15/01/2025
It's that time of year again!! Get those vacation booked to come and see us!!!
Here are a few of our favorite things to do!
If you need FAMILY PICTURES - iNVision Photography, LLC (www.iNVision.Photography) would love to be considered.
1. Ghost Crab Hunting. It is a MUST! You need a flashlight, a few nets with long handles (we carry them here), and a container to put the crabs in. We call them ghost crabs because they are hard to see against the sand, especially at night. Seriously, it is a giggle fest, always return them at the end of the night. (Please put red filter over your flashlight during sea turtle nesting season - You can pick up a free filter at the visitor center in OB on Beach Blvd or GS just north of the bridge on 59 - red saran wrap can do the trick too) Nesting Season May 1 - Oct 1
2. Dolphin Cruise. Groupon has a few, you can always just google it. The cruises typically stay in the intracoastal waterway, so don't expect to be out in open waters. Don't worry though, you will see dolphins! Want to double the fun? Grab tickets for a PIRATE CRUISE!
3. Hermit Crab Catching for the littles. Little Lagoon Pass Beach - again, really all you need is a bucket of sorts. It is shallow water that runs right off the Gulf and FREE kid fun. Grab a snorkel for the underwater grass beds - you might spot a seahorse! (Damaged during Sally - so it might not be open just yet.)
4. The GULF, this is another family favorite. They have sand for the kids to play, and a great view of the Gulf. You sit out on couches and the kids can run and play. They have free s'mores at night for the kids to roast on the bonfire. The dining is different. You order at a window and they bring it out to you. During heavy tourist season, the waiting in line can be tedious. So it might just be a place to grab a drink.
5. The Hangout - the atmosphere is a kid's paradise. They have a foam party on the hour, every hour. Keep in mind that your children will get soaked. Then, there is a sand play pit right next to it....if you are driving, kiss your car goodbye after this scenario. Unless, you do sand pit first, then foam pit...and bring some towels. There is also a set of those trampoline things there, live music after 5, and ping pong. Make sure you make a wish on their wishing wall! OH, and get ready to dance, the staff makes sure you get up and boogie! Check out their Princess & Pirate Breakfast!
6. The Gulf State Pier - we love to grab a drink at the little restaurant on the pier and watch the waves roll in. In the evenings on Friday they have Karaoke and let the kids join in. During the day you can pay $3 and walk out. You might spot a stingray, skate, or sea turtle hanging around. The sharks hang out in the area under the restrooms (where they cut fish). If you like to fish, you can rent a pole for $13, and I think a license is $11 for 7 days. The pier has a restaurant (great wings), concession stand, there is also a small hot dog bar and Dippin Dots - during the summer. (While still under maintenance, some things might not be available)
7. The Track (Gulf Shores) - The Track is fun, arcade, bumper boats, go carts...the usual. Grab a free coupon booklet at the Welcome Center for coupons on tickets. Adventure Island (Orange Beach) same as above.
8. If it rains - We have a trampoline park called The Factory, there are also theaters in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, with a bowling alley in Foley. The bowling alley has virtual reality, a cafe, karaoke, a arcade, and a small rope course. Golf indoor at One Club (GS), Large Arcade in Orange Beach. Gulf Coast Escape Room is another fun thing to do if it rains. Indoor Putt Putt Jurassic Golf in Gulf Shores. A great educational stop is Sand, Sea, Stars in Orange Beach.
9. Kid Friendly other restaurants -
GTs on the Bay - fenced in area with pirate ship, sand box, large yard games, etc. Usually live music for the parents - BAY SIDE.
