7‑Day Orange Beach, AL Getaway (Sep 17‑23, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In (Sep 17)

Morning: Depart from Versailles, KY and enjoy a scenic 9‑hour drive through Tennessee and Alabama, stopping for lunch in Birmingham. The route offers views of the Appalachian foothills and the rolling Gulf Coast plains.

Afternoon: Check into your waterfront hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach, and unwind with a quick swim in the pool. Take a leisurely stroll along the Orange Beach boardwalk to feel the ocean breeze.

Evening: Dine at Doc's Fresh Kitchen for locally caught Gulf shrimp and enjoy a sunset walk on the beach. Early night to recharge for beach adventures ahead.

Day 2: Beach Day & Gulf State Park (Sep 18)

Morning: Start with sunrise yoga on Orange Beach, then relax on the powder‑soft sand and dip into the Gulf’s clear waters.

Afternoon: Explore Gulf State Park – rent a bike to ride the 28‑mile trail, visit the nature center, and hike the pine‑forested trails that lead to scenic overlooks.

Evening: Return to the hotel for a casual dinner at the resort’s rooftop grill, followed by a starlit walk along the Harbor Walk.

Day 3: Dolphin Cruise & Watersports (Sep 19)

Morning: Board a Dolphin Cruise from Orange Beach Marina; keep eyes peeled for playful bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles.

Afternoon: Head to the Orange Beach Watersports Center for jet‑skiing, paddle‑boarding, or a guided parasailing flight offering panoramic Gulf views.

Evening: Savor fresh oysters at The Gulf restaurant, then enjoy live music at a beachfront bar.

Day 4: Historic Fort Morgan & Harbor Walk (Sep 20)

Morning: Drive to Fort Morgan State Historic Site, explore the Civil War fort, and learn about its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Afternoon: Return to the harbor for a leisurely Orange Beach Harbor Walk, stopping at art galleries and boutique shops.

Evening: Dinner at Fisher’s Wharf featuring waterfront views, followed by a nightcap at a rooftop lounge.

Day 5: Day Trip to Gulf Shores & Shopping (Sep 21)

Morning: Take a short drive to Gulf Shores for a quick dip and a walk on its wide beach.

Afternoon: Visit The Wharf at Orange Beach for shopping, an amusement ride, and a bite at the food court.

Evening: Return to Orange Beach for a sunset dinner at Fisherman’s Village and a stroll along the illuminated pier.

Day 6: Relaxation & Sunset Dinner (Sep 22)

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning with a spa treatment at the hotel and a late‑breakfast on the balcony.

Afternoon: Lounge on the beach, read a book, or rent a kayak to explore the calm back‑bay waters.

Evening: Celebrate the final night with a gourmet sunset dinner at The Gulf’s rooftop, savoring local seafood and a glass of wine.

Day 7: Departure (Sep 23)

Morning: Pack belongings, check out of the hotel, and enjoy a final walk on the beach while the tide recedes.

Afternoon: Begin the drive back to Versailles, KY, stopping for lunch in Mobile to stretch your legs.

Evening: Arrive home with memories of sun, surf, and Southern hospitality.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Travel (Versailles KY → Orange Beach AL) – 9 hours – $150 (gas & tolls)
• Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach (6 nights) – 6 nights – $1,200
• Meals (average $70/day) – 7 days – $490
• Orange Beach (public beach) – 4 hours – $0
• Gulf State Park – 5 hours – $10 (entry & bike rental)
• Dolphin Cruise – 2 hours – $45
• Watersports Center (jet‑ski/paddle‑board) – 3 hours – $60
• Fort Morgan State Historic Site – 2 hours – $12
• Orange Beach Harbor Walk – 1.5 hours – $0
• The Wharf at Orange Beach (shopping & rides) – 3 hours – $50
• Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (optional side trip) – 2 hours – $20
• Doc's Fresh Kitchen (dinner) – 2 hours – $40
• The Gulf (dinner) – 2 hours – $45
• Fisher’s Wharf (dinner) – 2 hours – $40
• Fisherman’s Village (dinner) – 2 hours – $45
• Spa treatment – 2 hours – $80

Total Estimated Cost: $2,037

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a visit to the nearby Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching or a day cruise to the historic Mobile Bay. To shorten the trip, you can skip the optional zoo visit and consolidate shopping with a quick stop at The Wharf, focusing more time on beach relaxation and the dolphin cruise.