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5 Reasons for a Fall Vacation in Gulf Shores

Great Rates, Beautiful Weather and Serene Beaches Top The List

As summer fades, cooler autumn air sets in and vacation rental rates fall, there’s no better time to visit the enchanting Alabama Gulf Coast. With its stunning beaches, abundant outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions, fall offers a unique and captivating experience for travelers. Let’s explore the top five reasons to plan a fall vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

1. Coastal Beauty in a Tranquil Setting

The Alabama Gulf Coast boasts unparalleled coastal beauty, and in the fall, it reaches its peak splendor. Sparkling white beaches frame the emerald-green water as the sun shines down from the rich, blue sky. Couple this with coastal greenery and breathtaking sunsets in pink and orange hues, and you’ll agree the fall landscape of the Alabama Gulf Coast is a sight to behold.

2. Ideal Weather for Outdoor Activities

Fall brings milder temperatures and lower humidity, creating the perfect climate for outdoor adventures on the Alabama Gulf Coast. From hiking the abundant nature trails and biking along scenic routes to kayaking in tranquil bays and fishing in the Gulf waters, the opportunities for outdoor activities are endless. The comfortable weather allows you to fully embrace the stunning natural surroundings and engage in adventurous experiences, making your visit to the Gulf Coast even more memorable.

3. Family-Friendly Attractions and Festivals

The Alabama Gulf Coast is renowned for its array of family-friendly attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. In the fall, these attractions come alive with a myriad of events and festivals. Explore the Gulf Coast Zoo, home to a diverse range of animals, or visit the Gulf State Park where you can bike, hike, or relax by the lake. Don’t miss the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, a celebration of delicious seafood, live music, and vibrant arts and crafts in October. These attractions and festivals offer endless entertainment options for families, creating cherished moments and lifelong memories.

4. Gulf Seafood Delights

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in the mouthwatering Gulf seafood that the Alabama Gulf Coast is renowned for. As the crowds thin, local restaurants continue to serve up a bounty of fresh catches, including shrimp, oysters and fish. Savor the flavors of the Gulf with a seafood feast, where each bite is a celebration of the region’s culinary heritage. Whether you prefer fine dining or casual beachfront eateries, the Alabama Gulf Coast promises a delectable gastronomic experience for seafood enthusiasts. Keep in mind also that numerous fresh seafood markets offer great variety for you to prepare in your fully equipped Current Tides rental kitchen.

5. Serene Beach Getaway

One of the most compelling reasons to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast in the fall is the tranquility and solitude you’ll find on uncrowded beaches. With the summer vacation crowds dispersed, you can relish in the peacefulness and have vast stretches of beach almost to yourself. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape or a rejuvenating solo retreat, the Alabama Gulf Coast provides the idyllic setting for a serene beach getaway. Bask in the warm sunshine, listen to the soothing sounds of the waves and let the gentle breeze whisk your worries away.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or quality time with family, the Alabama Gulf Coast in the fall delivers on all fronts. With its captivating coastal beauty, mild weather, and family-friendly attractions and festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition, fall means falling rental rates. When you book a fall vacation with Current Tides, you will experience discounted rates that are less than those in the peak summer season.

Make the most of this magical time of year and create unforgettable memories on the Alabama Gulf Coast with a Current Tides rental in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Perdido Key.

Spend Time Together, Not More Money

Free & Cheap Activities to Enjoy with Kids in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

When it comes to planning a family vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, there are plenty of fun and affordable activities to enjoy with the kids. From free outdoor adventures to low-cost educational experiences, here are some ideas to help you plan a budget-friendly family vacation that your family will never forget!

The Classic: A Beach Day!

Of course, the main attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the beautiful sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. And the best part? Enjoying a beach day is completely free! Pack a picnic lunch, bring some sunscreen and spend the day playing in the sand, building sandcastles and swimming in the warm Gulf waters. If you choose the main public beach in Gulf Shores, please note there is a nominal fee for parking.

