Gulf Shores AL Guide Book (The Coastal Coconut & The Castaway Coconut)
Within walking distance
This restaurant is right around the corner 1 block from the condo (you can walk) or they offer carryout or delivery if you want your privacy. Not a huge menu, but you should be able to find something you like. This one always gets high ratings and we really love this place. Good variety so you should be able to find something you enjoy. Staff has been great for us, too.
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Beach House Kitchen and Cocktails
1154 W Beach BlvdThis restaurant is right around the corner 1 block from the condo (you can walk) or they offer carryout or delivery if you want your privacy. Not a huge menu, but you should be able to find something you like. This one always gets high ratings and we really love this place. Good variety so you should be able to find something you enjoy. Staff has been great for us, too.
This place is right next door (1 block away) and offers the basics you would need last minute if you just want to walk and not drive.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Waves
1154 W Beach BlvdThis place is right next door (1 block away) and offers the basics you would need last minute if you just want to walk and not drive.
All of the normal offerings of a pizza place (pizza, wings, salad, etc). Just 2 and a half blocks away if you want to dine in. Parking can be a little hairy at times during busy season so be prepared. They offer takeout and delivery if you would rather eat at the condo or on the beach. If you have had the big chain Papa Johns, I would say this pizza is similar to that offering.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Janino's Pizza
984 W Beach BlvdAll of the normal offerings of a pizza place (pizza, wings, salad, etc). Just 2 and a half blocks away if you want to dine in. Parking can be a little hairy at times during busy season so be prepared. They offer takeout and delivery if you would rather eat at the condo or on the beach. If you have had the big chain Papa Johns, I would say this pizza is similar to that offering.
This grocery store has most of the basics you would need. Great store hours for early morning to later. A little long of a walk at about 4 blocks, but still walkable if you don't want to drive. More pricey than the further out big box stores, but you are paying for the convenience and closeness.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pier 33
900 W Beach BlvdThis grocery store has most of the basics you would need. Great store hours for early morning to later. A little long of a walk at about 4 blocks, but still walkable if you don't want to drive. More pricey than the further out big box stores, but you are paying for the convenience and closeness.
This place is a good option for close beach rentals if you don't want to buy some items or are interested in renting some of the 'bigger' toys nearby. At 5ish blocks it is within walking distance, but may not be necessary in some cases.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ike’s Beach Service
800 W Beach BlvdThis place is a good option for close beach rentals if you don't want to buy some items or are interested in renting some of the 'bigger' toys nearby. At 5ish blocks it is within walking distance, but may not be necessary in some cases.
Quick ice cream shop right around the corner! (1 block away)
1154 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Open 3-10pm (last time we checked)
islandicecreamandtreats.com
(251) 540-2423
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Island Ice Cream & Treats
1154 W Beach BlvdQuick ice cream shop right around the corner! (1 block away)
1154 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Open 3-10pm (last time we checked)
islandicecreamandtreats.com
(251) 540-2423
Food scene
This is the pizza place we prefer (if we're being honest this is our favorite pizza place we have gone to anywhere). You can dine in if you like, but we prefer to get it delivered/picked up from here. Not too fancy as we have kids and the 5 of us all enjoy this place. They have subs and other things too. Add a couple salads as these are pretty basic, but good as well.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Crico's Pizza & Subs
309 Gulf Shores PkwyThis is the pizza place we prefer (if we're being honest this is our favorite pizza place we have gone to anywhere). You can dine in if you like, but we prefer to get it delivered/picked up from here. Not too fancy as we have kids and the 5 of us all enjoy this place. They have subs and other things too. Add a couple salads as these are pretty basic, but good as well.
At just 1.8 miles (5 minutes by car) from the condo this one is a quick trip for some basic ice cream classics. But please don't stop at just one while in gulf shores as ice cream shops are EVERYWHERE! Kids and adults will love it.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Scoops Ice Cream
601 Gulf Shores PkwyAt just 1.8 miles (5 minutes by car) from the condo this one is a quick trip for some basic ice cream classics. But please don't stop at just one while in gulf shores as ice cream shops are EVERYWHERE! Kids and adults will love it.
This is a vacationer favorite as the scene here is very lively and fun. The Tacky Jacks part refers to all of the post-it notes covering the place. If you like the hustle and bustle visit here on a Friday or Saturday, but if you like it a little calmer go on a weekday for a more mellow vibe. This one is 3.8 miles away and right next to the Big Beach Brewing brewery.
