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Girls Getaway to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach | Planning the Perfect Girls Trip
This trip was hosted by Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. That means I will receive a small commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
At a young age, I learned that the beach was my happy place. I love sitting on the beach, watching the crashing waves, and listening to the pure joy that fills the air. However, I’m rather picky about my beaches, too. I prefer the powdery sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast, particularly Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. So, it didn’t take long for me to decide that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach would be the perfect destination for my Girls Getaway. And after reading this, you’ll want to grab your best girlfriends and plan a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast, too!
Why You Should Choose Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for Your Next Girls Getaway
Women are notorious for trying to balance all the things in life. In fact, we almost wear it as a badge of honor. Our busy lifestyles often lead us to overwhelm, stress, and burnout. Oftentimes, a quick getaway can be just what we need to get us recharged, relaxed, and ready to get back into the swing of things. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has everything you need for the self-care, relaxation, and fun that your body and mind crave.
Speaking of fun, nothing beats some time away with your best girlfriends. Friends have a way of helping you put your mind in pause mode for a minute. There have been countless studies that indicate that spending time with your friends is beneficial for your health. There have also been studies that suggest that spending time at the beach is beneficial for your health. So obviously, combining the two (girlfriends + beach) is the perfect combination, right?
Traveling to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Most of the travelers to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area come by car. From Central Alabama, you can expect about a 5-hour drive. When you’re traveling with girlfriends, it goes by pretty quickly since you’ll probably be performing car concerts, discussing your favorite television shows, and catching up on all the latest happenings in everyone’s life.
If you don’t live within driving distance, there are airports that aren’t too far away. You can check out the Getting Here section of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism website for more information about other travel options.
For our Girls Getaway, we traveled by car. We stopped for a quick lunch on the way and still made it to Gulf Shores in just under 5 hours.
Arriving in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Our first stop in Gulf Shores was the Gulf Shores Welcome Center. Though I’ve visited the area over a dozen times, this was my first time stopping at the welcome center. When we arrived, we were promptly and warmly welcomed to Gulf Shores by the attendant, Michelle. Michelle provided us with helpful information regarding shopping, dining, and attractions in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.
We also had access to tons of coupons and other literature to help us take full advantage of our time on the Alabama Gulf Coast. I’m so glad that we decided to stop at the Gulf Shores Welcome Center.
Where to Stay in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area boasts over 18,000 units, most of which are vacation rentals. For this trip, we stayed at Phoenix Gulf Shores, Unit 2104. Phoenix Gulf Shores is a beautiful property that sits right on the gulf and offers all of the comforts and luxuries you expect from a vacation rental.
We were in awe from the moment that we entered our 21st-floor unit. Our unit had a total of 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, which was more than enough space for us to be comfortable throughout our stay.
The kitchen was so spacious and was stocked with all the tools we needed to prepare meals and snacks, although we didn’t do much cooking. (Give us a break, we were on vacation.) The unit had every dish, appliance, and utensil we needed. I mean, I can’t think of anything that was left out from the kitchen (2 coffee pots, blender, knives, cutlery, pots, pans, mugs, you name it!) Another thing I loved was the wet bar that included a separate ice maker. I called my husband twice to plead my case as to why I needed to have the exact ice maker installed at home. Wish me luck!
The open kitchen poured into the spacious dining and living room combination that had incredible views! This corner unit gave way to spectacular views of the lagoon and the gulf, all while standing in the same spot! I could have stood in the same place for hours!
And while we’re talking about views, let me go ahead and mention the fantastic views from the master suite and two of the bedrooms. The master suite had a king bed and a very spacious ensuite. The remaining three bedrooms had two queen size beds in each.
There was also a laundry closet in the hallway and a large balcony that could be accessed from the master bedroom or the living room. The balcony was equipped with a high-top patio set and lounge chairs that were perfect for relaxing while taking in the sights and sounds of the beach.
Here is a quick tour of our unit:
Other places in the area that I recommend:
- Phoenix East Orange Beach
- Phoenix IV Orange Beach
- Crystal Tower Gulf Shores
- Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach
- Turquoise Place Orange Beach
- Lighthouse Condiminiums Gulf Shores
- The Wharf Condo Rentals
Dining in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
One of the things that I was looking forward to most on this Girls Getaway was the dining! And let me tell you, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach did not disappoint! We had some delicious meals and even better service during our time in the area.
Here are some of our favorite meals:
Playa
Playa is located in Orange Beach at Sportsman Marina. The menu features great local seafood, delicious grilled steaks, and tacos with homemade tortillas. Everyone in our party was able to find something that they loved! And I have to mention the delicious tropical drinks and the attentive servers! We thoroughly enjoyed the casual atmosphere and beautiful waterfront view. This restaurant is definitely on my “must return” list!
Lickin’ Good Donuts
For our first morning, I slipped out early and picked up breakfast for everyone while they slept in. I picked up some donuts, croissants, and kolaches from Lickin’ Good Donuts. Everything was so fresh and tasted delicious! You should definitely check out Lickin’ Good if you love donuts and other pastries!
Villaggio Grille
Villaggio is located at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The menu is packed with delicious Italian and American dishes and several specialty drinks. The restaurant has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a great place for friends or family to enjoy a tasty meal together.
I had the lasagna, which was terrific. Two of my friends ordered the chicken parmesan, and one ordered the goat cheese and walnut salad with grilled shrimp. There were no complaints at the table!
Soul Bowlz
I may have just found my new favorite breakfast when I walked into Soul Bowlz Gulf Shores! Soul Bowlz offers healthy bowls of goodness in so many different varieties! Each bowl starts with a blend of superfruits topped with your favorite toppings. In addition to bowls, Soul Bowlz also has smoothies and other healthy choices.
I had the ocean bowl, and the tropical flavors screamed “BEACH”! The pineapples added a tropical touch that reminded me of summer. The Ocean bowl contains Soul Bowlz’s Blue Majik blend, granola, blueberry, pineapple, and white chocolate chips.
Most people grab their bowls to-go, but my girlfriends and I chose to sit inside to enjoy our bowls. The place definitely had “soul,” and we enjoyed sitting and chatting in this fun spot!
We had Soul Bowlz for breakfast, but it could be a great lunch option as well.
The Gulf
This Orange Beach outdoor eating establishment was super cool. I loved the flare of this place. I found out that it was made from old shipping containers! The Gulf serves seafood and American fare and they also have a full bar that offers a variety of specialty drinks.
There are several delicious options on the menu, but my favorite was the guacamole served with purple tortilla chips. I love chunky guac and this lived up to my expectations! I also had the grouper sandwich, and it was a winner, too! So yummy!
In addition to great food, The Gulf offers gulf front seating. The casual yet chic atmosphere was so much fun and perfect for lunch with friends.
LuLu’s
Did you even go to Gulf Shores if you didn’t go to Lulu’s? I honestly can’t remember a trip to Gulf Shores that didn’t include a meal at Lulu’s! Lulu’s is absolutely one of my favorite places to dine when I’m in the area.
Lulu’s is owned by Lucy Buffet and is known for food, family, and fun! We’ve visited the Gulf Shores location several times and have made some great memories there as well as enjoyed some delicious meals.
I love restaurants with waterfront dining and sand, and Lulu’s has both. The restaurant serves excellent seafood (the gumbo is my fave), burgers, salads, and more. Everyone (even picky eaters) is sure to find something they’ll like on the menu.
The live music, activities, and the cool shop, make Lulu’s a vacation in itself!
Brick & Spoon
Located in Orange Beach, Brick & Spoon is a popular brunch spot. I knew from my first glimpse at the menu it would win me over, too! When I saw fried green tomatoes and bananas foster french toast in the lineup, I was sold!
I ordered both, and I was not disappointed. Both dishes were delightful. Our table also ordered the ham and 3 cheese omelet and it was delicious as well.
What to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Beach Picnic by Lux Pop Up Co with charcuterie provided by The Pantry and other goodies from Orange Beach Concierge
This was by far our favorite event of the week! We loved our catered dinner on the beach. The setup was gorgeous. Lux Pop Up Co made us feel extra special with the beautiful decor. And, of course, the delicious charcuterie, chicken salad (so yummy!), Miami Cocktails, and other snacks made our picnic memorable!
Custom bath product making at High Cotton Bath Company
High Cotton Bath Company, located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, specializes in high-quality bath and body products. They are also known for teaching guests how to create their own scents and customize products in their specially created scent!
My girlfriends and I were scheduled for a Signature Experience Party, which was a perfect activity for us since it was a rainy day at the beach. On their website, I noticed that they also do parties for bridal showers and birthdays, which I’m sure are so much fun!
