Obviously, the number one guaranteed way to enjoy your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach vacation is to spend an enormous amount of time on our white sandy beaches. Let’s face it, Alabama has some of the best beaches in the world and its the sole reason most vacationers choose to visit Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
However, this blog post is about other things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach while on vacation! Believe it or not, there is a ton of things to do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach other than relaxing on the beach.
We also believe that you can guarantee your family will enjoy your Alabama beach vacation if you take advantage of these “off-beach” activities.
1- Book a Deep Sea Fishing Charter
The Gulf of Mexico is known for having some of the best off-shore fishing in the United States. Why not take your family beach vacation to another level by chartering a deep sea fishing trip?
Don’t worry about whether your family knows how to fish or not. The fishing captains are pros, and anyone can do it! My only advice is to stay hydrated, keep the sunscreen applied, and it does not hurt to take a pre-cautionary over the counter motion sickness pill.
If you want to know more about our Orange Beach favorite deep fishing charter, click here to read our blog post.
2- Book a Pontoon With a Water slide
The Alabama beaches are fantastic, but it is worth a day to visit the back bays of Orange Beach Alabama.
Your kids will think you have hung the moon, if you book a pontoon boat with a water slide. Check out Happy Harbour in Orange Beach for rentals.
3- Spend a day at Waterville in Gulf Shores
Honest to goodness, Waterville is one of the best water parks in the country. They have slides for tweens, teens and even the youngest of the family.
4– Shop, Play & Dine at the Wharf in Orange Beach
You could spend an hour or a full day at the Wharf where there are plenty of shops, restaurants and attractions to keep you and the kids occupied.
Marking the grand entrance to the Wharf is the southeast’s tallest Ferris Wheel. You can get a great overview of Orange Beach from the top of the wheel, which is over 112-feet tall.
The Ferris Wheel just happens to be located next to the Carmike Wharf 15, which shows all the latest movie releases.
If you are lucky or plan appropriately, there will be an outdoor concert at the amphitheater at the Wharf.
5- Spend a Day at the Flora-Bama
Hey, even Obama could not resist have a bushwacker while in town!
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Rentals 30% off Spring
We have a blow out sale on our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rentals for April 23-May 22!
Don’t miss out on your chance to stay at many of our luxury Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rentals at a fraction of the price!
Book your Gulf Shores or Orange Beach rental on our website and include in the comments : “30% off Spring Special.” We will manually deduct 30 % from the rental amount (does not apply to taxes and additional fees).
Other Exclusions Apply. See our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Specials Page for details
Orange Beach Condos For Rent Easter & Mullet Toss Weekend
We still have a select few Orange Beach condos for rent Easter & Mullet Toss weekend!
Easter weekend is April 18-20 and Mullet Toss weekend is April 24-27th 2014. The Alabama beaches are waiting for you over these holiday weekends!
Whether you want to throw a Mullet in Flora-bama’s famous Mullet Toss or you want to rest and rejuvenate over the Easter holiday, Orange Beach Alabama is the place to be.
We have Orange Beach condos for rent at Turquoise Place, Phoenix West ii, Seawinds, and Beach Colony to name a few.
However, the quantity of Orange beach rentals still open for this weekend is extremely limited!
Don’t wait until the last minute because we are selling out fast! As of today, we only have 7 Turquoise Place and 2 Phoenix West ii condos for rent over this popular weekend.
Don’t miss out on a fun holiday weekend in Orange Beach Alabama, and call us today at 1-800-210-7914
Prickett Properties, a Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rental company, sponsored a “hole” at the Bayside Academy Helicopter Ball Drop Fund Raiser.
It was such a fun way to raise money for the school! A helicopter flew around the Bayside Academy football field and dropped golf balls that were purchased by the parents for their children.
The ball that landed close to each hole won a prize. Prickett Properties’ hole prize winner was a Chrome Laptop. We had one excited little winner!
Pinterest put together a challenge for pinners to put together a board that highlights 24 hours in your favorite city.
