It’s always a good time for a beach vacation in the Gulf Shores area and when you choose any of our Poole & Associates beachy escapes for your vacation rental, you are assured of a getaway that you will remember forever. This part of Alabama is known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a laidback lifestyle that will soothe your soul and our properties provide the perfect counterpart. Offering all the comforts of home blended with modern conveniences and stunning views, you may not know it as of yet, but when you chose our rentals with beach access in the Gulf Shores area to make your own for your time in paradise, you will have won the vacation rental lottery and this guide to your beach vacation in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan will show you all the different ways this is so.
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Rentals with Beach Access in the Gulf Shores Area
Of course, we are going to start this guide out by describing all you can do while exploring our pristine white sand beaches. This part of the world will remind you of that Florida vacation you took a few years back, but the good news is there will be less crowds, shorter lines in restaurants, and will cost you far less than that Florida getaway did. Not everyone has discovered the joy of this part of the world, but you, dear guest, are ahead of the crowds and we invite you to explore all the activities listed below.
Do Nothing but Relax
We want to let you in on a little secret: We live here, and occasionally we can’t help it, we have to cut out of work early, grab the kids from school, and head to the beach to do absolutely nothing. The tweens may frolic in the surf and the teens may walk up and down the shoreline making new friends, but we do absolutely nothing. We watch the tide ebb and flow, we let the roar of the sea permeate our entire being with serenity and excitement, we savor the Alabama sun smiling down on us, and we use these quiet moments to give us the strength to face up to moments that are less than stellar in real life, and if that is all you do as well, let us be the first to congratulate you on your wisdom!
Rent a Jet Ski from Alabama Extreme Watersports, 5749 Bay La Launch Avenue in Orange Beach
The thrill seekers in our midst may prefer more active adventures and renting a jet ski from Alabama Extreme Watersports zipping across the waters, jumping waves, and discovering that yes, you do have the need for speed and these exciting vessels will allow you to do that. Offering jet ski rentals that will fill anywhere from 1 to 8 hours of your day at an extremely reasonable price, but also offering something extra, a jet ski dolphin tour that will allow you to swim alongside the soft and silvery creatures, keeping a safe distance (humans are their enemy) and enjoying an experience that you will wish never had to end.
Beach Adventures That Reach New Heights at Blue Sky Parasailing & Watersports, 401 E Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores
Every family has one, that intrepid soul that doesn’t feel they are living if they aren’t doing something that normal people view as a little crazy and the daredevil in your family is going to love parasailing over the Gulf with Blue Sky Parasailing & Watersports, located right here in Gulf Shores. Colorful parachutes tethered to fast driving boats will launch you 800 feet in the air, giving guests bird’s eye views of the area and satisfying their daredevil urges. Offering a photo package for an additional price because if you didn’t get pictures to post on your favorite social media sites, did it really happen? And even if you aren’t a daredevil, we think you will still enjoy your moments in the sky.
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Gulf Shores Attractions
Now that you have the beach out of your system, (Just kidding, it will never leave your system, but we doubt you will mind!) it is time to explore all that makes this part of Alabama a much beloved vacation destination. We will cover all three of the towns in the area, starting with these Gulf Shores attractions that are listed below.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, 20499 Oak Road E in Gulf Shores
We at Poole & Associates have a secret to share with you, one that involves a tv star that you wouldn’t expect. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo was the subject of an Animal Planet series, The Little Zoo who Could, and if you watched the show, chances are you will recognize some of the animals, scenery, or just certain paths you take. Home to 118 species, including 22 that are critically endangered, the zoo offers animal meet & greets, a fantastic restaurant, and an altogether excellent time for all who explore its habitats. Its restaurant, Savannah, is a hidden gem that will provide a five-star dining experience at a less than five-star price.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, 12295 AL-180 in Gulf Shores
Hmm. Reading back over this we have come to the realization that we really love animals and if you are of like mind you may find that the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge will bring you hours of great adventures. This is a beach refuge, fitting right into the theme of your beach vacation, and offering a safe spot to land and live for the endangered sea turtle, a variety of migratory birds, and any other wildlife creature that wanders into its acreage seeking food, home, and protection. Walking trails that lead throughout the refuge will offer an easy walk and a beautiful way to enjoy Mother Nature’s greatest creations.
Orange Beach Attractions
There are three lovely towns all worth exploring in this part of Alabama and our next attractions are located in Orange Beach. Known for its rich Native American history it was named after an attempt to make this area a citrus grove, a citrus grove that failed although the name stuck, and for being home to the attractions listed below.
