Guest Guide
Helpful Info For Your Vacation
Experience The Alabama Gulf Coast Like A Local
Created exclusively for Coastal South Vacation Rentals guests. Inside you’ll find local favorites, beach tips, dining recommendations, activities, rainy day ideas, and everything you need for a smoother stay in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Guidebook Contents
Welcome to the Alabama Gulf Coast! We’re excited to host your stay and hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. From local restaurants and beach tips to activities, nightlife, and rainy day ideas, we’ve put together some of our favorite recommendations to help you experience the area like a local.
Welcome
Important information about your stay, how to reach us, and what to expect during your visit.
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.
7Fishing Charters
Recommended local captains for Gulf Coast fishing trips.
8A Wave We Go
Party bus, group transportation, bar hopping, weddings, and guest discount.
9Rainy Day Ideas
Kid-friendly indoor options and backup plans for stormy days.
10Free Daily Activities
Guest activity program details and how to redeem your included ticket.
11Departure
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. Specific information about each condo is sent once the rental agreement and ID verification are complete.
Before Arrival
- Complete your rental agreement and ID verification before arrival.
- Review your welcome message for property-specific information, parking details, and door codes.
- Save your arrival instructions so they are easy to access during travel.
- Make sure everyone in your group is aware of the property's parking limits and house rules.
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 to help get your vacation started smoothly. These supplies are intended to get you started and may not last your full stay depending on the size of your group and length of stay.
Each bathroom typically includes:
- 1 roll of toilet paper
- Travel-size shampoo
- Travel-size conditioner
- Travel-size body wash
- 1 bar of soap
Each kitchen typically includes:
- 1 roll of paper towels
- Single-use dishwasher detergent packet
- Single-use laundry detergent packet
- Small bottle of dish soap
- 3 trash bags
- Sponge
- Dish towel
Linens & Towels
Linens and bath towels are provided for your stay. Beds are made with fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillowcases, and quilts prior to arrival.
Bathrooms will typically include a hand towel for each sink, a bath mat for the shower or tub area, and at least one bath towel and wash cloth per person that the property sleeps.
Unlike a hotel, we do not provide daily housekeeping, daily towel exchanges, or mid-stay cleaning services unless specifically arranged in advance.
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. Below are a few important reminders and helpful resources to make your beach days safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
Check the Flags
Beach flags communicate surf conditions and water safety. Always follow posted warnings and lifeguard instructions before entering the Gulf.
Leave Only Footprints
Please help keep our beaches beautiful by removing chairs, tents, toys, and trash when leaving for the day. Respecting the beach helps preserve it for future visitors and protects local wildlife.
Know the Beach Rules
Beach rules regarding tents, alcohol, glass containers, fires, and other items can vary between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Please review local regulations before setting up for the day.
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.
- Coastal Jonathan’s Favorite — A great beach classic for seafood, drinks, and coastal atmosphere.
- The Gulf — 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach.
- 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.
- Mikee’s Seafood — 205 E 2nd Ave, Gulf Shores.
- Bahama Bob’s — 601 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores.
- Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar — 26029 Canal Rd, Orange Beach.
Family-Friendly & Fun Atmosphere
- The Hangout — 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores.
- LuLu’s — 200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores.
- Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores — 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores.
- Tacky Jacks Orange Beach — 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, Orange Beach.
Breakfast, Coffee & Quick Bites
- The Ruby Slipper Cafe — 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach.
- BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets — 25689 Canal Rd, Orange Beach.
- City Donut — Multiple locations in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores.
- Kitty’s Kafe — 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores.
- Waffle House — Multiple locations.
- Island Market — 223 E 16th Ave, Gulf Shores.
Steaks, Burgers & Non-Seafood
- Texas Roadhouse Jonathan’s Favorite — 3311 S McKenzie St, Foley.
- Big Beach Brewing — 300 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores.
