Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Hot Gulf Shores + Orange beach rentals, food, events + more now
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Spring break is just around the corner, Birmingham, which means it’s time to plan a fun escape. Our suggestion? Grab your shades and hit the Gulf Coast! Read on for amazing restaurants, fun events, great deals at dreamy beach-side rentals and more.
Book now with Brett-Robinson Vacation Rentals to save 15% off your stay.
Book your stay in Gulf Shores + Orange Beach
Whether you’re vacationing with friends or family during spring break, you’ll need to find a place to stay that meets all your vacationing needs. With a lengthy list of rentals in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we’ve narrowed the list down for you to make booking your stay easy. Check out the places below for upscale features and amenities, plus gorgeous views of the Emerald Coast.
Phoenix Orange Beach II in Orange Beach
From slides to lazy rivers, relax in Gulf Shores + Orange Beach. (Brett-Robinson)
Phoenix Orange Beach II is a stunning Gulf-front resort on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and it has some awesome perks to make your spring break getaway shine.
Along with being just steps from charter fishing at Zeke’s Landing and Marina, it’s also only a quick drive from area supermarkets, restaurants and shopping.
Features:
- 2-, 3- + 4-bedroom condos
- Private balcony with Gulf Coast views
- Stocked kitchen
- Washer/dryer
Amenities:
- Indoor pool
- Hot tubs
- Lazy river with slide
- Fitness center
What’s nearby:
- Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Gulf Shores
- Cotton Bayou Trail
- The Wharf in Orange Beach
Phoenix Orange Beach II details:
Phoenix West in Orange Beach
You’ll love calling Phoenix West your home away from home with its beachside views, resort-style amenities and quick beach access. You better book it before I do!
Features:
- 3- + 4-bedroom condos
- Gulf-front balcony
- Washer/dryer
Amenities:
- Fitness center
- Heated indoor pool
- Pool with lazy river, kiddie pool, waterslide + separate zero-entry pool
- Hot tub + sauna
- Indoor/Outdoor tennis/pickeball courts
What’s nearby:
- Adventure Island
- Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park
Phoenix West details:
Book now with Brett-Robinson Vacation Rentals to save 15% off your stay.
Spring events in Gulf Shores + Orange Beach
When you’re not digging your toes in the sand, there are lots of events for all ages to experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Here are three we think you’ll love:
1. Seafood & Car Show—Feb. 24 at The Wharf in Orange Beach
What to expect:
- 100 artists from across the South offering handmade jewelry, art + more
- Car show highlighting antique, classic + hot rod vehicles
- Delicious food
- Music for the whole family
- Kids’ Zone + activities
Attend the Seafood & Car Show:
- When: Saturday, Feb. 24 | 10AM-4PM
- Where: The Wharf in Orange Beach, 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Cost: Free admission
- More info
2. Ballyhoo Festival—March 2-3 at Gulf State Park Lake Shelby in Orange Beach
What to expect:
- Art demos + juried fine art from 100 artists
- Children’s Art Pavilion
- Live music from local bands
- History of the Poarch Creek Indians with historical native + original tribal dance in ceremonial regalia (Saturday, March 2)
- Cultural exchange featuring Early Americana music with a Fiddle/Banjo Competition + performances by some of the best musicians in the Southeast (Sunday, March 3)
Attend the Ballyhoo Festival:
- When: Saturday, March 2, 9AM-5PM | Sunday, March 3, 10AM-4PM
- Where: Gulf State Park Lake Shelby, 20115 State Hwy 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Cost: Free admission
- More info
3. The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show—March 15-17 at The Wharf in Orange Beach
What to expect:
- Over $100 million in boats and marine products + over 120 exhibiting companies
- Display of 80 wet slip boats and yachts, plus more than 300 sport and console boats on land
- Instructional seminars
- Live music
- Kid’s art classes with marine artist Larry Rackley
- + more!
Attend the Yacht Show:
- When: Friday, March 15 + 16 – 10AM-6PM | Sunday, March 17 – 10AM-4PM
- Where: The Wharf in Orange Beach, 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Cost: Pre-purchase $10-12 | At gate $15 | 3-day pass $25 (BOGO until Jan. 31) | Kids 12 + under are free
- Tickets
- More info
Restaurants in Gulf Shores + Orange Beach
From all-you-can-eat crawfish to burgers and fries, when you’re craving a good meal during your spring break escape, here’s where to grab a bite in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach:
1. Tacky Jacks
Two things every spring break must have: a memorable experience and pictures to prove it. You can accomplish both with a visit to Tacky Jacks. Located in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the popular hangout spot draws in visitors with food, live music and a gift shop.
The coolest part is the colorful pieces of duct tape covering nearly every inch of the eatery’s structure.
Each Tacky Jacks guest is asked to leave their name or a message on a piece of colorful duct tape and then stick it to a wall, the floor or anywhere it will stay put. Not a bad way to leave your mark if you ask me.
Bonus: Beginning in late February/early March, Tacky Jacks offers all-you-can-eat crawfish!
- Where:
- Gulf Shores: 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Orange Beach: 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, Orange Beach, AL 36561
2. Zeke’s Restaurant
This tasty spot offers waterfront dining, specialty cocktails and live performances.
Featuring daily lunch specials and dinner, order scrumptious dishes like pan-seared salmon, chargrilled lamb lollipops, shrimp sandwiches and even burgers and fries.
Book now with Brett-Robinson Vacation Rentals to save 15% off your stay.
*Discount available now-April 30 for reservations between March 1-April 30. Exclusions apply, including no reservations between March 23-April 5.
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