Take a Nature Walk

The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area is home to a variety of beautiful natural areas that are perfect for a family nature walk. The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf State Park and the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail all offer scenic walking paths that wind through forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats. Look out for local wildlife like shorebirds, turtles, foxes and alligators! Check out the beautiful butterfly garden you’ll encounter when hiking the trail system in Orange Beach.

Explore Local Parks

In addition to the natural areas mentioned above, there are also several local parks in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area that are great for family outings. Gulf Shores Kids Park, located in the heart of Gulf Shores, features a playground and a covered picnic area with grills. Orange Beach Waterfront Park is another great destination, with a playground, fishing pier and a scenic walking trail. You’ll also find the Coastal Arts Center at Orange Beach Waterfront Park. Cool off as you browse the gorgeous variety of local artwork.

Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, also known as “The Little Zoo That Could,” is a popular family destination that won’t break the bank. This 25-acre zoo is home to more than 300 animals from around the world, including tigers, lemurs and kangaroos. Visitors can also enjoy interactive experiences, like feeding the animals and taking behind-the-scenes tours. Dine in the on-site restaurant as you listen to the sounds of the animals. Be sure to let the kids ride the merry-go-round!

Visit the Gulf Shores Museum

If you’re looking for an educational activity for the family, the Gulf Shores Museum is a must-see destination. This small museum features a variety of exhibits and artifacts that highlight the rich history of the region, from its Native American roots to the present day. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the area’s natural history, the Gulf Shores fishing industry and the role of the region in the Civil War.

Attend a Concert or Event

Throughout the year, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach host a variety of free and low-cost events and concerts that are perfect for families. The Gulf State Park hosts outdoor concerts and movies throughout the summer, while the Wharf at Orange Beach hosts events from farmer’s markets to festivals. Be sure to check the local event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit. The holiday season is an especially rewarding time to visit, with a popular light show at night and ice skating and Santa Claus visits during the day.

Take a Dolphin-Watching Tour

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to a large population of playful dolphins, and there are several companies that offer affordable dolphin watching tours. These guided boat tours take visitors out into the Gulf of Mexico to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. Kids will love watching these playful creatures jump and play in the water while learning about their behavior and biology from expert guides.

The next time you’re planning a family vacation, consider Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for a budget-friendly getaway that’s sure to create lasting memories for everyone. With so many free and low-cost activities to enjoy, you can have a fun-filled family vacation without breaking the bank.

Book your next Gulf Shores vacation with Current Tides and get ready for your best adventure yet!

Share the Sweetness Online

Show Off Your Favorite Beach Vacation Moments

A family vacation to the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast is a memorable experience for many reasons. The area offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are perfect for families, including beautiful beaches, family-friendly parks and water sports.

Make Memories That Last Forever

Kids can play in the sand and swim in the Gulf of Mexico while parents relax and soak up the sun. Gulf Shores also offers opportunities for families to learn about the local environment, with attractions like the Gulf State Park and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Families can also enjoy delicious seafood at local restaurants and take part in events and festivals throughout the year. But perhaps the most memorable aspect of a family vacation to Gulf Shores is the opportunity to spend quality time together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

From building sandcastles and taking long walks under a moonlit sky to watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico, the white, sandy shores of the Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan and Orange Beach, Alabama, and Perdido Key, Florida are perfect for making memories with your loved ones.

Share Your Memories With Us!

If you’ve recently visited or are planning a beach vacation to Pleasure Island, Current Tides Vacation Rentals and Real Estate Sales invites you to share your beach memory photos by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram. By sharing your precious photos with us, you’ll not only help us showcase the beauty of our area, but you’ll also help inspire future vacationers to make their own memories on this beautiful stretch of the Gulf Coast.

To participate, simply tag Current Tides Vacation Rentals on your Facebook and Instagram photos and use the hashtag #CurrentTides. You can also send us your photos directly via email at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to share them on our social media channels.