The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road in Orange Beach
Is it a mall? Is it a farmers market? Is it a concert venue, an event center, a carnival, or a restaurant hub where all the best meals in town can be devoured? The Wharf is all of the above and so much more, and we don’t think we have enough words to describe all that can happen in this spot where life happens. Shopping is exciting here with stores such as the Wharf Store, Little Dog Boutique, and the jewelry store, Frank & Co, there is also a marina with boat rentals, an amphitheater in which some of the biggest acts in the country has performed, and a spa and barbershop that will make you feel pampered and spoiled. If you don’t visit the Wharf during your stay in Orange Beach, it will be hard to convince us that you actually visited our beach town!
Adventure Island, 24559 Perdido Beach Boulevard
It can be difficult to find family friendly adventures while traveling but not in Orange Beach. Adventure Island has it all, including go karts, bumper boats, laser tag, and a reproduction erupting volcano. (We didn’t want you to be worried about living through another Pompeii disaster!) Their kiddie rides section is a favorite of our tiniest family members and we think the pint sized Ferris Wheel is just about the cutest thing we have ever seen as well as being a favorite of the little tykes. Also offering miniature golf, Glow Golf, an indoor under blacklight miniature golf game, and the all important arcade, this family friendly attraction is sure to be your favorite!
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Fort Morgan Beach Attractions
Fort Morgan Beach is one of the smallest areas in the region, offering more pristine beaches and one very important and historic attraction, that of the actual Fort Morgan. Construction of this star shaped brick fort was completed in 1834 with it serving “time” in four different wars, the Civil War, the Spanish American war and both World Wars. Famous for playing an important part in the Civil War, it was where the famous phrase “Damn the Torpedoes! Full Speed Ahead!” was spoken. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and its living history programs are renowned throughout the state. Birdwatchers love the Fort as it is a stopover point for migratory birds in the spring and fall and its location on Mobile Bay makes it a beautiful place to take family pictures.
Seafood Adventures
The restaurants of the Gulf Shores area are an eclectic and international group, but when you are this close to the beach, it is seafood that we are going to invite you to partake in during your Alabama adventures in paradise. Sweet, fresh, and locally sourced, even people who claim they don’t like seafood change their tune when they sample what is served at the restaurants listed below.
Fish River Grill, 1545 Gulf Shores Parkway in Gulf Shores
Casual, inexpensive, and known as the Funky Junky Redneck Joint, this seafood spot also serves burgers in case you can’t convince yourself to try the fish, but we do urge you to try. Their Po’ Boys are the stuff legends are made of, covering the gamut from chicken (Dixie Chick Po’ Boy) to a Southern favorite the Catfish Po’ Boy. Although this next item isn’t seafood, so to speak, if you want to take a ride on the wild side, you have to sample the Gator Po’ Boy, made with, yes, you guessed it, alligator!
Coastal Orange Beach, 25722 Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach
Although you can get seafood at extremely inexpensive prices, sometimes you want that special occasion experience, the one that comes with special occasion prices, and trust us. It is worth it when you visit Coastal Orange Beach, a casual restaurant that serves high end meals you will be obsessed about. Offering a beachfront patio, this is the perfect spot for a romantic meal, especially when you dine at sunset. Do yourself a favor and order the Grilled Gulf Grouper. Life doesn’t get any tastier than this.
Tacky Jacks Fort Morgan, 1577 AL-180 in Fort Morgan
Our final restaurant of the day, but not the last restaurant you will need to visit, is a Gulf Shores area favorite located in Fort Morgan. Tacky Jacks offers live music, unique cocktails, and some of the best seafood in the state, including seafood gumbo, tacky shrimp, and a crab cakes dinner that is simply divine. The Tacky Jacks legacy is one that has been around for over 50 years and will be an adventure in dining that you will never forget.
Choose a Beachfront Rental From Poole & Associates
Your beach vacation in the Gulf Shores area would not be a true beach vacation if you didn’t choose our Poole & Associates beachfront rentals for your vacation accommodations. Offering comfort, luxury, and style along with unforgettable views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf, your beachy escape to Alabama will be a memorable one. Sit out on balconies that overlook the Gulf, watching the sun set over the sea every night and if you are a morning person, take a walk along white sands shores as the world awakens around you. Comfortable adventures will surprise and delight as you sleep deep, dream happy, and wake up feeling rested and ready for a new day of Alabama adventures every day of your stay!
Reserve Your Favorite Beachy Escape Today
Life is better at the beach, and there is no better way to find out than by choosing one of our Poole & Associates vacation sanctuaries offering a space in which all vacation dreams come true. Contact us to reserve your favorite retreat today and prepare for an adventure that will soon become a cherished memory.
