Self-Care Activities for Your Gulf Shores Flexcation

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This post was written in partnership Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism; however, all information in this post reflects my personal opinion.

Now that I’ve shared how to insert self-care into your flexcation, I want to share some specific self-care activities for your Gulf Shores flexcation. There are many activities available in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas that are perfect for rest and relaxation when you’re taking a break from remote work and online learning. 

I love traveling to Gulf Shores, Alabama mainly because of the beautiful white-sand beaches.  But, I’m also a fan of all of the relaxing activities that will fit nicely into your flexcation. 

Before I jump into my list of suggested self-care activities, let me remind you that self-care activities are not a one-size-fits-all thing.  You have to be intentional about choosing activities that will help you relax and recharge.  Self-care is about finding the activities that help you destress and replenish the energy that you’ve used doing all the things! 

With all the activities available in the Gulf Shores area, I’m sure you’ll find something that will help you get in some much-needed self-care during your flexcation. 

Read Next: Wellness Tips for Your Next Flexcation

Self-Care Activities for Your Gulf Shores Flexcation

1. Relax on the beach

Gulf Shores is known for its beautiful beaches, making it an excellent place for self-care. The gulf can be very calming. The combination of the waves and the sun can help you keep your mind off the things that are stressing you out. There are hundreds of gulf-front accommodations available in Gulf Shores that would make it very easy for you to transition from work to relaxation rather quickly.  

(Pro tip: Let Brett-Robinson help you find the perfect rental for your next trip to Gulf Shores.)

Imagine taking a stroll on the beach during a break from working remotely or lounging on the beach with a favorite book or magazine. It can also be very relaxing to just take in the sights and sounds of the beach. 

2. Enjoy Gulf State Park

I’ve visited the Gulf Shores area dozens of times and I rarely visit without stopping at Gulf State Park. Gulf State Park is packed with activities that are great for self-care. You can choose from activities like walking along the pier, biking or hiking a trail, sitting on the porch at a cabin, exploring the butterfly garden, or fishing. You can also take a boat ride on the lake, go water skiing, or participate in a nature program. There are also pavilions available that are perfect for a peaceful picnic in the park. 

3. Visit a local spa (or get Beach Moms to schedule you a private massage)

If spas are your jam, you’ll want to check out the spas in the Gulf Shores area. There are numerous spas that offer a variety of services that promote relaxation and wellness.  Take a break from everyone and schedule yourself some time at the spa so that you can slow down and focus on yourself. One of the more popular spas in the area is The Spa at the Beach Club. The Spa at the Beach Club offers massages, facial treatments, body treatments, salon services and more. 

Here are some other spas in the area that are great for self-care:

McCollough Institute for Appearance and Health

CC’s Salon Day Spa & Boutique

Serenity at the Beach Salon & Spa

If you prefer to get a massage directly on the beach or from the comfort of your vacation rental, give The Beach Moms concierge service a call and let them set it up for you. In addition to being able to set up massage services, The Beach Moms can help with so much more.  You can learn more about my personal experience with The Beach Moms in this blog post. 

4. Do some shopping

Sometimes, an effective self-care activity can be as simple as a little retail therapy. If you’re in the Gulf Shores area, there are several shopping options available.  One of my favorites is Pelican Place at Craft Farms.  At Pelican Place, you can visit places like Target or Glitter & Dirt Boutique.  Or you can venture out to The Wharf in Orange Beach to visit some of the super cute shops there. 

In Gulf Shores, not only can you shop for things that you may need for your home office away from home, but you can also reward yourself for reaching a goal or get other things that you may need for your flexcation. 

You can also find great souvenirs at the cool shops in the area!

5. Play a few rounds of golf

Before you open your laptop to begin working, how about a round or two of golf to start your day? So, if you want to golf while you’re visiting Gulf Shores, check out these options to find the course that’s perfect for you. 

I’ve never played golf, but Self Help Daily has me thinking that adding a little golf to my self-care routine might be a good idea. 

6. Visit the zoo

Are you an animal lover?  If so, you might want to check out the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for a fun self-care activity for your Gulf Shores flexcation. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo houses several exotic animals and you can even find some endangered species there, too. 

This fun self-care activity can also double as an educational opportunity if you’re traveling with school-aged children. 

7. Make bath products at High Cotton Bath Co.

While on a girls’ trip to Gulf Shores, I visited High Cotton Bath Company.  It was such a fun experience.  My friends and I mixed fragrances and made custom bath products that we absolutely loved!

High Cotton Bath Co. is located at The Wharf and is a fun way to enjoy some down time on your flexcation.  Not only is it fun to learn more about the various fragrances, but you also leave with products that you can incorporate into your self-care routine later. 

8. Watch a movie

If you love watching movies, there are two nice threatres in the Gulf Shores area.  You can choose between CMX Cinemas Pinnacle 14 in Gulf Shores or AMC Classic Wharf 15 in Orange Beach. 

You might also check the Gulf Shores Event Calendar to see if there are any outdoor movie events planned while you’re there.  Sign up for the e-Tidings Newsletter to be in the know about upcoming events planned for the area. 

Conclusion

While the premise of a flexcation is to combine remote work, online learning, and play, it’s also an ideal time to add in some self-care activities.  I’ve shared several of my favorite self-care activities, but these activities are no good if they don’t help you relax. Take some time to think about the types of activities that help you to have fun and that also recharge you so that you’re ready to tackle all of your responsibilities.