In addition to helping us highlight our properties and inspire future guests, sharing your photos can also help you connect with other vacationers and make new friends. By tagging us and using our hashtag, you’ll become part of the Current Tides Vacation Rentals community and have the chance to connect with other beach lovers from around the world.

Whether you’re staying in one of a cozy cottage or a beachview condo, we want to see your photos and hear your stories! Send photos showing you with a good book, playing in the waves with your kids, or exploring the local attractions. Whatever your favorite pictures are, we want to be a part of your beach vacation memories.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, hit the beach, and let’s make some memories together! We can’t wait to see what you come up with! Share your photos on Facebook or Instagram and tag us using #CurrentTides!

A Vacation Like No Other

6 Fun & Unique Things You Can Do During Your Gulf Shores, AL Vacation

When most people think of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama, they think of beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and exciting water sports. While those are all great things to experience in the area, there are also some truly unique and weirdly fun things to do that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are just a few:

Visit the Gulf Coast’s only underwater forest.

The Gulf Shores area is home to an amazing underwater forest. It is a unique and relatively unknown dive site that features the remains of an ancient cypress forest that was submerged over 50,000 years ago during the Ice Age. The forest was rediscovered by fishermen in 2012 and has since become a popular destination for divers and scientists alike. The site is approximately 60 feet deep and is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, crabs and sea turtles. Divers can explore the eerie, yet fascinating, forest and experience a unique glimpse into the past. You can explore this otherworldly landscape by taking a dive with Down Under Dive Shop, the only dive shop in the area that offers tours of the underwater forest.

Take a unique dive.

While you’re diving, take in Poseidon’s Playground, a popular dive site in Orange Beach, AL that attracts scuba divers from all over the world. The site features a unique underwater sculpture garden that includes a variety of marine life-inspired art installations, including a giant octopus, sea turtles, and sharks. This dive site is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers, with a maximum depth of 60 feet. The site also features an abundance of marine life, including schools of fish, rays, and sometimes even dolphins. The visibility is typically excellent, making it a great spot for underwater photography. Whether you are a seasoned diver or just starting out, Poseidon’s Playground is a must-visit dive site for anyone exploring the waters of Orange Beach.

Take a dolphin-watching tour on a pirate ship.

If you’re looking for a truly unique way to see the Gulf Coast’s famous dolphins, look no further than the Pirate’s Island Adventure Tour. This interactive boat tour takes you on a pirate ship, complete with a crew of swashbucklers and a treasure hunt. And of course, you’ll get plenty of chances to spot dolphins along the way.

Get lost in a corn maze.

Every fall, Magnolia Farms in Summerdale opens up its corn maze to visitors. It’s a fun and challenging way to spend an afternoon, with twists and turns that are sure to keep you guessing. And once you’ve made it through the maze, you can enjoy other seasonal activities like pumpkin picking and hayrides.

Explore the history of medicine.

…at the Medical Museum in Foley. Located inside the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History, this museum offers a glimpse into medical practices and equipment from the early 1900s to the present day. Visitors can explore displays featuring antique medical tools, vintage hospital equipment, and photographs that document the evolution of healthcare in the Gulf Coast region. One of the highlights of the museum is the operating room exhibit, which showcases surgical instruments and techniques from the past. The museum also features a collection of antique pharmaceuticals, including elixirs, tonics, and powders, as well as exhibits on the history of nursing, dentistry, and public health.

Have a spot of tea.

The Copper Kettle Tea Bar in nearby Foley (just a few minutes’ drive north of the beach) is a charming spot that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is housed in a historic building and features a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The menu is focused on teas, offering a wide range of options to choose from, along with light bites and desserts. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea complete with scones, finger sandwiches, and petit fours, or opt for a simple cup of tea accompanied by a slice of homemade cake.

Book a vacation condo or house with Current Tides. With options in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, Orange Beach in Alabama and Perdido Key in Florida, Current Tides has the perfect getaway for your family! Book your favorite spot now.

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