Alabama beach activities, restaurants + more to check out on your next family vacation this spring

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It’s been a cold start to 2025 in Alabama. If you and the family are dreaming of a warm-weather escape, there’s no better place to go than Alabama’s Beaches. 

Read on for why you’ll want to plan your trip now, including outdoor adventures, laid-back vibes and activities for your family. 

Ready to book? Plan your spring break to Alabama’s Beaches today. 

Beaches + outdoor adventure at Alabama’s Beaches

Alabama’s Beaches are a paradise of gorgeous views and tons to do. Whether you choose to relax on the sugary-white sand, make a splash in the emerald water or visit a local hiking trail, here are some great ways to enjoy your time.

1. Visit Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park is adjacent to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, making it a destination within a destination for kids and adults. 

Here are some reasons you’ll love it:

• It stretches 6,150 acres + features 28 miles of trails for biking, hiking + walking including the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. (It was also voted the best trail in the country by USA Today.)
• It’s home to 9 unique ecosystems.
• All ages can enjoy the fishing pier and take part in education programs at the Nature Center. 

2. Go on a water adventure on the Gulf Coast

There are tons of ways to enjoy the water when visiting Alabama’s Beaches. Some don’t even require you to get wet! 

Here are a few ideas:

• Book a dolphin cruise.
• Rent a kayak or paddleboard.
• Set sail on a sunset cruise.

Family-friendly attractions at Alabama’s Beaches

Does your family like to go, go, go? Alabama’s Beaches will keep you moving. It’s filled with tons of family-friendly activities for all ages, from toddling tikes to fun-loving adults. 

Here are three attractions we suggest to keep your crew busy and entertained:

1. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Love animals? A trip to the zoo is great for families.

At The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, your crew will:

• Discover 118 animal species, from giraffes to ring tailed lemurs.
• Enjoy interactive experiences like animal feedings, up-close encounters, + a walk-through aviary.

Visit: 20499 Oak Rd. E, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

2. Waterville USA

Can you think of a better way to enjoy time together this spring break than at a 20-acre water and amusement park? I didn’t think so. 

Waterville USA features activities like: 

• Bungee trampoline
• Bowling
• Go-karts
• Golf simulator 
• And more!

Visit: 906 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

3. Fort Morgan State Historic Site

A visit to Fort Morgan State Historic Site is a great option if you want your family’s spring break to be a mix of fun and learning. 

This unique site: 

• Is a National Historic Landmark, + played a key role in several wars, including the Civil War.
• Is situated on a peninsula, which features stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay.
• Offers hands-on activities for kids and adults like reenactments + other special programs. 

Visit: 110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Family-friendly dining in Gulf Shores + Orange Beach

If your family is like mine, when it’s time to dine out, you want the experience to be quick, easy and with menus offering items everyone will like. We all have that one picky eater to please, right? 

The good news is we found three dining spots that hit all of these boxes and more—like kid-friendly restaurants with play areas, live music and waterfront views. 

Here’s the list:

1. Lulu’s

• Top menu items: tacos, shrimp + grits, tacos, kids’ mac + cheese
• Family-friendly perks: sandy area with toys, arcade, ropes course + hair wrap + henna stations for kids and frosty beverages, live music + great food for adults

Visit: 200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

2. Barometer Tiki & Raw Bar

• Top menu items: burgers, nachos, oysters + tacos
• Family-friendly perks: sandy area with cornhole, waterfront views + room to play

Visit: 27844 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

3. Tacky Jack’s

• Top menu items: burgers, po’boys, sandwiches, wings, salads + gumbo
• Family-friendly perks: gift shop with unique souvenirs, waterfront views + pet-friendly outdoor dining

Visit: 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, Orange Beach, AL 36561

BONUS: 50th Bushwacker Anniversary

The Bushwacker is an iconic boozy beverage that blends rum, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, and coconut cream to create a dessert-like cocktail. The best news? The drink turns 50 this year!

In celebration, here are 50 places along The Bushwacker Trail where you can get alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of the drink, family-friendly Bushwacker-inspired desserts and more.

Ready for the perfect family getaway? Plan your spring break to Alabama’s Beaches today. 

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