There was an online poll that was posted earlier this summer on social media that encouraged folks to pick what we would dive into while visiting Alabama Beaches. And, wow did the voters turn out with them voting early and often! This was our Sun & Shenanigans highlights while we experienced Alabama’s white sand under our toes and the local businesses that these fun loving locals showcase for all of us to enjoy!
Miles and miles of Alabama’s coastline to soak up while in the sand and on the refreshing waves. Take your time and pick the best spot for your day on the beach enjoying the Gulf with every moment!
*We had the great pleasure to be hosted by the awesome folks at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. Some of our meals were complimentary and the views expressed are always of our own. Let’s gallivant, Bama!
There is nothing better than getting to Orange Beach early in the morning and seeing the amazing Gulf coast greeting your arrival. Waves, sunshine, unforgettable views, and locals who want to see you have the greatest and most memorable beach experience you’ve ever had. This is what the folks at Sand Castle University specialize in!
Get in the sand, get dirty, and get schooled by the wonderful Sand Castle University instructors! Make your appointment on their website and they’ll come to you. Yup, that’s right! They bring all their equipment and skills to where ever you happen to be enjoying the white sand! That’s not a service every professor will give you, my friends.Pack it, form it, chisel it down, and don’t forget the finer details for you castle. They show you how to do it all and you’ll love your finished product!A true kingdom in Orange Beach, Alabama! All that’s missing are little green army men….Wait! They have those!
Check-In
Just a short walk from the relaxing waters of the Gulf coast was our wonderful room at the Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach Beachfront! We got schooled in the sand and then checked into this beach life inspired hotel with a great and professional staff welcoming us to Alabama.
You won’t have a problem spotting this colorful Hilton Garden Inn! Great location on the beach, near Gulf State Park, close to plenty of restaurants, and shopping nearby as well. 23093 Perdido Beach BLVD in Orange Beach. 251-974-1600Another great perk to getting in a little early to Orange Beach is lounging poolside or relaxing in one of the hot tubs. The Hilton Garden Inn staff at the front desk encouraged us enjoy this area of the hotel while our room was getting prepared for check-in time later in the afternoon. These folks want to get your vacation started in style!We enjoyed our room and the kindness of the housekeeping staff during our entire stay. Clean, comfortable and incredibly inviting. Just what we needed!Hot breakfast is a must when we’re having an active day of gallivanting. I helped myself to their breakfast bar and filled up with all the classics. I ate my grits too, Mom!Enjoying the sunshine from our balcony at this Hilton Garden Inn. I love going from splashing around in the Gulf to splashing around the pool in the same afternoon!
Pedal Through Your Afternoon
The sunshine is what we were here for, but we like to have some scenery to go with it. Time for a leisurely way to see some Gulf Shores landmarks and wildlife with High Tide Daiquiris and Mimosas!
Of course we chose the pink one! High Tide has delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and pedal boats ready to go when you’re gallivanting Gulf Shores. Rumor has it that my wife did most of the work when we were on the water. Checking the sources….Actually the sources checked out. Time for Monie to go from the pedals to the swings at High Tide. Let’s get this lady a daiquiri flight! Click here and see what we’re talking about…
It’s Wharf O’clock
One of the main entertainment complexes on Alabama’s beaches is The Wharf with all its shops, restaurants, bars, condos, concert venue and more! Where can a fella get some whiskey around here?
A taste of the Blue Grass State in Alabama! Kentucky Mist Distillery can give you some full pours of their tasty whiskeys or folks can go on the sample quest like we did. Bottoms up, Bama!The speakeasy lives on in Orange Beach! 8 Reale OBAL is part of The Wharf’s mysterious side when it comes to enjoying libations during your beach filled getaway. You’ll need a code to make the vaulted front door open and you MUST get the clue from 8 Reale’s Facebook page. These will seriously be some of the best cocktails you’ll have anywhere on the Gulf coast, and they’re made with fresh ingredients, top quality spirits while served by skillful mixologists!From the mysterious speakeasy to a room you have to escape from at The Wharf. Breakout Games has several styles of scenarios to choose from and as you can see we were “so close…” with ours. Let’s just say there were handcuffs, fingers and a lot of padlocks involved.
Back Bay Relaxing
The voters who showed up online for our Sun & Shenanigans picked some amazing ways to enjoy Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. One of our favorites was Hammock Time Tiki Tours!I can’t see this picture enough. Captain Glenn taking us to a nearby island in the back bays with and incredible floating tour of Orange Beach surrounding us. All this while laying in comfortable hammocks and cold Alabama craft beers in hand!
Southern Sweet Tooth
We had several opportunities to indulge in the sweeter moments of life during our gallivant to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The voters have spoken and here’s a couple places they sent us for some sugary snacks!
Some of the freshest ice cream you’ll find on Alabama’s beaches is at Pete’s Ice Cream and Donuts in Orange Beach! They use top quality ingredients from sunup with donuts hitting the hot fryer, to sundown with unbelievable flavors in their ice cream. Click here and see more of the magic at Pete’s and other restaurants we enjoyed!Deep South Cake Company is proving that the Deep South is deeply delicious. I recommend the assorted pack of cupcakes that will make you wish for another pack and another pack after that! Key lime, German chocolate, strawberry….
Well, Gallivant nation that was just a sample of the shenanigans you can get into when you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The sun is shining on those beaches all year long and I know you can come up with an amazing getaway of your own in this beautiful Alabama community. Tell’em Dr. WhiteSand sent y’all!
Make your hotel reservations for Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach Beachfront on their website!
