Address: 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

The main public beach area in Gulf Shores, located near The Hangout, Pink Pony Pub, and several local shops and restaurants.

Address: 25900 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

A convenient Orange Beach public access point with white sand, beautiful water, and easy access from Perdido Beach Blvd.

Address: 28103 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

A beautiful beach area near Perdido Pass with great views, water movement, and fishing nearby.

Address: 138 W 1st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Local tip: Lunch includes free sweet tea.

My favorites: Fried Grouper and Fried Shrimp.

Favorite server: Yvette.

Address: 25689 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561

My favorite: Meat and 3 lunch special — especially the grilled pork chops.

Favorite server: Ronald.

Address: 25722 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Coastal has two areas to dine — the restaurant and the outdoor bar area.

My preference: The bar area because they have more basket-style and fried options.

My favorites: Coastal Burger and Pimento Cheese Appetizer.

Address: 26189 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Great atmosphere on the bay with daily lunch specials.

Must try: Tatchos.

Address: 601 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

A classic Gulf Shores beachfront spot with a relaxed beach-town feel.

My favorite: Bahama Bob Burger.

Address: 300 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Great combination of seafood and non-seafood options.

My favorite: Fried Fish Platter.

Address: 3311 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535

Yeah, I know you’re thinking I’m crazy, but it’s the best steak around.

My favorites: 8oz Filet or 12oz Prime Rib.

Don’t skip: Tater Skins to get started.

Address: 17350 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507

Located behind Waffle House and the liquor store on the Old River side.

Very casual outdoor dining, usually with live music during the busier times of the year.

My favorite: Popcorn shrimp.

Rachel’s favorite: Greek flatbread appetizer.

Address: 5851 Galvez Rd, Pensacola, FL 32507

Outdoor bar-type setting with amazing sandwiches.

My favorite: The Hub Club.

Forget about eating the whole thing — I’ve always brought half back for later.

It’s about 20 minutes from Orange Beach, but well worth the drive.

Address: 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507

One of the most famous beach bars on the Gulf Coast, located right on the Alabama/Florida line.

Address: 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Family-friendly during the day and a fun nightlife spot in the evenings, right at the main beach intersection.

Address: 137 E Gulf Pl, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

A classic Gulf Shores beachfront bar with drinks, food, and Gulf views.

Address: 1501 S OWA Blvd, Foley, AL 36535

Great for families, with rides, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and Tropic Falls indoor water park.

Address: 20499 Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

A fun family stop away from the beach, especially for younger kids.

Address: 906 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

A seasonal water park and amusement attraction located just north of the beach.

Address: 2601 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535

Major outlet shopping with a large selection of national brands.

Address: 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Restaurants, shops, nightlife, marina views, events, concerts, and the Ferris wheel.

Address: 25771 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Address: 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Address: 170 E Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Address: 18948 Oak Rd W, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

One of the best rainy day spots for kids in the area. This is not just a trampoline park — it’s a full indoor activity center.

What they have: Trampolines, dodgeball, climbing walls, ninja course, arcade, batting cages.

Best for: Burning off energy when the weather won’t cooperate.

Address: 24565 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Classic arcade games plus newer interactive games. Kids earn tickets and redeem them for prizes.

Best for: Younger kids and quick indoor fun between rain showers.

Address: 4700 Main St, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Laser tag, bazooka ball, and arcade games all in one spot.

Best for: Older kids and groups.

Address: 204 E 2nd Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Fun indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf course with a dinosaur theme.

Best for: All ages, especially great if you still want a “vacation vibe” indoors.

Address: 2881 S Juniper St, Foley, AL 36535

More than just bowling — also includes laser tag and an indoor ropes course.

Best for: Families with mixed ages.

Address: 1501 S OWA Blvd, Foley, AL 36535

A full indoor waterpark under a glass roof — rain doesn’t affect anything.

Best for: Making a full day out of a rainy forecast.

The Wharf Theater: 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL

CMX Pinnacle: 3780 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL

Perfect backup plan when everyone needs a break.