How many days do you need in Gulf Shores, Alabama?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Gulf Shores, Alabama, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Gulf Shores, Alabama?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Family Fun in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Day 1: Beach Day

Gulf Shores, Alabama

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Sunliner Diner

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at The Sunliner Diner, famous for its retro vibes and delicious pancakes.

$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Gulf State Park Beach

Head to Gulf State Park Beach for a fun-filled day of swimming, sandcastle building, and beach games.

Free, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Hangout

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at The Hangout, known for its relaxed atmosphere and tasty seafood dishes.

$$, 1 hour

3:30PM

Waterville USA

Visit Waterville USA for thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and amusement park rides suitable for all ages.

$$$, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Doc's Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar

Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at Doc's Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar, a local favorite with a casual and welcoming vibe.

$$, 1.5 hours

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Day 2: Nature Exploration

Gulf Shores, Alabama

9:00AM

Breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe, offering a variety of omelets, pancakes, and beignets.

$$, 1 hour

10:30AM

Gulf State Park Pier

Take a leisurely stroll on the Gulf State Park Pier and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline while the kids try their hand at fishing.

Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Picnic Beach

Have a picnic-style lunch at Picnic Beach, a family-friendly restaurant with a relaxed outdoor seating area.

$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Explore the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, known for its diverse ecosystem and opportunities to see native wildlife.

Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tacky Jack's

Enjoy a laid-back dinner at Tacky Jack's, where you can savor delicious seafood while taking in stunning sunset views.

$$, 2 hours

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Day 3: Adventure Day

Gulf Shores, Alabama

8:30AM

Breakfast at Kitty's Kafe

Kick-start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kitty's Kafe, a charming eatery known for its Southern-style dishes.

$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Gulf Adventure Center at Gulf State Park

Embark on a ziplining and high ropes adventure at the Gulf Adventure Center, offering thrills for the whole family.

$$$, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Lulu's Gulf Shores

Enjoy a lively and family-friendly lunch at Lulu's Gulf Shores, known for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious seafood, and fun outdoor games for kids.

$$, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Dolphin Cruise with Cetacean Cruises

Embark on a dolphin cruise with Cetacean Cruises for an unforgettable experience of spotting playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

$$$, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gulf Shores Steamer

Feast on sumptuous seafood at Gulf Shores Steamer, a beloved spot with a casual and welcoming ambiance perfect for families.

$$, 1.5 hours

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Day 4: Relaxation Day

Gulf Shores, Alabama

9:00AM

Brunch at The Southern Grind Coffee House

Indulge in a leisurely brunch at The Southern Grind Coffee House, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious coffee selections for the adults and gelato for the kids.

$$, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Beach Relaxation Day

Spend a relaxing day on the beach, swimming, building sandcastles, and enjoying quality family time under the sun.

Free, 4 hours

4:00PM

Ice Cream at Matt's Homemade Alabama Ice Cream

Treat the family to a refreshing and delicious ice cream at Matt's Homemade Alabama Ice Cream, offering a wide variety of flavors.

$, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Shipp's Harbour Grill

Savor a delightful dinner at Shipp's Harbour Grill, known for its delectable seafood and beautiful waterfront views.

$$$, 2 hours

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Day 5: Cultural Delights

Gulf Shores, Alabama

8:30AM

Breakfast at BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets, offering a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and specialty coffee.

$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Gulf Shores Museum

Explore the Gulf Shores Museum, where you can learn about the local history and culture through interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.

$, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bahama Bob's Beach Side Cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch at Bahama Bob's Beach Side Cafe, with a delightful beachside setting and a menu featuring tasty seafood and tropical drinks.

$$, 1 hour

2:30PM

The Track - Gulf Shores

Have a blast at The Track with go-kart racing, mini-golf, arcades, and thrilling rides for the whole family to enjoy.

$$$, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina

Indulge in a luxurious dinner at Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina, where you can savor gourmet seafood and Southern-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting.

$$$, 2 hours

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Day 6: Shopping and Entertainment

Gulf Shores, Alabama

9:30AM

Breakfast at Hazels Nook

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at Hazels Nook, a charming local spot offering Southern breakfast classics.

$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

The Wharf

Explore The Wharf, a vibrant waterfront area with shopping, dining, and family-friendly attractions like a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, and a zipline course.

$$, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Villaggio Grille

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Villaggio Grille, known for its scenic waterfront views and a menu featuring fresh, coastal cuisine.

$$$, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

The Park at OWA

Visit The Park at OWA for a delightful mix of shopping, dining, and thrilling amusement park rides suitable for all ages.

$$$, 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ginny Lane Bar & Grill

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Ginny Lane Bar & Grill, known for its diverse menu and welcoming ambiance for families.

$$, 1.5 hours

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Day 7: Farewell Day

Gulf Shores, Alabama

9:00AM

Brunch at Ruby Slipper Cafe

Relish a delightful brunch at Ruby Slipper Cafe, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere and a menu featuring delicious Southern-inspired dishes.

$$, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Gulf Shores Souvenir Shopping

Explore the local souvenir shops to pick up mementos and gifts to remember your wonderful family vacation in Gulf Shores.

$-$$$, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails

Enjoy a final memorable lunch at Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails, known for its coastal-inspired cuisine and stunning beachfront views.

$$$, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relaxing Beach Time

Savor some relaxing beach time with the family, soaking in the sun and creating lasting memories before departure.

Free, 3 hours

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

Family Fun in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Day 1: Beach Day

8:00AM

10:00AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Nature Exploration

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Adventure Day

8:30AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:30PM

6:30PM

Day 4: Relaxation Day

9:00AM

11:00AM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Cultural Delights

8:30AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Shopping and Entertainment

9:30AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

8:00PM

Day 7: Farewell Day

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

More About Gulf Shores, Alabama

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