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores
240 E 24th AveThis is a vacationer favorite as the scene here is very lively and fun. The Tacky Jacks part refers to all of the post-it notes covering the place. If you like the hustle and bustle visit here on a Friday or Saturday, but if you like it a little calmer go on a weekday for a more mellow vibe. This one is 3.8 miles away and right next to the Big Beach Brewing brewery.
Fanatastic soup! Usually a bisque or chowder of sorts. Food is great. Local favorite. Very close at 1.5 miles from the condo (5 minutes by car). A tad on the pricey side for dinner (but most near the beach are), but lunch is still great and a better value.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
De Soto's Seafood Kitchen
138 W 1st AveFanatastic soup! Usually a bisque or chowder of sorts. Food is great. Local favorite. Very close at 1.5 miles from the condo (5 minutes by car). A tad on the pricey side for dinner (but most near the beach are), but lunch is still great and a better value.
Great seafood for at this one if you are looking for no frills. Not on the beach, but more towards the Gulf Shores 'proper' so it is more of a local favorite. There are also multiple Fish River Grills (they are numbered 1,2,3,etc) Quick drive at 2.8 miles (8-10 minutes) from the condo. Worth a trip to check out. Gumbo and swamp soup offerings are great if you would like to try something you can't find everywhere.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fish River Grill
1545 Gulf Shores PkwyGreat seafood for at this one if you are looking for no frills. Not on the beach, but more towards the Gulf Shores 'proper' so it is more of a local favorite. There are also multiple Fish River Grills (they are numbered 1,2,3,etc) Quick drive at 2.8 miles (8-10 minutes) from the condo. Worth a trip to check out. Gumbo and swamp soup offerings are great if you would like to try something you can't find everywhere.
This place is good to grab a quick BBQ to go or sit down in the restaurant. Fairly priced and with a handful of BBQ sauce options if you like meat you should be able to find something here you will like.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hog Wild BBQ
911 Gulf Shores PkwyThis place is good to grab a quick BBQ to go or sit down in the restaurant. Fairly priced and with a handful of BBQ sauce options if you like meat you should be able to find something here you will like.
At just 1.8 miles (5 minutes by car) from the condo, this small ice cream shop packs a punch! This is the first ice cream place we went to and it remains one of our favorites.
Cherry on Top
132 W 1st AveAt just 1.8 miles (5 minutes by car) from the condo, this small ice cream shop packs a punch! This is the first ice cream place we went to and it remains one of our favorites.
If you love shrimp boils this is your place. I would recommend the half and half shrimp and reds so you can see the difference... then you will never eat shrimp from the store again. Add in some new potatoes and sausage and you're good to go!
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar
124 W 1st AveIf you love shrimp boils this is your place. I would recommend the half and half shrimp and reds so you can see the difference... then you will never eat shrimp from the store again. Add in some new potatoes and sausage and you're good to go!
This one is a bit of a drive (at 15-20 minutes) on the eastern side of Orange Beach, but it is worth the trip. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
223 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cobalt, The Restaurant
28099 Perdido Beach BlvdThis one is a bit of a drive (at 15-20 minutes) on the eastern side of Orange Beach, but it is worth the trip. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
A great place to eat inside or out. Another good one in Orange Beach so it's gonna be about 15-20 to get there, but worth it in our experience.
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
GTs On The Bay
26189 Canal RoadA great place to eat inside or out. Another good one in Orange Beach so it's gonna be about 15-20 to get there, but worth it in our experience.
OK, so this one is so unique we had to add it twice (the other time is in the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo section) as it's attached to the zoo. This is a first for me that we would highly recommend a zoo restaurant as a great place to eat. So, here it is... if you are at the zoo (or just maybe planning on going) this is a must eat at place. Super good food and super clean place.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Safari Club Restaurant
20499 Oak Rd EOK, so this one is so unique we had to add it twice (the other time is in the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo section) as it's attached to the zoo. This is a first for me that we would highly recommend a zoo restaurant as a great place to eat. So, here it is... if you are at the zoo (or just maybe planning on going) this is a must eat at place. Super good food and super clean place.
We actually prefer this location over the Gulf Shores location (unless you are stopping by Big Beach Brewing as well) since we like the water view at this one better. Good food and great view. Be aware this one can get busy during high season.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tacky Jack's Orange Beach
27206 Safe Harbor DrWe actually prefer this location over the Gulf Shores location (unless you are stopping by Big Beach Brewing as well) since we like the water view at this one better. Good food and great view. Be aware this one can get busy during high season.
