid-friendly options or white-knuckle favorites, like Rollin’ Thunder, the park’s iconic rollercoaster. Cool off in the brand-new Tropic Falls Indoor Water Park. Alternatively, if your theme park days are behind you and you have a teenager in tow, spend the afternoon filling your shopping bag with deals at Tanger Outlets. Claire’s, Crocs, Forever 21, J. Crew, Vera Bradley—they’re all here. For local finds, browse the goods at the Foley Art Center.
Friday EVENING
If you and your crew have spent the past few hours working up an appetite at OWA, stick around the complex. Dine at Groovy Goat for games and wood-grilled oysters, or eat ’til you’re full as a tick at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. The home-style Southern cooking is every bit as delicious as you imagine it to be. For the shoppers who left to explore Foley, head to Gelato Joe’s Italian Restaurant & Tiki Bar for family-friendly Italian fare and delicious gelato. Lasagna, paninis and all-you-can-eat spaghetti are made right there.
Saturday MORNING
Start your day in Gulf Shores with a morning walk along the nature trails and boardwalks at Gulf State Park. All told, there are more than 28 miles to explore on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, which winds through nine unique ecosystems, is ADA accessible and can be explored on foot, by bike, via wheelchair or with a Segway tour. If pedaling is more your speed, take advantage of the free bike-share program available from one of the many stations at the park. Refuel with a hearty breakfast at Woodside Restaurant in the state park, or head to restaurants in Orange Beach. Tacky Jacks or OSO Early are good choices for Southern brunch staples with international twists, like a Creole omelet or breakfast tacos.
Saturday AFTERNOON
Head to the beach to soak up the sun. The Gulf Place public beach access is ideal for families, thanks to a picnic area, restrooms and showers. Long, blue accessibility mats allow people of all mobility levels to access the famous white-sand beach. Be sure to pack a towel, maybe even a beach blanket and plenty of sunscreen. One of the perks of being at the beach is seeing the ocean life there, so wrap up your beach time by 4:30 or 5 to hop aboard a dolphin cruise. Being on the shimmering water lends a different perspective to your vacation, plus you might see some finned friends.
Saturday EVENING
Could the seafood get any fresher? Not really. It comes in daily, fresh from local waters, but you better sample it just to be sure. Do it casually with water views and a grouper sandwich at The Gulf in Orange Beach, or peel-and-eat local shrimp at Sea-N-Suds in Gulf Shores, or fried coconut grouper at Playa. Afterward, swing by The Wharf to ride the Ferris wheel and catch the light show.
Sunday MORNING
Ease into the day with a late breakfast at Gulf Shores’ Sunliner Diner, where chicken and waffle benedict is served all day. Then, visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. This 25-acre complex is home to 118 species, 22 of which are critically endangered, vulnerable or near threatened. It’s a fun way to spend part of the day, and if you want to add something unforgettable, book a one-on-one, up-close Animal Encounters experience with a sloth, a lemur, a giraffe or a kangaroo. It’s one way to ensure you won’t forget your time at the beach!