Well, I have two favorites so I decided to create a pinterest board titled: 24 hours in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama.
My Gulf Shores and Orange Beach pins include the top things to do, places to eat and places to stay!
I’m not going to lie. I was a tad biased about the top places to stay in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama. Regardless, my picks for the places to stay in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are legitimately the best 🙂
Who can argue with Turquoise Place in Orange Beach Alabama being a top beachfront place to stay?! I dare ya….
I have zero investment in the best places to eat, shop and things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama so you should really check out my recommendations on our Pinterest Board.
If you would like to visit our Pinterest Board that is dedicated to showing you the best way to spend 24 hours in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama, then just click on the picture below!
P.S. : Re-pin to share! Sharing is Caring!
I’ll admit it, I am new to Phoenix West condos in Orange Beach Al. In fact, I have never been in a Phoenix West condo until Phoenix West 2 opened this year and we added six Phoenix West two condos to our selection of Orange Beach rentals.
I was expecting to like the new Phoenix West 2 condos, but not necessarily love them. Phoenix West 2 is brand new and on the beach so what’s there not to like, right ?
What I did not expect out of Phoenix West 2 was the “Disney World like” amenities smack dab on the beach!
Phoenix West ii has a beachfront lazy river and water slide! Did you hear me? I said that these Orange Beach rentals have a BEACHFRONT lazy river and water slide!!!
Forgive me for day-dreaming, but a mojito in hand while drifting along the lazy river while looking at the ocean does not sound to bad.
You just thought you had to go to a Beaches resort to get these type of family-friendly amenities! Not anymore, because Phoenix West two in Orange Beach Alabama has it all waiting for you this year!
The interior of the Phoenix West 2 condos are pretty swanky themselves.
The Phoenix West kitchens are also state of the art and ready for the chef in your family to cook up a fantabulous meal!
Now back to my day-dreaming…. ‘a mojito in my hand while drifting along the lazy river at Phoenix West ii in Orange Beach.’
I love you Phoenix West 2.
Signed,
An Alabama beach and mojito lover
Click here to Book your Phoenix West condo rental
If you are reading this, my assumption is that you have at least heard about Orange Beach Alabama as a vacation destination. You are lucky but in the minority from a global perspective.
I travel quite a bit myself, so people often ask me where I am from. I always say “I live on the Gulf Coast near the Alabama-Florida line.” Inevitably, I get a dumbfounded look. My follow up response is, “Have you heard of Gulf Shores?”
I don’t actually live in Gulf Shores. However, I know that most people have heard of Gulf Shores and not Orange Beach Al. In fact, most travel destination directories ONLY list Gulf Shores. It might be for a good reason, because the local tourism website for Orange Beach is www.GulfShores.com.
In reality, Orange Beach is very different than Gulf Shores and a vacation in Orange Beach is likewise very different than one in Gulf Shores.
I am here to tell you that Orange Beach Alabama needs to be on your travel plans for 2014 (Gulf Shores does too!). Orange Beach has the same crystal blue waters and soft white sand as Gulf Shores and other nearby beaches on the Alabama Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle. However, there are a few things that sets Orange Beach apart.
Orange Beach is not only a beautiful beach town, but it is also a fabulous location for boating and deep-sea fishing. Unlike Gulf Shores, Orange Beach has easy access to the Gulf of Mexico via the “pass” as locals call it.
If you want to take your kids on a deep-sea fishing trip then Orange Beach is your beach town! With an abundance of red snapper, Orange Beach Alabama is one of the best places for deep sea fishing. Our family lives for snapper season in Orange Beach which is usually in June and part of July each year. In fall of 2013, Alabama expanded the snapper season to include the first two weeks in October. Umm, lets just say that snapper fishing is good in Alabama during October.
If you are not a fisherman, don’t worry, because there are plenty of other fun things you can do by boat in Orange Beach. There are a slew of islands on the back waters that are only accessible by boat. The vacationers and locals love to park their boat for the day on the island of their choice, and enjoy the beach from a different vantage point.
