Beaches and Beignets in Gulf Shores

The best part of travel is the surprise that comes with every trip. Whether it is the destination itself, the people, or somewhere special you stumble across; there is always at least one moment of pure wonder and delight.

The Gulf Shores surprised us in all of the above. Having for once done very limited research prior to going we weren’t really sure what to expect from our home away from home for the week – Orange Beach, Alabama. Right away the Gulf Shores conjured Florida as we’ve experienced it in the past – The Keys, Miami, Fort Myers Beach – but Alabama conjures a whole other expectation. What we found was a perfect marriage of Florida beach town and southern hospitality.

The Eats

If you know me at all you know it all starts with the food when we travel (hell even when we are at home ). I had a short list of places I had heard great things about and was expecting something like the southern cuisine of my childhood when we settled on Alabama for this getaway. Although I might have been expecting fried chicken and corn bread we got something way better. Light fishes, delicate and flavorful grits, and even a pillowy beignet – the kids’ first!

A few we recommend:

Lulu’s

Started by Jimmy Buffett’s sister this colorful eatery is a fun establishment for the whole family. Everything we had was good and the kids loved playing in the sand while we browsed the little on-site shop. This place can get really busy though, so plan ahead. By 1pm there can be over an hour wait to get a table and at night it can get a little rowdy with music, sand volleyball, and the outdoor tiki bar.

Bills by the Beach

This low-key hangout was perfect for a pre-beach lunch. While we waited for our food we kept the kids entertained with giant connect four and bean bag toss. Located just across the street from the beach it offers good views, a nice breeze, and plenty of personality. Try the bushwhacker for a grown-up dessert!

Brick and Spoon

It might not look like much from the outside, but Travel & Leisure had it right when they called it one of the “top 10 breakfasts in the U.S.”. First, the staff are so nice you will feel like you are eating at a Southern grandma’s dining room table. The mimosas were perfectly made and the beignets were pillowy, powdery perfection. If you order the pancakes for the kids be prepared to get a to-go box because one pancake is the size of a large dinner plate and so delicious you won’t want it to go to waste.

The Gulf

Al fresco dining is one of my favorite experiences and The Gulf takes it to a whole new level. Beach chairs, picnic tables, and rustic wooden tables invite customers to enjoy communal dining while taking in the gorgeous view. You are right on the beach, so the kids can build a sand castle while you wait for your grouper sandwich or tacos.

The Experiences

This area of the Gulf Shores has the motto “Small Town, Big Beach” and definitely lives up to it. Southern hospitality made it feel like you were part of a small town everywhere you went. And that beach was one of the best we’ve ever been on with beautiful light sand, easy parking, and so much space it would be hard to complain of overcrowding.

What makes this area even better is that it is much more than just a beach town. Here are a few of our favorite non-beach activities:

Big Beach Brewery

This brewery is adorable, family friendly, and has fantastic beer. The staff is helpful when deciding on which brews to try and even chatted us up like locals. With plenty of outdoor space it is the perfect place to enjoy a beer while tossing a few bean bags for a game of corn hole. Beers on tap will change, but our favorites from our visit where Ale of 2 Cities Scottish Heavy, Rod’s Reel Cream Ale, and 100 Daze IPA.

Dolphin Cruises with Cold Mil Fleet

We have done dolphin cruises in several other locations and this was by far the best we have ever been on. The knowledgeable staff truly enjoy what they do and share stories, facts, and jokes along the way. During our cruise they actually had two boats running and used the wakes to create waves that drew the dolphins in for a little play time.

National Naval Aviation Museum – Pensacola

A visit to this museum has been on my list since I was a little kid attending our local annual airshow. This massive collection far surpassed even my wildest dreams! The kids were a little overwhelmed, but it is definitely good for a half to a full day visit. Besides actual warplanes displayed in their full glory, there is a video about raising WWII era planes from Lake Superior the kids enjoyed, walk through replicas of quarters on an aircraft carrier, art, and so much more. If the weather and your schedule work out you should try to catch the Blue Angels performing a practice session.

Mobile Carnival Museum

When you think of Carnival or Mardi Gras in the US I am sure New Orleans is the first place that comes to mind, but this museum in Mobile might just change that. Mobile is located about an hour from Orange Beach and little did we know it is also the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America. The strong tradition continues to this day and you will be amazed at the collection of royal gowns, suits, art, and photos that make up this colorful museum. The staff have personal connections to the festivities and are more than happy to share stories. We made a day of Mobile with a trip to the Explorium for the kids and a BBQ lunch, but this museum stole the show for the whole group.