For our Signature Experience Party, we started with a fun mystery scent game. We then learned how to mix and match essential and fragrance oils to create our individualized scent. Then, a High Cotton Bath Co. staff member let us choose the bath product that we wanted to create with our scent. While we waited for our products to be made, we browsed the shop. There are so many great bath and body products at High Cotton Bath Co., including sleepwear and linens, that kept us occupied while our items were being prepared. It was so cool to watch the products being made, too!
Photoshoot at Cool Shots Selfie Museum
While at The Wharf, we also visited Cool Shots Selfie Museum. This was my first time in a place like this, and, let me tell you, it was so much fun!
Cool Shots Selfies museum boasts over 50 different “cool, immersive, engaging, and attention-grabbing backdrops” for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and other social sharing applications. At over 4,900 square feet in size, Cool Shots Selfie Museum is one of the largest selfie museums in the southeast!
When we arrived, the attendant took us on a tour of the facility before turning us loose with ring lights and our cell phones. After the tour and instructions, we were off to have some fun and make some memories!
If you get a chance to visit the Orange Beach area, head to The Wharf and pop into Cool Shots Selfie Museum for some fun!
Coastal Segway Adventures tour through Gulf State Park
If you had told me that I’d be riding a Segway through Gulf State Park and encountering alligators and other wildlife along the way, I would have looked at you like you had two heads! I’m so serious.
However, I’m so glad that I went out on a limb and did something out of the ordinary. I surprised my friends with this mystery activity and it was an experience that I will never forget!
Coastal Segway Adventures is located inside Gulf State Park. Don’t worry if you have never been on a Segway. If you’ve never been on a Segway, the staff will train you and ensure you’re completely comfortable before leading you through the park trails.
Dave was our instructor and guide, and he was such a great teacher and was so much fun! In about 30 minutes, he had four terrified 40-something women feeling confident enough to ride trails that included bridges, bumps, and wildlife.
Overall Opinion of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for a Girls Getaway
If you’re looking for a place to connect with friends to relax and recharge, I recommend Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Not only were we able to enjoy the beach, but we were also minutes away from great dining options and lots of fun activities. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach had everything we needed to make our Girls Getaway a fun and memorable time!
Read Next: A Review of The Beach Moms
It had been a while since I had visited the Alabama Gulf Coast but this trip has definitely put it on my radar for an annual must do trip! I’ve been telling my family that we have to visit the area soon and I can’t wait to introduce them to some of the great experiences we had. This was a trip to remember and I am so glad I got to experience it with some of my family girls! ❤
It was definitely a great vacation! So much fun. I’m already planning my next trip!
Hands down, this was one of the best girls trips I have been on! I enjoyed the meals, the fellowship, and the activities.
It was definitely one for the books and I’m so glad you were able to join me!
Seems like a great trip! It’s good to get away every now and then.
It was so nice to get back to the beach after being away for so long! I don’t have to be jealous of your beach trip anymore!
How cool! *Goes to https://www.gulfshores.com/ to see when I can go!!!
We need to plan a trip! Seriously! We were so close to finally getting a vacation together…and then, well, you know!
Gulf Shores is one of my absolute favorite places to vacation! This post introduced me to a few restaurants I’ve never tried before – can’t wait to add them to my list next trip!
GSOB is the best! It was my first time at some of the restaurants, too, and I enjoyed every single meal! It was so nice to experience GSOB with my friends!
Orange Beach is my fav Alabama beach! We go yearly. Several years back I took an annual girls trip there! I think it’s time for another one,
I need to plan next year’s girls getaway!
Sounds like an amazing trip. This is making me ready for a next girls trip immediately.
It was such a fun trip! I can’t wait for another Girls Trip soon!
Loved this! Now I know what to do next time I visit. Looks like y’all had lots of fun! Thanks for sharing ❤️
We had so much fun! Definitely use this when you plan your next trip! I have it tabbed so you can easily find exactly what you need. Let me know if you have questions!
Some of my best childhood memories are of my family’s annual trip to Gulf Shores for the Shrimp Festival! Thanks for great ideas to create new memories with my family.
So sweet! My mom loved Gulf Shores, too! I have so many great memories of her when I’m there!
Look like fun. The condo was gorgeous and so spacious. I’m gonna have to put this on my list
Yes! The condo was SO nice! It’s great for families or for friends trips!
That sounds like an amazing trip! I haven’t been to the beach in years because neither Curtis nor Sean like it, so please take me the next time you need a girls’ getaway! So many new things have opened since I was down there last time.