One of the most popular islands to drop anchor for the day in Orange Beach is named Robinson Island. For the more adventurous, there is a really popular island named Fort McRee that sand mounds are over 100 feet tall. Yes, I have mastered the homemade water slide. If you need tips, just give me a ring 🙂
You just thought you had to go to the British Virgin Islands to island hop!
Don’t have a boat? Renting a boat in Orange Beach is a snap at Happy Harbor or Tacky Jacks. They even have pontoons with double water slides! We have our own boat, but our kids still beg us to rent the water-slide pontoon boat. In fact, they love the pontoon so much that we had a birthday party on it one year.
Yes, I did send an e-vite with the Little Big Town “pontoon” song playing in the background. I could not resist.
Orange Beach is also home to the Wharf shopping center and outdoor amphitheatre. However, you can easily visit the Wharf while staying in Gulf Shores as well.
If you time your Orange Beach vacation appropriately, you can enjoy an outdoor concert by one of your favorite bands such as Kenny Chesney or The Zack Brown Band to name a few. The Wharf also hosts bill fishing tournaments, boat shows and other annual events.
Orange Beach Alabama is becoming recognized as a high-end beach destination due to the luxury beachfront condominiums that have recently been built such as Turquoise Place. Turquoise Place has set a high bar for Alabama’s luxury beachfront rentals with amenities such as private outdoor hot tubs, outdoor gas grills, lazy river, and private beachfront cabanas. Check out this Orange Beach condo rental view, and tell me that you don’t want to vacation here 🙂
Turquoise Place is only one of the many luxury condos for rent in Orange Beach. Phoenix West 2 is another luxury beachfront resort in Orange Beach Alabama that will open in Spring of 2013. There are also luxury condominiums on the bay if you want to spend your vacation enjoying the best of both worlds, the beach and the bay. For example, the Bella Luna and Caribe resort are both luxury condominiums with boating and beach access. You will be amazed at the view on the bay-side in Orange Beach Al. We find that the locals actually prefer the bay versus the beach in Orange Beach. The best part of the bay is that the beach is still just across the street!
Lastly, you have to come visit Orange Beach to stand on the Alabama – Florida line at the world’s famous Flora-Bama beachfront bar and restaurant! Oh yeah, don’t leave Orange Beach without trying one of these babies. Even Obama gave the Bushwacker a try when he was in Orange Beach Alabama. (P.S.- Ask for a topper, but don’t tell em that I told you to do so 🙂 )
Just because I am nice, here is my Holiday Gift Guide for everyone on your list! You can thank me later 🙂
1. The Traveler
What better to give an avid traveler, than the gift of travel ?! We make it really easy for you to give the gift of travel at www.PrickettProperties.com by having an online gift certificate purchase option here.
If you cannot afford to buy your loved one an entire Alabama beach vacation, you can still contribute by buying one of our gift certificates.
Any traveler will appreciate a carry-on backpack that also serves as a power source. All of us travelers have had a moment in-route when everything is dead, and we have no way to charge anything. It sucks. There is a solution, and it is called the Powerbag. The Powerbag has the ability to charge any device twice. I have even included a handy little link to purchase the powerbag on Amazon.
I previously recommended eye masks in the article, Travel tips that will change your life. Any jet setter will appreciate these eye masks which will greatly enhance their in-flight or car sleeping experience. I own a pair of these eye masks, and I would not fly anywhere without them. My girls actually put these on their Christmas list this year. They rock.
Brookstone NapForm Eye Masks – $35.99
2- The Picture Taker
Lightscoop is a low-tech & easy to use product that will stun your “picture-taking” relative. Basically, Lightscoop re-directs the camera’s flash to create better lighting & less shadows. The before and after pictures are amazing and you can check them out here.
Light Scoop – Starting at $18.95
3- For Him
Sterling Silver Money Clip
Now, I am going to go ahead and tell you that this item is pricey. Nonetheless, it is one of the best gifts that I have ever given. This is for the guy who is not a “wallet man.”