Sweet Treats & Dessert
- Dels Ice Cream — Locations in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
- Matt’s Homemade Ice Cream — 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores.
- Hope’s Cheesecake — 210 E 20th Ave, Gulf Shores.
- Chocolate Corner — 200 W Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores.
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.
Recommended Fishing Charters
The Alabama Gulf Coast is known for incredible offshore and inshore fishing opportunities. If you’re interested in booking a fishing trip during your stay, here are two local captains we personally recommend.
Cool Change Charters — Captain Joe Nash
Captain Joe Nash runs Cool Change out of Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach. He is a great local captain with years of experience fishing Gulf waters and helping guests enjoy a memorable day on the water.
Location: Zeke’s Marina, Orange Beach
Website: coolchangecharter.com
KOKA Charters — Captain Chase Newton
Captain Chase Newton with KOKA Charters operates out of Fort Morgan and brings strong local knowledge of the waters along the coast. A great option for guests looking for a fishing trip near the Fort Morgan area.
Location: Fort Morgan
Website: kokafishingcharters.com
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.
Rainy Day Ideas
A little rain doesn’t have to ruin the day. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for indoor entertainment, or just wanting a break from the sun, there are plenty of great rainy day options around Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley.
The Factory
Located in Gulf Shores, The Factory is a huge indoor trampoline park and adventure center that is perfect for kids and teens needing to burn off some energy.
Tropic Falls at OWA
Tropic Falls in Foley is one of the area’s best rainy day attractions. The indoor water park stays open year-round and features slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, splash areas, and attractions for kids and adults.
Arcades & Indoor Games
Several local arcades and indoor entertainment centers offer laser tag, bowling, escape rooms, virtual reality games, and classic arcade fun.
Shopping Day
Visit Tanger Outlets in Foley, The Wharf in Orange Beach, or local boutiques throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Movie & Relaxation Day
Grab takeout, pick up snacks or desserts, and enjoy a slower-paced day at the condo.
The Wharf
The Wharf can still be a fun outing with restaurants, shops, a movie theater, indoor attractions, and seasonal events.
Free Daily Activities for Guests
Every reservation under 28 days includes one free ticket per day to choose from 6 popular local activities. 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 try to make checkout as simple and stress-free as possible so you can enjoy the last part of your vacation without a long list of chores. Our cleaning teams and commercial laundry facility handle the heavy lifting.
Before You Leave
- Remove all personal items from the property.
- Take trash to the designated trash area or dumpster.
- For most properties, simply load and start the dishwasher before leaving.
- If your property does not have a dishwasher, please wash dirty dishes and leave them to dry on the counter.
- There should be a QR code located on the refrigerator in every unit. Scanning it during checkout alerts our cleaning team that the property has been vacated. If the QR code is missing, send us a quick text letting us know you have checked out.
- For the few units that include beach towels, please start a load only if those towels were used.
- We do not ask guests to wash bed linens or bath towels. Our cleaners bring fresh professionally laundered linens and towels to every clean and remove all used linens to be processed at our commercial laundry facility.
- Lock all doors and windows when you leave.
Before You Review
Reviews are incredibly helpful to our small local business, and we truly appreciate guests taking the time to share their experience. We always strive to provide a 5-star stay for every guest. If you feel there is anything that would prevent you from leaving a 5-star review, we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to receive that feedback privately so we can address concerns quickly and continue improving the experience for future guests.
Interested In Owning A Beach Property?
Many of our guests fall in love with the Alabama Gulf Coast during their stay — and some decide they want a place of their own. Coastal South is not only a vacation rental management company, but also a licensed real estate brokerage with extensive local market knowledge.
Looking For An Investment Property?
Whether you are interested in a beachfront condo, lagoon-front property, second home, or income-producing vacation rental, we would love the opportunity to help you find the perfect investment property along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Clients who use Coastal South Realty to purchase a property and Coastal South Vacation Rentals to manage it also receive a discounted management commission during the first year of management.
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