If you love ice cream this place is the best by far. We suggest going during off hours as the wait can be pretty long at some times. The ice cream is a little pricey, but these are big enough to be split between 2 people (we suggest this as it is a lot of sugar for one person). You get to keep the cup as well.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Yard Milkshake Bar
3800 Gulf Shores PkwyIf you love ice cream this place is the best by far. We suggest going during off hours as the wait can be pretty long at some times. The ice cream is a little pricey, but these are big enough to be split between 2 people (we suggest this as it is a lot of sugar for one person). You get to keep the cup as well.
This one is a little off the beaten path so it is usually not as busy as some of the other ice cream places. They have great ice cream and gelato, but for us the big draw is that they make their own cones which are thick and awesome.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Yumm Twister & Ice Cream
229 E 20th AveThis one is a little off the beaten path so it is usually not as busy as some of the other ice cream places. They have great ice cream and gelato, but for us the big draw is that they make their own cones which are thick and awesome.
This place at first glance seems to be very expensive (at least it did seem that way to me when I looked), but it is worth the cost and more. You need to come here hungry as you order and they just continue to bring you other food options as the carts go by. Great place, highly recommend even though it is a little further out. Great change up from all of the other seafood you will be eating (again come hungry as it will be the only meal you need all day).
99 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lambert's Cafe
2981 S McKenzie StThis place at first glance seems to be very expensive (at least it did seem that way to me when I looked), but it is worth the cost and more. You need to come here hungry as you order and they just continue to bring you other food options as the carts go by. Great place, highly recommend even though it is a little further out. Great change up from all of the other seafood you will be eating (again come hungry as it will be the only meal you need all day).
This little restaurant is a great little place to check out on the water. It will give you that close diner atmosphere if that is more your speed.
88 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sea N Suds
405 E Beach BlvdThis little restaurant is a great little place to check out on the water. It will give you that close diner atmosphere if that is more your speed.
Must visit while in Gulf Shores
This one is iconic and a must-visit at least once when you are in Gulf Shores (although most go back more than that). Food, drinks, tunes, foam party, and more make this one good for a wide range of ages and guest preferences. Would be a longer walk at 1.5 miles away, but a snap by car. A little on the pricy side for food, but I guess it is the experience you are paying for. Puts on a huge music festival in May which is a huge draw. Great beach view while you eat.
401 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Hangout Gulf Shores
101 E Beach BlvdThis one is iconic and a must-visit at least once when you are in Gulf Shores (although most go back more than that). Food, drinks, tunes, foam party, and more make this one good for a wide range of ages and guest preferences. Would be a longer walk at 1.5 miles away, but a snap by car. A little on the pricy side for food, but I guess it is the experience you are paying for. Puts on a huge music festival in May which is a huge draw. Great beach view while you eat.
Although this one is in neighboring Orange Beach (7-9 miles away) it will take you about 15-24 minutes by car to get here. It is a great place to check out as they commonly have events, music, movies, bars, shopping, and lots more. Check out their website to see if they have something you like.
250 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Wharf
23101 Canal RdAlthough this one is in neighboring Orange Beach (7-9 miles away) it will take you about 15-24 minutes by car to get here. It is a great place to check out as they commonly have events, music, movies, bars, shopping, and lots more. Check out their website to see if they have something you like.
For those that like to try different beers this is a must-visit. Open bar with frequent live music and some limited bar food. At 3.8 miles from the condo it will take you about 10 minutes by car to get to. Other restaurants next door to if you don't want to settle for just bar food.
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Beach Brewing
300 E 24th AveFor those that like to try different beers this is a must-visit. Open bar with frequent live music and some limited bar food. At 3.8 miles from the condo it will take you about 10 minutes by car to get to. Other restaurants next door to if you don't want to settle for just bar food.
This is another great place for the atmosphere and food. They have live music quite often (check them out online to see ahead). They have a pretty good water view and gift shop and other activities to keep the kids occupied. Owned by Jimmy Buffett's sister 'Lulu'.
226 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
LuLu’s Gulf Shores
200 E 25th AveThis is another great place for the atmosphere and food. They have live music quite often (check them out online to see ahead). They have a pretty good water view and gift shop and other activities to keep the kids occupied. Owned by Jimmy Buffett's sister 'Lulu'.
