Sweet summertime has officially rolled into Birmingham. And, as always, it brought that signature Alabama heat with it. If you’re already dreaming of a break from the city sizzle, a quick road trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast might be just what your crew needs.
Some of my earliest memories are of riding in the backseat of my parents’ car, making the familiar journey to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The trip itself was always part of the adventure. I loved watching pine trees blur past my window and counting down the hours until my feet would finally hit the soft, white sand. Even as a child, I knew there was something special about Alabama’s beaches. Back then, the coast felt much quieter and simpler. We’d rent a small beachfront condo and spend carefree days building sandcastles, chasing waves, and collecting shells. I still remember the way the sugary white sand felt beneath my feet and the smell of salt in the air as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I’ve already done the Alabama beach thing.” Over the years, I’ve watched Alabama’s coastline grow and evolve, and—trust me—there’s a whole new wave of reasons to head back to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and the surrounding area this season. Though the spirit of the place remains unchanged, the coast is buzzing with fresh new eats and outdoor adventures to help you and your family relax, reconnect, and make memories.
Photograph courtesy of Cherith Glover Fluker
What’s New (and Fun!)
First up is the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability (gulfcenter.org). I’ve been looking forward to this new addition, and it’s finally here. The center will offer ropes courses, eco-camps, and hands-on outdoor fun. If you’re a nature lover or just curious to try something new, you’ll want to visit.
Want to explore without breaking a sweat? Check out Coastal Segway Adventures (coastalsegwayadventures.com) at Gulf State Park. Riders ages 12 and up can cruise through scenic trails, spotting local wildlife and maybe even a sunbathing alligator. It’s a fun and surprisingly relaxing way to explore the park’s natural beauty. I’ve done this with my family a few times, and—believe me—it’s a fun experience.
If indoor thrills are more your speed, don’t miss Tropic Falls at OWA (visitowa.com/destinations/tropic-falls-at-owa). This massive indoor water park offers everything from high-speed slides to a lazy river, with no sunscreen required. It’s a great way to beat the heat and keep the whole family entertained.
Where to Eat and Chill
Let’s be real—no beach trip is complete without great food. I’m always on the lookout for new places, and the Gulf Coast never disappoints. There are always new places popping up that bring the flavor and make every bite worth the drive.
Pelican Grill (gulfshores.com/restaurants/cook-your-catch/pelican-grill) at SanRoc Cay Marina is a waterfront gem where you can dock, dine, and dig into flavorful coastal dishes while enjoying the view. It’s casual, breezy, and exactly what a beach meal should feel like.
For a fun twist on dinner, swing by Topsail Steamer (topsailsteamer.com), a Shark Tank-featured spot that’s bringing big flavor to the Gulf Coast. Their signature steamer buckets come loaded with fresh seafood, veggies, and house-made seasonings prepped and ready for you to cook right in your beach rental. Just add water, turn up the heat, and you have a no-stress, restaurant-worthy meal without the wait or crowds. It’s a game-changer for families, couples, or anyone who loves good food and beach vibes.
Cool Ways to Make Hot Memories
Photo courtesy of Alabama's Beaches
Sure, the beach is the main attraction, but it’s the extras that turn a good trip into a great one. I love beach picnics, so I was excited to hear about Beachside Blankets (beachsideblankets.mailchimpsites.com). They will set up a picture-perfect picnic right on the sand, complete with chairs, a table, decor, and even charcuterie if you’d like. It’s ideal for date nights, girls’ getaways, or even solo sunset watching.
If you’ve been thinking about camping at the beach but want your camping experience to be a bit on the bougie side, check out Timberline Glamping (orangebeach.tlglamping.com) in Gulf State Park at the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trailhead. Their cozy glamping tents have air-conditioning, a full bathroom, mini-fridge, coffee maker, firepit, you name it. Add-ons like s’mores kits and bike rentals make it easy to explore the nearby trails (which, by the way, were just named the #1 Recreational Trails in the country by USA Today’s 10 Best—three years running!).
Time to Hit the Road
Ready to pack your bags and hit the road yet? The Alabama Gulf Coast is one of my favorite places to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, and they’re always ready to welcome you back or win you over for the first time. With so many new experiences and familiar favorites waiting, it’s never been easier to trade that Birmingham heat for a few sweet days by the sea. Summer doesn’t last forever, but the memories you’ll make at the beach? Those just might.