Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
How to vacay like a local in Gulf Shores + Orange Beach right now—food, parks + more
Reading time: 7 minutes
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Summer is almost here, Birmingham, which means beach trips are in the cue.
Locals know all the top spots and tips for getting the best Gulf Coast experience. So before you slip on that tropical shirt and slather sunscreen on your nose, we’ve included seven spots below that will have you vacationing like a local during your next visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Save 15% on your entire stay when you book with Brett-Robinson Vacation Rentals.
1. Grab a meal at Luna’s Eat & Drink
Birmingham is chock full of foodies. Who can resist? Our culinary scene is fire.
If you’re wondering where to eat when you leave town, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have a lively restaurant scene that’s worth checking out.
One spot in particular is Luna’s Eat & Drink.
Here are some reasons you’ll love it:
- It features 32 craft beers on tap.
- It serves unique dishes every day so you can dig into something new each time you visit.
- The menu offers the perfect combination of coastal + Southern favorites like fried okra, shrimp + grits, grouper + mahi mahi.
Luna’s Eat & Drink details:
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2. Get a glow-up at Hand & Stone Massage & Facial
Beach living means lots of sun exposure. If you’re going to vacay like a local in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you can start by applying sunscreen. Then reapplying it again and again.
Another townie trick to keep that sun-kissed beach glow is to head to the spa for some skin rejuvenation.
Hand & Stone Massage + Facial is just one of many places in the area to consider during your beach trip.
Their list of facials for women, men and even teens is amazing.
Some of their facials include:
- Anti-aging collagen
- Detox
- Rejuvenation facial
- Rosacea
- Sensitive skin
Bonus: You can get a massage while you’re there! They offer a great list to choose from like deep tissue, Swedish and Himalayan salt stone.
Hand & Stone Massage & Facial details:
For discounts on experiences like these in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, check out Alabama Beach Deals.
3. Enjoy charcuterie + cocktails at Lauria’s by the Beach
You’ll find this locally-owned Italian beach bar right across from the beach on West Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores.
I’m obsessed with their menu. On it you’ll see a fun variety of items like specialty bagels, sandwiches, flatbreads, soups and salads.
You can even build your own charcuterie board.
I live in Trussville where Corbeau Wine Bar is life. Lauria’s by the Beach is so similar, it’s easily my home away from home.
There are also drink-inspired specials throughout the week, such as Tequila Tuesday, Wine Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday.
Did I mention Lauria’s serves gelato?
Lauria’s by the Beach details:
4. Shop ’til you drop at Tanger Outlets
From The Summit to Patton Creek Shopping Center and tons of boutiques in between, Birmingham is a shopping paradise.
If you love browsing and discovering hot deals, you’ll fit in just fine with Gulf Coast natives.
Why? Because they love these things too!
Every family beach trip I experienced while growing up included a visit to Tanger Outlets in Foley.
It’s just a skip from Gulf Shores (under 25 minutes!) and offers all your favorite stores, plus lots of places exclusive to the Gulf Coast.
Some to check out are:
- Le Creuset—features colorfully-enameled cast-iron cookware, stainless cookware, bakeware, pots, pans and kitchen + bar tools.
- Salt Life—fashion for active lifestyles, whether surfing, fishing, diving or enjoying a day at the beach.
- SAS Shoes—comfortable + stylish shoes for adults.
- The Cosmetics Company Store—a mecca of award-winning skincare, makeup, haircare + fragrance products from brands like Estée Lauder, Clinique + MAC.
- Zumiez—stocked with cutting-edge clothing, shoes, accessories + gear for skateboarding, snowboarding + surf lifestyles for kids + teens.
After hours of browsing, you’ll need a blood sugar bump.
You’ll find several places to grab a bite like:
- Bella’s Pizza—serves Italian classics like pizza, calzones, pasta, salad + fries.
- Peachwave Self Serve Yogurt—offers 50 flavors + dozens of tasty toppings.
- The Fudgery—features singing fudge makers creating 12 scrumptious flavors, caramel apples + more hand-dipped treats.
Tanger Outlets details:
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5. Experience a thrill at OWA Parks & Resort
Sometimes the most local thing to do is to pretend to be a tourist and experience your city’s main attractions.
Gulf Coast residents can’t resist exciting summer fun at OWA—a 520-acre family fun destination featuring a 23-attraction theme park, the region’s biggest indoor water park, dining and live entertainment.
I haven’t had a chance to visit OWA just yet, but several of its attractions and foodie experiences have caught my attention, such as:
- Big Water Bay—a 30,000-square-foot tropical wave pool.
- Coastal Curl—a surf simulator.
- Hershey’s Ice Cream Parlor—a 1950’s vintage cafe with amazing + unknown flavors.
- Libations at Tropic Falls—a pool-side bar serving tropical cocktails, beer + wine.
OWA Parks & Resort details:
6. Get fit at Glow Yoga
People who live at be beach just look happier and healthier. The fresh sea air is likely one reason, but most Gulf Coasters know just how to stay fit and relaxed.
The good news is you can pretend to be a local during your trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and achieve both. All you have to do is attend a local class at Glow Yoga.
This locally-owned studio offers a variety of workout classes for all experience levels, like Glow Rides (spin classes) and barre workouts. Many yoga classes are held outside, too.
Be sure to swing by Glow’s Boutique while you’re there. You’ll find everything from yoga mats to Lululemon merch. You know Birmingamians are obsessed with some Lulu.
BONUS: Glow offers kids’ yoga classes, so you and your tribe can vacay like locals together.
Glow Yoga details:
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7. Go on an outdoor adventure at Gulf State Park
(L) The Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail is a must-visit in Gulf Shores (Liv George / Bham Now); (R) Rent a bike at Gulf State Park for a fun-filled day. (Chris Granger)
You have to be a big outdoor enthusiast to be a beach dweller.
On our quest to vacay like a local in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we have to include one of the best spots to spend time outside—Gulf State Park.
Yep, people who reside on the Gulf Coast love it just as much as vacationers do.
Why?
- It’s huge! Stretching 6,150 acres, park-goers can spread out + enjoy a solo or family-only adventure.
- It boasts 28 miles of trails for biking, hiking + walking.
- In 2023, the Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail was named the best recreational trail in the country by USA Today.
- It offers a Bike Share Program with 50 bike rentals. Just download the Bloom Bike Share App, scan the code found at the bike station + you’re ready to ride!
Gulf State Park also offers:
- Miles of gorgeous sugar-white sand beaches + emerald-green waters
- A snack bar + lots of shade for a beachside picnic
- A paddleboard rental for fun on the water
Gulf State Park details:
If you love to vacation like a local and want to become one, reach out to Brett-Robinson Vacation Rentals at 800.211.7892 to learn about owning a rental property.
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