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5 reasons Birmingham families are flocking to Gulf Shores now
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As the world reopens around us, summer vacations are eagerly being planned. The first place on my family’s travel list—Gulf Shores, Alabama. From sandy white beaches to a never-ending list of activities, it’s the ultimate place for young families to vacation. And we’re not alone. Find out why Birmingham families are flocking to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and why yours should, too.
1. It provides entertainment in one beautiful spot.
As soon as my family pulls up to our beach rental, we drop off our bags and hit the sand. The No. 1 reason Birmingham families love the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is because they provide all-in-one entertainment.
Parents can lounge on the beach and relax with a drink, kids can build sand castles and splash in the water. As long as you have towels, sunscreen and a cooler for food and drinks, the fam can stay in one spot all day and always be entertained.
2. Your crew’s wild side can escape.
A few days away from home with your better half can be amazing. But when you throw in kids, family and in laws, it’s easy to feel like you’re surrounded by wild animals.
Need an idea to tame your crew of wildlings? I suggest a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
If you love The Birmingham Zoo with its vibrant flamingos and hilarious sea lions, you’ll love the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. It features over 199 species and 31 subspecies; it’s also a haven for many endangered animals. My favorite is always the lions, but for your wild bunch, you may want to check out the monkeys.
3. Dinner is FINALLY simple.
As a parent, I’d say 90% of each day involves food. Buying it, making it, eating it… it takes an abundance of time. During your trip to the beach, use it as a vacation from the kitchen and check out the local Gulf Shores and Orange Beach food scene.
I know what you’re thinking, we Birminghamians are used to a glorious food scene with an abundance of restaurants and top chefs. Well, bring your appetite to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach because the area offers an amazing foodie scene, too.
Whether you opt to go out or order in, local restaurants and eateries offer everything from pizza and tacos to that must-have beach meal—fresh seafood.
4. You can get your nature fix.
Birminghamians may love to eat, but there’s something else we love just as much, and that’s being outdoors. State parks are one of my family’s favorite outdoor spots when visiting the beach, and they should go on your fam’s vacation bucket list, too—especially one as cool as Gulf State Park.
Here are a few of the exciting things it offers:
- Birding
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Hiking + Biking Trails
- Wildlife
Gulf State Park even has a number of restaurants and concession stands on site. Remember when I mentioned that parenting is 90% food? You’re welcome!
5. Adventure is everywhere.
Let me fill you in on a not-so-secret secret: I’m a major homebody. If you’re wondering how major a homebody, let’s just say that hunkering down during the pandemic didn’t faze me.
But, when I go on vacation, my often-dormant adventurous side loves to break free. And wow does it feel good! If your family catches the adventure bug while vacationing, the beach is the ultimate place to score some thrills.
Before you read the activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, I suggest you grab a cold drink because this list is fire:
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Paddle boarding
- Parasailing
- Snorkeling
- Ziplining
FYI, these are just some of the activities Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer. Find more thrills here.
Ready to pack those bags?
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