LuLu's - Sand Pit - with toys, Climbing Activities
Tacky Jacks - Sand Pit, Play area for kids
Sea & Suds - on the water
10. Seafood - We love Gulf Shores Steamers (despite the name it is in ORANGE BEACH). They sell platters for families. We usually do the platter for 6, it is $100 and comes with crab legs, oysters, muscles, shrimp, potatoes, corn, and coleslaw. - MARINA VIEW
11. Nice Dining - Villaggio Grille at the Wharf (they take reservations, which is nice - great pricing) Voyagers - 5 stars (Perdido Key Resort) Jesse's (Fort Morgan)
12. The Wharf is great for walking around. Stop in at SHADES for a free margarita in a salt tumbler or a shot of tequila. The Wharf has a ferris wheel, climbing activities, arcade, movie theater, selfie museum, CANDY STORE, Dippin' Dots, Build-A-Bear, & shopping. Hang around for a neat light show around 7. In the summer they have themed nights with different activities and FIREWORKS on MONDAY NIGHTS 8:45ish (in the summer)
13. Beachfront Park - the kids love it, it is different though, not your typical park - more like a kid ninja practice park. (It is right next to the Hangout)
14. OWA - theme park, shows and restaurants. Above water inflated obstacle course! Indoor Waterpark (outdoor wave pool/entertainment)
15. Waterville - Waterpark (May-August)
16. Jet Skiing, Parasailing, or rent a segway/3wheeler. You can also rent kayaks/canoes at Shelby Lake and catch sight of some gators.
***Rent a boat from Happy Harbor - 10% off HHBOAT3 (online)
Looking for even more fun? Check out Cruisin' Tikis! Ask for Captain Marino!
17. Shark Fishing from the beach! Give Gulf Coast Nation a call for an incredible experience.
18. Go explore the Fort at Fort Morgan (GREAT PHOTO OPS! You can also walk around the point, it is beautiful) In June & July you can even take a candlelight tour!
19. Food truck park in front of Beach Club in Fort Morgan. (Opens in May - Closes in August)
20. The Zoo (Gulf Shores)
Alligator Alley (Summerdale - 30 minute drive)
21. See the Blue Angels practice in Pensacola - also free Naval Air Museum
22. Mobile - Tour the USS Alabama Ship
23. Take the Ferry over to Dauphin Island, visit the estuarium/aquarium and Fort Gaines.
24. Just looking for a quick bit of fun - in Orange Beach in front of Surf Style they have a little splash pad that is free with a drink bar with slushies for the kids.
25. Visit the Orange Beach Art Center, enjoy the bayside waterfront park area. Neat little playground as well.
26. The Yard - an ice cream experience. Anticipate a wait, and an average of $14 per milkshake (you get to keep the glass cup) Crumble Cookie is also near by. Similar to the Yard is Milkshake Mama in Orange Beach.
27. Head out to Elberta and search for the hidden Barber Dinosaurs! Don't leave without hitting Pirate's Cove for a burger and drink bayside!
28. Deep Sea Fishing - we have a lot of private charters. You can also join a group Deep Sea Fishing charter if you are not looking for a private charter.
29. The FREE Foley Train Museum (If you have a child who loves trains, you definitely want to stop in. They do run a small train a few times a week, and have a large train parked outside.
30. Feeling creative? Have someone come out and teach your family how to build a sandcastle at Sandcastle University. Glass blowing at The Hot Shop
31. Need a sitter? Cassie Cares is fantastic!
32. Best Happy Hours - Cosmos & Cobalts
33. Bloody Mary Bar at Brick & Spoon
**Check out Facebook Events for local events**
Restaurants that take RESERVATIONS:
- Louisiana Lagniappe
- Voyagers
- Carver's Steakhouse
- Jesse's
- Villaggio
- Stephi
- The Pier House
- Mile Marker 158
- Ginny Lane
- Perch
Beach Flags!
Green - Low Hazard
Yellow - Medium Hazard
Red - High Hazard
Double Red - Water Closed
Purple - Dangerous Marine Life
*Learn how to spot a rip current and how to swim out if you are caught in one.
Rentals:
Umbrella & Chairs
OB/GS 251.948.3757
FM 251.948.3995
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