4- The Techie
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
This little item is going to many of my relatives this year. Its affordable and fun. I mean, who doesn’t want music during their morning shower?! If you don’t, then you won’t like anything I am giving anyway.
4- The Foodie
2 in 1 Vinegar and Oil Sprayer
I don’t have one of these, but I want one, which is a dang good reason to put it on my list.
5- For Little Girls and Boys
Doodle Dome : Glow Crazy
My kids always loved a pop-up tent when they were little. I often wondered what they did for fun once they got it, but not anymore, thanks to the Doodle Dome! The Doodle Dome is a glow in the dark canvas for your little boys and girls. I would suggest buying two of the “magic writing wands,” so they can color with friends.
5- For Tweens and Teenagers
Eno Hammock
These self-hanging hammocks are all the rage at college campus’s. Thus, it would only make sense that our tweens and teenagers would also like one. Basically, you can hang this hammock from any sturdy tree limb or trunk and relax. We bought one for our 12 year old, and all of her friends now want one. Enough said.
Plush Pajama Shorts
Our girls have at least 4 pairs of these, and could not imagine sleeping in anything else! Seriously, they are so soft and luscious that I have thought about buying a size 16 to see if I could fit in them. If you want to buy these for Christmas, give my friend at Gigi & Jays a call. They have a lot of other items for tween and teenagers that would also be great gift ideas.
6- For Her
Lucca Boutique Bohemian Chic Necklace
I absolutely adore this necklace, and it comes in different colors. You can contact Lucca Boutique to order your special Bohemian Chic lady one for Christmas. Lucca is located at the Wharf in Orange Beach Alabama.
I did not see the necklace on their website, but I know they have some in the store so just give them a call and tell them that I sent you! I think they cost around $90.00, but don’t quote me on that!
Lucca Boutique Bracelet
How fabulous is this bracelet ?! I love it, and your special lady will too. I think it cost around $289.00, and it is worth every penny. Again, you are going to have to visit my friends at Lucca Boutique here.If they do not have the bracelet on their website, then just give them a call.
7- For People Who Have Everything
Last but certainly not least, my gift idea for people who have everything is something personal. After all, they already have everything! A unique and personal gift is a shutterfly calendar. It is very affordable at around $20.00, and personalized with your photos.
So what did you think? I would love to hear your comments as well as your own Holiday Gift Ideas.
Don’t forget to purchase the traveler on your list, an Alabama beach vacation gift certificate here!
Orange Beach Alabama is known for being one of the best deep sea fishing destinations!
We think that this Orange Beach fishing photo proves it to be true!
Prickett Properties wants to see your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach photos! Please email your favorite Gulf Shores or Orange Beach Alabama pictures to [email protected] and we will feature your photo here!
Alabama snapper season has passed for the 2013 year, but don’t forget that there are plenty of other fish to catch! Fall deep sea fishing is our favorite time of the year to fish, because it is not hot and the fish are biting.
We have your Orange Beach rental for your next deep sea fishing trip.
This post is part of Travel Tuesday
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Rentals : Photo Of the Week
We are starting something new called “Gulf Shores and Orange Beach photo of the week!”
We want YOUR Gulf Shores and Orange Beach favorite photos so that we can show them off to all of our Alabama beach readers!
Prickett Properties is starting the photo of the week with an awesome picture of Orange Beach Alabama showing off the beach, ole river, flying pelicans and even a rainbow!
Now, that might be hard to top but we want you to give it a shot and send us your best Gulf Shores and Orange Beach photos each week so that we can pick a winner and post it right here on our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Al blog.
Yes, you can have this same view on your next well-deserved vacation at any of our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rentals. Check out our Alabama beach rentals for a photo worthy beach vacation 🙂
Send your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach photos to [email protected] and include in the subject “Photo Of The Week.” We can’t wait to show off your Alabama beach photos!
This post is part of the Family Vacation Ideas link party.