The Most Underrated Beach Destination for Families: Alabama’s Beaches
If you’re looking for a beach destination that combines beautiful beaches, incredible seafood and plenty of activities for the whole family, you need to put Alabama’s Beaches at the top of your list.
We recently spent a weekend exploring Gulf Shores & Orange Beach as a family, and it didn’t take long for us to understand why families adore this stretch of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. There’s are so many ways to get out and explore—from dolphin cruises and kayaking to fishing, sandcastle building and nighttime ghost crab hunts, but also plenty of ways to sit back and relax.
And now, getting here is easier than ever for families flying from many cities around the country thanks to Allegiant’s nonstop service into Gulf Shores International Airport.
Here’s everything I’d recommend adding to a family trip to Alabama’s Beaches.
Why Alabama’s Beaches Are Such a Great Family Destination
One of my favorite things about Gulf Shores is that you can make your vacation as relaxing or adventurous as you want.
You can spend an entire morning soaking up the sunshine, swimming in the crystal clear ocean water, building sandcastles and hunting for shells, and then head over to Gulf State Park for an afternoon of fishing, wildlife spotting, or kayaking and e-biking.
The beaches are stunning, the water is warm and clear, and there are so many great shops and places to eat nearby, which makes it easy to build a family vacation without spending hours in the car every day.
It’s also a destination where kids of all ages can find something they enjoy. Our trip to Gulf Shores included the perfect mix of pool and beach time, along with some pretty amazing adventures.
Best Things to Do at Alabama’s Beaches With Kids
Spend the Day at the Beach
Of course, the #1 attraction here is by far the beautiful beaches.
The soft, white sand and crystal clear water is the perfect spot for everything from swimming and building sandcastles to just spending the day relaxing in the sunshine.
And don’t forget to bring some buckets or shell bags because the shelling in Gulf Shores is fantastic.
Take a Dolphin Cruise
A dolphin cruise is one of those Gulf Shores experiences I’d recommend adding to your itinerary even if you have a limited amount of time. It’s so much fun for both kids and adults to get out on the water, and spotting dolphins is just an added bonus.
We booked an evening cruise through Bama Breeze Dolphin Cruises and had so much fun following a pod of dolphins around and watching them hunt for their dinner.
Explore Gulf State Park
Make sure to set aside some time to explore Gulf State Park.
The park covers thousands of acres and offers opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and exploring the area’s natural environment.
We rented fishing poles and spent a few hours fishing from the pier. Even if you aren’t into fishing, I highly recommend spending some time exploring the pier and surrounding beaches to look for wildlife. We were able to spot several crabs, a sea turtle, sting rays, and even a black tipped shark!
Right across the street from the pier, they also offer e-bike and kayak rentals to explore Lake Shelby. We spent a morning out on the water in their double kayaks looking for alligators, and it was such a fun adventure.
Go Ghost Crab Hunting After Dark
If you ask my kids what their favorite part of our Gulf Shores trip was, there’s a very good chance they’ll tell you it was hunting for ghost crabs after dark.
Once the sun goes down, grab a flashlight or headlamp and head back to the beach to look for these tiny white crabs scurrying across the sand.
This is such a fun {and free!} activity that will keep your kids entertained for so long!
* Please remember that you’re visiting their habitat, so observe them without disturbing or handling them, and leave the beach exactly as you found it
Take a Sandcastle-Building Class
We also took a sandcastle-building class with Sand Castle University during our visit, and it was a highlight for our whole family!
Our instructor taught us so many techniques for creating elaborate sand sculptures. It’s perfect for kids of all ages, and my 5 year old had no trouble keeping us during the 1 hour class.
If your kids love building at the beach, this is a fun way to turn something they already enjoy into a really memorable experience.
Where to Eat in Alabama’s Beaches With Kids
If you are a sucker for fresh seafood and cold drinks, you are in for a treat with the dining scene in Gulf Shores.
There are so many options, it would take you a month to get through all the local spots, but here were some of our favorites that I would highly recommend:
Tacky Jacks
Tacky Jacks is a fun, casual stop with a laid-back coastal atmosphere and plenty of seafood options. They also offer a delicious Bushwacker, which is a version of an adult milkshake that is famous along Alabama’s coastline.
But our favorite part of Tacky’s Jacks had to be the walls covered in colored duct tape filled with signatures of pervious patrons. My kids thought it was too cool to get to add their own piece!
The Hangout
The Hangout is another popular family-friendly option, particularly if you’re looking for a restaurant that doubles as entertainment.
They offer live music, foam parties, and it’s literally steps from the beach.
LuLu’s
LuLu’s is another classic Gulf Shores stop right on the bay, with a large menu and plenty of family-friendly options.
Flora-Bama Yacht Club
I highly recommend heading over to Orange Beach for a stop at Flora-Bama Yacht Club.
This casual dining experience is the perfect spot to spend the evening, and is located right on the water with beautiful sunset views.
Where to Stay
There are so many amazing hotels and beachfront condos to choose from in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and picking one will probably be the hardest part of planning your trip!
We stayed in a 4 bedroom condo in Gulf Place – located right on the beach in downtown Gulf Shores. The condo felt luxurious, while still having plenty of space for our family and all the amenities we look for in a beach rental.
We loved the game room and rooftop pool as well! I highly recommend staying with Lucky Bird Vacations.
How Long Do You Need in Alabama’s Beaches?
You can absolutely get a taste of Gulf Shores during a long weekend, which is exactly what we did.
For a 3-day itinerary, I’d prioritize:
Day 1: Beach + dolphin cruise + waterfront dinner
Day 2: Beach + Sand Castle University + Gulf State Park
Day 3: Kayaking or e-bikes at Gulf State Park + afternoon at the pool + ghost crab hunting
While you can pack a ton into a weekend, if you have even longer to spend in Gulf Shores you can find even more fun. Check out the Gulf Shores website for more ideas on what to do during your time here.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Alabama’s Beaches With Kids?
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach are a year-round destination, but the best time for a traditional family beach vacation is generally during the warmer months when you can take full advantage of the Gulf.
Summer brings warm water and plenty of activities, but it’s also the busiest season.
If you want warmer weather with somewhat fewer crowds, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons, such as spring and fall.
If you are looking for mild weather and a great escape from a Midwest or Northern winter – I think Alabama’s beaches would be the perfect getaway!
What to Pack for Your Family Trip to Alabama’s Beaches
For a beach vacation, you’ll want the usual essentials:
- Swimsuits
- Water sandals
- Reef-friendly sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Quick dry beach towels
- Sand buckets & shovels
- Reusable water bottles
- Shell bags
- Bug spray
- Flashlights or headlamps for ghost crab hunting
- Lightweight layers for evenings
Check out my full list of beach essentials for kids here
Final Thoughts: Are Alabama’s Beaches Worth Visiting With Kids?
After our weekend in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, the answer for our family is an easy yes.
It’s the combination of things that makes this destination work so well for families. You get beautiful beaches and soft sand, but you’re steps away from some amazing adventures as well.
And thanks to nonstop flights into Gulf Shores from select cities on Allegiant, it’s also becoming an incredibly convenient and affordable beach getaway for families who don’t want to spend an entire day driving.
If you’re looking for a family beach destination that combines relaxation, outdoor adventure, great food and plenty of options to keep the kids entertained, Alabama’s Beaches deserve a spot on your family’s must-visit list.
And don’t be surprised if, like us, you start planning your next trip before you even leave.
