7-Day Family Friendly Gulf Shores Itinerary on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Travel Day

McKinney, TX

7:00 AM

Depart for Gulf Shores

Pack the van with snacks and exciting games to keep everyone entertained during the journey.
Take US-75 S and I-20 E to I-65 S.
0, 8 hours

3:00 PM

Arrive in Gulf Shores

Check into your affordable vacation rental or a budget-friendly hotel.
Navigate to your pre-booked accommodation.
$150, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Hangout

Enjoy a casual family-friendly atmosphere with burgers and seafood.
Drive 5 minutes to The Hangout.
$80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Beaches and Nature

Gulf Shores, AL

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ruby Slipper Cafe

Start your day with a plate of delicious French toast and hot coffee.
Drive 10 minutes to Ruby Slipper Cafe.
$60, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Gulf State Park

Spend your morning exploring the park with easy hiking trails that are perfect for the kids and elderly.
Drive 10 minutes to Gulf State Park.
$10 (parking), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Picnic Area in Gulf State Park

Pack a picnic lunch with sandwiches and snacks to enjoy under the trees.
Find a picnic area in Gulf State Park.
$30 (for groceries), 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Gulf Shores Zoo

Meet over 500 animals at this small yet charming zoo that will surely delight the kids.
Drive 15 minutes to the zoo.
$45, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Beach Time at Gulf Shores

Enjoy the stunning beaches, with plenty of space for the kids to run and play.
Drive 5 minutes to the beach.
0, 2.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Acme Oyster House

Feast on some local seafood delicacies that everyone can enjoy.
Drive 10 minutes to Acme Oyster House.
$100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Learning and Fun

Gulf Shores, AL

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Pancake House

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring pancakes that the kids will love.
Drive 10 minutes to The Pancake House.
$50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Gulf Shores Museum

Learn about local history through exhibits and hands-on activities.
Drive 5 minutes to the museum.
$15, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Kayaking in Little Lagoon

Take a quick kayaking tour with a rental for a fun adventure on the water.
Walk to a nearby canoe rental.
$60, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Desporte & Sons Seafood

Grab a fresh seafood lunch at a sustainable seafood market.
Drive 5 minutes to the seafood market.
$80, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Crafting at The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach

Participate in a family-friendly art session working on local-inspired crafts.
Drive 15 minutes to the Coastal Arts Center.
$25 (for materials), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Early Dinner at Bill's by the Beach

Enjoy a family meal of pizza, burgers, and seafood right on the beach.
Drive back 15 minutes to Bill's.
$90, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Evening Beach Walk

Stroll along the shoreline as the sun sets, creating lasting memories.
Walk to the beach.
0, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Exploring Nature

Gulf Shores, AL

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee House

Get a light breakfast of pastries and coffee to start your day.
Walk to The Coffee House.
$30, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Explore various trails and look out for local wildlife with the whole family.
Drive 10 minutes to the refuge.
0, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Papa Rocco's

Enjoy a fun and casual dining experience with pizza or po'boys.
Drive 10 minutes to Papa Rocco's.
$60, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Gulf Shores Beach Adventure

Have some fun at the beach with added activities like frisbee or building sandcastles.
Drive 5 minutes to the beach.
0, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Fisher's in Orange Beach

Enjoy a scenic dinner overlooking the water with local fish options.
Drive 15 minutes to Fisher's.
$120, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Arts and Shadows

Gulf Shores, AL

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Donut Hole

Savor delicious donuts and breakfast sandwiches that the whole family will love.
Drive 10 minutes to The Donut Hole.
$40, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore the Pirate's Cove

Visit this unique restaurant and family-friendly spot featuring a pirate theme.
Drive 25 minutes to Pirate's Cove.
$0 (explore the area), 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at The Wharf

Try various options at this waterfront complex with shops and eateries.
Drive 10 minutes to The Wharf.
$80, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Visit the Orange Beach Art Center

Engage with local artists or take a short family-friendly workshop.
Drive 10 minutes to the Art Center.
$20 (for workshop), 2 hours

3:00 PM

Return to the Beach

Have a relaxed late afternoon at the beach before dinner.
Drive 10 minutes to the beach.
0, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at local food trucks

Taste a variety of cuisines from local food trucks which is perfect for a family feast.
Find nearby food trucks.
$60, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax and Reflect

Gulf Shores, AL

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Waffle House

Fuel your last day with hearty waffles and eggs that cater to everyone.
Drive 10 minutes to Waffle House.
$50, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Fort Morgan

Explore this historic fort and learn about its role in the Civil War.
Drive 30 minutes to Fort Morgan.
$25 (entrance fee), 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at nearby local diner

Enjoy a nostalgic meal at a local diner that has generous portions.
Drive back toward Gulf Shores.
$60, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Nature Walk at Alabama Point East

Take a scenic nature walk for the last chance to see local wildlife.
Drive to Alabama Point East.
0, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Pack and Relax

Head back to the rental, pack your things, and enjoy some last moments at the beach.
Drive back to accommodation.
0, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Final Dinner at Lambert's Cafe

Have a scrumptious meal with the famous 'throwed rolls' at one of the popular local eateries.
Drive 20 minutes to Lambert's.
$120, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel Day Home

Gulf Shores, AL

7:00 AM

Breakfast at home

Enjoy one last breakfast together as a family.
Prepare breakfast in your kitchen or pack something simple.
0, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Depart for McKinney

Begin your journey back safely with many memories made.
Take the same route back home.
0, 8 hours

4:00 PM

Arrive home

Unpack and reflect on the amazing family trip to Gulf Shores.
Drive back to your home in McKinney.
0, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability