Reviewed by: Gabby Gervais
Your guide to the ultimate spring beach trip in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach—activities, restaurants + rentals
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It’s been a long winter, Birmingham, but the blue skies and warm sunshine of spring is almost here. To start the season out on a sunny note, we suggest a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. To make planning easy, check out our guide on where to stay, eat and play during your visit. Already know you want to go? Plan now and save 15% on your spring break stay with Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals.
Where to stay
Before you can dig your toes into the sugar sand beaches, you have to book a place to stay. Whether you’re seeking a small modern space or a lavish condo with an excess of amenities, you’ll find it and more in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Check out the three options below:
1. Island Winds East
Book your stay at the Island Winds East for everything you need including breathtaking beachside views and direct beach access.
Features:
- 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condos
- Upscale amenities
- Fully-furnished kitchens
- Washer & dryer
- Direct beach access
- Outdoor heated pool
Address: 333 West Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Website
2. Phoenix East
With stunning views of The Pass and Alabama Point as well as upscale amenities and more, you’ll discover a beachside oasis at Phoenix East in Orange Beach.
Features:
- 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condos
- Luxury amenities
- Gulf-front balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Outdoor pool + splash pad
- Indoor pool, hot tubs, racquet ball court, exercise room + saunas
- Direct beach access
Address: 27100 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Website
3. Phoenix on the Bay
Love the calm beauty of the bay? You’ll get gorgeous views and more when you stay at Phoenix on the Bay.
Features:
- 2-3 bedroom resort-style condos
- 2 outdoor pools + lazy river
- Views of Terry Cove, Robinson Island + Perdido Pass
Address: 27580 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Website
Ready to hit the beach? Save 15% on your spring break stay with Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals.
Where to eat
Is it just me or does food always taste better on vacation? Whether you’re feeding a family of five or just you and a friend, there’s no shortage of delicious spots to grab a meal in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Here are three must-try restaurants that offer something for everyone:
1. Cobalt
With delicious coastal cuisine and a casual atmosphere, Cobalt’s is the perfect place to take the whole family. Nestled under the Perdido Bay Bridge, you’ll have beautiful waterfront views no matter where you sit.
Top menu items:
- Gulf Shrimp & Grits: Half-dozen large Gulf shrimp skewered, chargrilled and served over roasted red pepper and fontina cheese grits and our Cajun cream sauce.
- Pecan Fried Catfish: Alabama farm-raised filet over tasso ham, sweet corn and black-eyed pea succotash drizzled with dill tartar.
- Creole Cheesecake: House-made Creole cream cheese with a roasted pecan crust, pecan praline and caramel sauce.
Where: 28099 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar
For unique culinary dishes filled with an array of great flavors, Cosmo’s is a must-visit. Dine inside for a cozy meal or on the restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio.
Top menu items:
- Chicken Roulade: Bacon-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with asparagus and Gruyère cheese, lightly sautéed and finished in the oven. Served with a sage and leek cream sauce and Parmesan risotto.
- Firecracker Shrimp: Lightly dusted bay shrimp fried and tossed in spicy remoulade sauce.
- Cosmo’s Banana Fritters: Fresh, ripe bananas battered, fried and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. Served with vanilla ice cream and a chocolate banana sauce.
Where: 25753 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Villagio Grille
A scrumptious meal awaits you at this amazing restaurant in Orange Beach. Villagio features Italian fusion cuisine with creative appetizers, salads and sandwiches, pasta dishes and more. If you enjoy wine, you’ll love their extensive wine menu.
Top Menu Items:
- Pan Seared Grouper: Mushroom & pea risotto, green Beans with white wine butter.
- White Pizza: Gouda Alfredo sauce with fresh mozzarella, spinach, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes + oregano.
- Chocolate Overload Cake: Rich chocolate cake with layers of chocolate cream.
Where: 4790 Main St, f108, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Website | Facebook | Instagram
What to do
Lounging on the gorgeous beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is essential for any trip to the shore, but there’s lots more to do and see. Here are our top suggestions:
1. Charter Fishing
Ready for the ultimate experience? Look no further than charter fishing. For smaller catches found close to shore and in the Gulf’s back bay areas, try Inshore Charter Fishing. Opt for Offshore Charter Fishing for a chance to reel in larger catches in deeper waters. There are many Charter Fishing businesses around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Here are two to consider:
2. Golf
Looking to perfect your swing? With beautiful weather and great deals, spring is the perfect time to enjoy a day of golf. Check out the golf course below:
- Craft Farms Golf Resort: Test your skills on two of the best golf courses in the South:
- 18-hole Cotton Creek Course: Features rolling fairways and large undulating greens.
- 18-hole Cypress Bend Course: Features a modern layout and links-style course.
- Address: 3840 Cotton Creek Cir, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
3. Shopping
Shop boutiques, souvenir shops and more in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
- Archipelago: Shop this men’s boutique for apparel, shoes + more. Every purchase includes a free cigar.
- Geez Louise Boutique: Find women’s clothing, jewelry, purses and accessories at this trendy specialty store.
- Retro Road Trip: Find retro-inspired t-shirts, mugs, stickers + more at this fun Gulf Shores shop.
4. Water Sports
Enjoy adventures on the Gulf with dolphin tours, jet ski and kayak rentals and more.
- Alabama Extreme Watersports: Experience the Gulf—join a WaveRunner Dolphin Tour or rent a jet ski for fast fun on the water.
- Happy Harbor Marina: For water-filled thrills, rent a boat or jet ski and try paddlesports like kayaking and paddle boarding.
- Ike’s Parasail: Try parasailing for an adventure in the sky or hop aboard a banana boat for a leisurely ride on the Gulf.
Ready to plan your beach escape to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? Save 15% on your spring break stay with Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals.
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