I’ll go to the beach anytime! I’ve never understood people who don’t like the beach. Hmmm…. LOL! And yes, there are so many new and fun places there!
WOW! this looks like an amazing trip! Orange beach has always been there but I have never taken advantage of its closeness. Your trip has truly made me look closer at booking a short get away to the beach…All of the food looked amazing….along with the accomadations! I am definitely adding it to my list!
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has so much to offer and yes, right here at home! I hope you can get to the Alabama Gulf Coast soon to enjoy our beautiful white-sand beaches!
Looks like an amazing trip. I love the idea of the beach picnic and the Segway adventure…. And yes Playa is amazing. We went there the last time we went, some of the best cocktails I’ve had!
And I want to go on the next one!
For sure! It would be so much fun! I miss my friend!
Playa was AMAZING! I’m definitely going back on my next trip! That Pink Pineapple was so good!! OMG!!
Awesome recap! I haven’t been to Gulf Shores in years and seeing the accommodations, restaurants, and activities definitely has me rethinking that oversight. Thank you for sharing!
It has definitely grown, but still has that small-town beach feel. I think you’ll love it! We certainly did!
What a fun and fabulous trip! There will definitely be some new places and things I will try on my next beach trip! Thanks for sharing with us!
Oh, it was so much fun! I can’t wait to go back again!
I love the sound of all the places you highlighted! We have been going on vacations to Florida. I’m so excited to explore these Alabama destinations! Thank you for sharing all of these detailed recommendations!
I hope you can use this to help you plan your next visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast!
Awesome trip! Thank you for sharing your journey! I will definitely have to consider this for my next trip!
It’s a great place to vacation! We had such a great time!
AWESOME!! It looks like a great girls trip!! I love Gulf Shores ! The beach is also one of my happy places!! I will make sure to try some of the new places you guys highlighted!
You should definitely try some of these places! Everything we ate was delicious!
You make planning a trip to Gulf Shores very enticing! We definitely need to try out some of your new finds!
I bet your grandkids would enjoy the Gulf Shores Zoo! Such a great place.
I have never been to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. I thought it just drinking and partying. I always go to Destin. After reading your blog, I can wait to go to Gulf Shores! I had no idea it was so nice and fun! I love your blog and it had some great ideas for a girls trip. I sent it to several friends. Awesome!!!
Thank you so much, Wanda! I appreciate that. The area is very family friendly. I’ve been several times and have always enjoyed it! Thanks so much for sharing my blog. I appreciate you!
I was excited to read some exciting adventures and eateries that I must try next time we visit.
There are a lot of fun things to try in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! We had a great time!
LOVE the area! Plan to retire there! Take me next time! 😍
I would love to retire there, too! Until then, the frequent visits will have to do! I hope to be going back soon! Pack your bags! LOL
I’ve been to Gulf Shores several times and the trip was ok, I’m excited about going back girl you have really opened my eyes to a whole different place 😆 My sisters and I have been getting together once a month and this would be perfect!
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach really have a lot of fun things to offer. I’m so glad we stepped out of the box and tried new things this time. I think a sister’s trip would be perfect!
Wow! I can tell you guys had great time! I will definitely consider Gulf Shores for my next getaway! Thanks for sharing all the cool spots to visit as well as that spacious condo!!
We had a great time and you should definitely consider Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for your next getaway! We had such fun time!
I always thought about going there but never knew much about it. Thanks! This is now on my places to visit list.
It should be! It is a lovely vacation destination and is perfect for families! I really think you’d enjoy it! Let me know if you have questions as you plan.
Oh Cherith! Your review was bronzer!!! Your attention to detail in describing the food, activities, living space, etc., made me feel like I was right there on the trip with you ladies!!! I haven’t visited Orange Beach in years, but I tell you what, you have fully convinced me that it must be put on my calendar for next August!
Thanks for all the great info!
Thank you so much! You should really visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! It was lovely! Let me know if you have questions as you plan!
What a FUN adventure!!! I enjoyed reading!!! You listed a few spots in GS that I’ve never been to but am looking forward to trying! You make life look so fun!!! 😊
It was my first time to visit Playa and it was also my first time to do a Segway tour! It was so much fun. While I love lazy days at the beach, it was so much fun to get out and explore some other fun things in the area, too!
Love Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. My grandparents had a condo when I was growing up in Gulf Shores so it’s kinda like my second home. You can come visit me in 7 years when I retire and move there! ❤️
I’m holding you to it and saving this as evidence! 😍 I love Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!