Guide Book
Guide Book
Your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Guide
Welcome to the Alabama Gulf Coast. We’re glad you’re here, and we hope this guide helps make your stay easier, smoother, and a lot more fun.
Guidebook Contents
Everything you need for your stay — from arrival details and beach tips to local favorites and things to do around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Welcome
A warm hello, contact info, and what guests can expect.
2Arrival & Check-In
Door codes, parking, rental agreement reminders, and first steps.
3During Your Stay
Wi-Fi, linens, starter supplies, trash, maintenance, and house rules.
4Beach Tips
Beach safety, local rules, packing tips, and Gulf Coast reminders.
5Local Food Favorites
Restaurants, casual spots, seafood, breakfast, and treats.
6Things To Do
Family fun, attractions, shopping, outdoor activities, and nightlife.
7A Wave We Go
Party bus, group transportation, bar hopping, weddings, and guest discount.
8Rainy Day Ideas
Kid-friendly indoor options and backup plans for stormy days.
9Free Daily Activities
Guest activity program details and how to redeem your included ticket.
10Departure
Checkout reminders, what to do before leaving, and review request.
Welcome to the Coast
Thank you for choosing Coastal South Vacation Rentals. We’re locally owned, professionally managed, and always personal. Our goal is simple: help you have a clean, comfortable, stress-free stay on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Your comfort is our priority!
If you need anything during your stay, please reach out. We inspect after each clean and work hard to make sure every property is guest-ready before arrival.
Emergency Reminder
For medical, fire, police, or life-safety emergencies, call 911 first. Then notify us once everyone is safe.
Arrival & Check-In
Most check-in details are property-specific, so be sure to review your welcome message before arrival.
Before Arrival
- Complete your rental agreement and ID verification (both are done together during booking).
- Review parking information for your property.
- Save your door code and arrival instructions.
Check-In
Check-in is at 4:00 PM. We are unable to guarantee early check-in, but you are welcome to reach out around noon on the day of arrival and we can let you know if your property is ready early.
Parking
Parking rules vary by property and complex. Some properties include parking passes, while others require payment through the complex or security.
During Your Stay
A few quick reminders to help keep your stay smooth and comfortable.
Starter Supplies
All properties include a starter set of basic supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, trash bags, and travel-size toiletries. These are intended to get you started and may not last your full stay.
Linens & Towels
Linens and bath towels are provided. Beach towels are usually not provided unless specifically stated in the listing, so we recommend bringing or purchasing beach towels for the sand and pool.
Wi-Fi & TVs
Wi-Fi and TV details vary by property. If you have trouble connecting, check your arrival instructions first, then contact us if you still need help.
Trash
Please follow your property’s specific trash instructions. In condos, trash chutes or dumpsters are usually located on-site. In houses or cottages, trash pickup days may vary.
Maintenance
Please report maintenance concerns as soon as possible. We want the opportunity to help while you are still here.
Age Requirement
The primary renter must be at least 25 years old and present for the duration of the stay. Any exceptions must be approved prior to booking.
Beach Tips & Local Reminders
The beach is the main attraction, but a little planning goes a long way.
Check the Flags
Beach flags communicate surf conditions. Always follow posted warnings and lifeguard instructions.
Leave Only Footprints
Remove beach items, toys, tents, chairs, and trash when you leave the beach for the day.
Pack Smart
Bring sunscreen, water, beach towels, sunglasses, shade, and snacks. The Alabama sun can sneak up on you.
Local Food Favorites
Here are some of our favorite local spots around Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and nearby Foley. Always check current hours before heading out, especially during slower seasons or bad weather.
Seafood & Beach Classics
- De Soto’s Seafood Kitchen Jonathan’s Favorite — 138 W 1st Ave, Gulf Shores. A long-time local favorite for seafood plates and lunch specials.
- Coastal Jonathan’s Favorite — A great beach classic for seafood, drinks, and coastal atmosphere.
- The Gulf — 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach. Outdoor waterfront dining with a coastal setting near Perdido Pass.
- Luna’s Eat & Drink Jonathan’s Favorite — A fun Orange Beach favorite with seafood, Southern dishes, drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Jesse’s on the Bay Jonathan’s Favorite — Waterfront dining with a great setting for a nicer meal out.
- Sea-N-Suds — 405 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores. A classic beachfront seafood spot with a casual local feel.
- Mikee’s Seafood — 205 E 2nd Ave, Gulf Shores. Casual seafood, fried shrimp, oysters, and Gulf Coast comfort food.
- Bahama Bob’s — 601 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores. A relaxed West Beach favorite. Jonathan’s favorite item: the Bahama Bob Burger.
- Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar — 26029 Canal Rd, Orange Beach. Casual seafood, oysters, shrimp, and family-friendly dining.
Family-Friendly & Fun Atmosphere
- The Hangout — 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores. Lively beach atmosphere, music, games, and a fun place for families.
- LuLu’s — 200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores. Waterfront dining with a big kid-friendly atmosphere, ropes course, arcade area, and live music.
- Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores — 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores. Casual waterfront dining with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a laid-back vibe.
- Tacky Jacks Orange Beach — 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, Orange Beach. Waterfront views, casual food, and a fun local feel.
Breakfast, Coffee & Quick Bites
- The Ruby Slipper Cafe — 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach. Popular brunch spot with Southern-inspired breakfast favorites.
- Kitty’s Kafe — 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores. Casual breakfast and lunch with a local diner feel.
- Waffle House — Multiple locations. Quick, familiar, and easy for breakfast.
- Island Market — 223 E 16th Ave, Gulf Shores. Convenient stop for snacks, drinks, beach items, and quick essentials.
Steaks, Burgers & Non-Seafood
- Texas Roadhouse Jonathan’s Favorite — 3311 S McKenzie St, Foley. Jonathan’s pick when you want a solid steak. Favorite order: 8 oz filet or 12 oz prime rib.
- Big Beach Brewing — 300 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores. Local brewery with a relaxed atmosphere. Food trucks are often nearby.
Sweet Treats & Dessert
- Dels Ice Cream — Locations in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. A must-stop for ice cream on a hot day.
- Matt’s Homemade Ice Cream — 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores. A popular stop for ice cream near the beach.
- Hope’s Cheesecake — 210 E 20th Ave, Gulf Shores. Great place for cheesecake and desserts.
- Chocolate Corner — 200 W Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores. Chocolates, sweets, and treats for the ride home.
Things To Do
Whether you want beach time, family fun, shopping, live music, or something a little different, there’s plenty to do nearby.
Family Fun
Mini golf, dolphin cruises, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, arcades, go-karts, beach days, and The Wharf are always easy wins.
Outdoor Adventures
Explore Gulf State Park, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, kayaking, fishing charters, parasailing, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.
Shopping
Visit local beach shops, souvenir stores, boutiques, The Wharf in Orange Beach, and Tanger Outlets in Foley.
Nightlife
Enjoy live music, beach bars, bushwackers, karaoke, and local entertainment throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
OWA & Tropic Falls
Located in Foley, OWA offers restaurants, shopping, an amusement park, and Tropic Falls indoor/outdoor water park.
The Wharf
Shopping, dining, concerts, a movie theater, the Ferris wheel, and seasonal events in Orange Beach.
A Wave We Go — Home of The Sharty Bus
Planning a night out, birthday party, bachelor or bachelorette trip, wedding transportation, bushwacker tour, bar crawl, or group ride? Our guests are eligible for a 20% discount during their stay with A Wave We Go.
Shuttle + Party = Sharty
The Sharty Bus is a fun way to keep the group together, avoid the hassle of parking, and enjoy the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area without worrying about who has to drive.
Visit www.awavewego.com to learn more or request a ride.
Great For Groups
Birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, weddings, family outings, bar hopping, dinner transportation, and group adventures.
Guest Discount
Guests staying with Coastal South Vacation Rentals are eligible for 20% off during their stay.
Easy Transportation
Skip the parking headaches and keep everyone together for a safer, more convenient night out.
Rainy Day Ideas
A little rain doesn’t have to ruin the day. Here are easy backup ideas, especially for families with kids.
The Factory
Indoor trampoline park in Gulf Shores. Great for kids who need to burn energy.
Arcades & Indoor Games
Look for local arcades, bowling, escape rooms, and game centers nearby.
Shopping Day
Head to Tanger Outlets, The Wharf, or local boutiques for a break from the weather.
Movie & Snack Night
Grab snacks, order takeout, and settle in for a relaxed night at the condo.
Free Daily Activities for Guests
Every reservation under 28 days includes one free ticket, per activity, per day to select local attractions. While weather and seasonality may affect availability of certain activities, this program is available to all eligible guests. After booking and completing your rental agreement, you will receive a personal link to reserve your activities.
Parasailing
Blue Sky Parasail
Mini Golf
Beachside Mini Golf
Dolphin Cruise
Southern Rose
Party Boat Fishing
Zeke’s Lady
Zoo
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Beach Package
4-person beach chair package
Checkout & Departure
We hate to see you go, but these quick steps help our team prepare for the next guest.
Before You Leave
- Remove all personal items.
- Take trash to the designated trash area.
- Load and start the dishwasher if requested.
- Return furniture and remotes to their original places.
- Lock all doors and windows.
Before You Review
Reviews are incredibly helpful to our small local business, and we truly appreciate guests taking the time to share their experience. In today’s review world, anything less than 5 stars is generally considered negative. We want every guest to have a fantastic stay, so if there is anything we can do to address a concern, please let us know right away so we can handle it immediately while you are still here.
Thanks for Staying With Coastal South
We hope you have an amazing stay and make memories worth coming back for.
Coastal South Vacation Rentals
Locally Owned. Professionally Managed. Always Personal.
Phone: 251-975-2700
Website: www.coastalsouthvacationrentals.com