Adult Activities
Now you have to be in the mood for a 'dive bar' for this one. This place is a great place to get a great burger. Prices are super cheap, and they have live music quite often. Please be aware they do allow smoking in the bar and it is pretty thick at times. But if you up for it and in the Orange Beach area it may be worth a stop.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Undertow
25025 Canal RdNow you have to be in the mood for a 'dive bar' for this one. This place is a great place to get a great burger. Prices are super cheap, and they have live music quite often. Please be aware they do allow smoking in the bar and it is pretty thick at times. But if you up for it and in the Orange Beach area it may be worth a stop.
Fun activities
Parasailing is a perennial favorite of our kids. Since the boat can not launch from the beach; a waverunner pulls up to the shore and you hop aboard a big float to be pulled out to the boat waiting in deeper water. Be advised that if the water is choppy you may be in for a rodeo of a ride and phones should not be brought on board as they will most likely get wet.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ike's Parasail
800 W Beach BlvdParasailing is a perennial favorite of our kids. Since the boat can not launch from the beach; a waverunner pulls up to the shore and you hop aboard a big float to be pulled out to the boat waiting in deeper water. Be advised that if the water is choppy you may be in for a rodeo of a ride and phones should not be brought on board as they will most likely get wet.
Now of course this one is going to be a little pricey for your average visit. But, if you have it within your means this excursion will make your trip very memorable for sure. Different price points allow for a shorter or longer ride based on your budget. Now Gulf Shores is beautiful, but absolutely amazing from the view of the air.
Lost Bay Helicopters
3190 Airport DrNow of course this one is going to be a little pricey for your average visit. But, if you have it within your means this excursion will make your trip very memorable for sure. Different price points allow for a shorter or longer ride based on your budget. Now Gulf Shores is beautiful, but absolutely amazing from the view of the air.
It may be a long shot, but the Wharf Amphitheater has some great concerts if you're here at the right time. check them out here https://www.wharfamphitheatre2022.com/
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Wharf Amphitheater
23101 Canal RdIt may be a long shot, but the Wharf Amphitheater has some great concerts if you're here at the right time. check them out here https://www.wharfamphitheatre2022.com/
A great place to get back to nature. This natural area has birding areas, biking areas (with FREE bike swapping stations), freshwater (lakes) fishing, salt water (pier/beach) fishing, hiking areas, and more that I have forgotten. Check it out!
180 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal del Golfo
20115 State Park RoadA great place to get back to nature. This natural area has birding areas, biking areas (with FREE bike swapping stations), freshwater (lakes) fishing, salt water (pier/beach) fishing, hiking areas, and more that I have forgotten. Check it out!
Located at the Wharf, this escape room is great for those that are doing an escape room for the first time to veterans. Many themes to choose from and if your group is stumped and needs a little help they are there to give you clues.
Breakout Games - Orange Beach
4776 Main StLocated at the Wharf, this escape room is great for those that are doing an escape room for the first time to veterans. Many themes to choose from and if your group is stumped and needs a little help they are there to give you clues.
Hours for the ferry vary by season. Check out the schedule here https://mobilebayferry.com/. If it is during the busy season make sure to get there early as it's first come first served and if they're full you're out of luck. The trip there is cool and Dauphin Island is a fun place to check out. Trip takes about 30 minutes.
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mobile Bay Ferry
110 AL-180Hours for the ferry vary by season. Check out the schedule here https://mobilebayferry.com/. If it is during the busy season make sure to get there early as it's first come first served and if they're full you're out of luck. The trip there is cool and Dauphin Island is a fun place to check out. Trip takes about 30 minutes.
If you like fishing then the pier is a favorite for sure. Paid parking and to get on the pier it's around $5 per person. Many places to fish and a bait and tackle shop is on the pier, too. Really nice beaches surround the pier to hang out.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gulf State Park Pier
Gulf State Park PierIf you like fishing then the pier is a favorite for sure. Paid parking and to get on the pier it's around $5 per person. Many places to fish and a bait and tackle shop is on the pier, too. Really nice beaches surround the pier to hang out.
Gravity Island Watersports at OWA. Our kids loved this and they are great with beginners or experts alike. Check online (and book online to save some money) as it is seasonal. Some of the water sports that are available here look pretty sweet.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
South OWA Boulevard
South Owa BoulevardGravity Island Watersports at OWA. Our kids loved this and they are great with beginners or experts alike. Check online (and book online to save some money) as it is seasonal. Some of the water sports that are available here look pretty sweet.
ALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO This little zoo is just amazing. If your kids (or you) love zoos this is a must see. We have actually gone without kids we like it so much. It is basically a loop and can be checked out in about 2-4 hours depending on your interest level. Very clean and friendly service when we went. Not a fan of some of the 'upsells' as some of the attractions (animal close viewing) costs extra money. Another bonus is the restaurant- Safari Grill is absolutely amazing!!!
North Zoo Drive
North Zoo DriveALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO This little zoo is just amazing. If your kids (or you) love zoos this is a must see. We have actually gone without kids we like it so much. It is basically a loop and can be checked out in about 2-4 hours depending on your interest level. Very clean and friendly service when we went. Not a fan of some of the 'upsells' as some of the attractions (animal close viewing) costs extra money. Another bonus is the restaurant- Safari Grill is absolutely amazing!!!
This is a cool option if you want to venture out beyond the Bay. You drive onto this ferry which takes you to Dauphne Island for a decent price to check that out. The trip takes 30-40 minutes (would be over an hour if you went around Mobile Bay thru Mobile), and it is really cool to see the bay from your car. Check their website for times and cost and make sure to arrive early during the busy season as once they are full (going there or back) you can not get on.
Mobile Bay Ferry - Fort Morgan Landing
This is a cool option if you want to venture out beyond the Bay. You drive onto this ferry which takes you to Dauphne Island for a decent price to check that out. The trip takes 30-40 minutes (would be over an hour if you went around Mobile Bay thru Mobile), and it is really cool to see the bay from your car. Check their website for times and cost and make sure to arrive early during the busy season as once they are full (going there or back) you can not get on.
Supplies, Groceries, & Stuff
This grocery store is a local favorite and should have pretty much all of the groceries you would need.
127 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rouses
1545 Gulf Shores PkwyThis grocery store is a local favorite and should have pretty much all of the groceries you would need.
A little hidden (most likely on purpose) off of fort morgan rd. and gulf shores parkway. You know what they have, if you need it for your trip, they most likely have it.
114 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Walmart Supercenter
170 E Fort Morgan RdA little hidden (most likely on purpose) off of fort morgan rd. and gulf shores parkway. You know what they have, if you need it for your trip, they most likely have it.
This is our favorite fish market of the ones that we have tried (haven't tried them all, but have tried more than a handful). Great for fresh fish, shrimp, and more to try at the condo. Lots of extras (spices, sauces, and such) to make a meal great. We strongly suggest getting a styrofoam cooler (they sell them here) and filling it up with seafood to bring home as well. They will fill it with ice for you and tape it up, or you can get dry ice if you are worried. We have left this in our car over night and it was still frozen.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blalock Seafood & Specialty Gulf Shores
1911 Gulf Shores PkwyThis is our favorite fish market of the ones that we have tried (haven't tried them all, but have tried more than a handful). Great for fresh fish, shrimp, and more to try at the condo. Lots of extras (spices, sauces, and such) to make a meal great. We strongly suggest getting a styrofoam cooler (they sell them here) and filling it up with seafood to bring home as well. They will fill it with ice for you and tape it up, or you can get dry ice if you are worried. We have left this in our car over night and it was still frozen.
Consejos para la ciudad
No te pierdas
Sand Castle University-a unique experience!
If you are looking for a unique way to spend an hour or two on your trip look into sandcastleu.com (or check out sandcastle university on facebook). They have a 1 hour intro class and 2 hour more advanced class on tips and tricks for building sandcastles. Fun for all ages and they bring the tools to you!
Antes de que te vayas
Great service- Add your mom to your trip!
If you would like to arrive to a fully stocked fridge (need to book usually 10 days in advance), get all the inside info, have pictures set up, get a little extra hand to make your trip more of a vacation, or have your beach stuff ready for you at the beach check out The Beach Moms at 251-979-8400 or https://www.thebeachmoms.net and have it in your budget to set this up at a reasonable rate it may be worth the money to save your vacation time!
Costumbres y cultura
Pay attention to the beach flag colors!
At most (if not all) beach access points there are flags with different colors that fly to symbolize things to be aware of at the beach. There are also signs posted with the colors meanings. Please read the sign and observe the info the flags provide. They are there to make your trip a safe one.
Costumbres y cultura
Sea Turtles are awesome!
Sea turtle nesting season is May-August and since we live in their area we need to do everything we can to help them out during this time. Please don't walk on the dunes, if you dig holes in the sand please cover them back up when you are done, and if you travel the beach at night use a red filter over your flashlight. White light can confuse the turtles as it may look like the moon to them.