Sun, Sand, and Seafood: Exploring the Best of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
3 Days Weekender iTinerary
Heaven on a beach. The beautiful Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts sits on the white powdery sands of Orange Beach and the Gulf of Mexico. It is stunning. Suites are large, with some ocean front. Try to get room to get D-1903, although the way the hotel is shaped, any beach front room has amazing views.
Lunch at Alabama Point
Find a restaurant or beach bar set right on the sand at Alabama Point, serving fresh catches of the day all day.
Head to the Hot Shop at Coastal Art Center.
Partake in a hands-on glass blowing lesson with one of Coastal Art Center’s resident artists. Make sure to wear closed toe shoes, long pants and long sleeves. Cotton clothes are highly recommended.
Dinner’s at Orange Beach Marina
Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina houses two restaurants under one roof. Each is devoted to mouthwatering dishes from executive chef, Bill Briand, who spent seven years with Emeril Lagasse. Dine dockside or upstairs, both of which are recommended by numerous national magazines. Don’t miss: the sunsets from this perfect spot on the water.
Day 2:
Breakfast at Another Broken Egg
Everything at Another Broken Egg is delectable–simple dishes spun with artisanal flair. Notable favorites include Cinnamon Roll French Toast, and savory Shrimp and Grits, which is a southern speciality and oh-so-tasty!
Spa it at The Spa at The Beach Club.
Back at Turquoise Place, plan for some relaxation in one of their cabana rooms, just off the beach. Book their sampler package, which includes a Swedish Massage, Cabana Island Breeze Facial and a Scalp Massage Ritual. Spppaaaahhh!
Acme Oyster House For Lunch
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, there is something for everyone at Acme Oyster House– not just oysters here! What you will find is the freshest of seafood options prepared with Cajun/Creole panache.
Orange Beach Sailing Charters
Captain Ryan Rayfield left corporate America and launched into a new venture, his boat charter company, Orange Beach Sailing Charters. His love for the outdoors and sailing is apparent when “sails up” and hitting the sea begins. Ask him about his special dolphin sighting stop!
Dinner at Cayman Grill
The place where you can watch chefs at work in Cayman Grill’s exhibition kitchen, run by executive chef and owner, Greg Bushmohle. Only fresh and local ingredients are on the menu here. Another great spot for sunset cocktails and dining with views of the Bay. Don’t miss the 8,000 gallon stingray pool in the center of the restaurant.
Day 3:
Breakfast at Brick and Spoon
Danger! Food Coma warning! Brick and Spoon is one of those breakfast spots in Orange Beach where your eyes might be bigger than your stomach. “Top 10 breakfasts in the US” by T&L, they’re not kidding. Oh, and let’s not forget about the built-to-order Bloody Mary’s list of ingredient options. Don’t miss their Bananas in Pajamas– crispy banana egg rolls with Fosters sauce, and their Wild Mary Bloody Mary specialty cocktail. (And, this is just breakfast!).
Shopping time at The Wharf
The Wharf’s shopping and dinning offers a variety of choices for everyone. Send the guys over to Island Time for daiquiris, while you drop by dozens of locally owned boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops. Then revive for shopping round #2 at Southern Grind for a quick pick-me-up espresso. Heading back at night? Check out the Cigar Bar, and family-friendly Spectra light shows held from 7-9 pm on Main St. at The Wharf.
Lunch at Cobalt Restaurant
We know that this itinerary feels a lot like, doing and eating, and well, it is. With so many great choices in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Cobalt is certainly one of them. Contemporary coastal dishes with waterfront views of Alabama Point can’t be beat!
Zipline at Gulf Adventure Center
A place where Adventure Girl’s heart skips a beat! Traverse over the 900-acre Lake Shelby with views of the Gulf of Mexico. Glide over the Gulf State Park area, and get a panoramic view of Gulf Shores from the Hummingbird Zipline.
Dinner at Lulu’s
Lulu’s is owned by Lucy Buffett, sister to singer Jimmy Buffett. Lucy is famous in her own right, and has several cook books to her name. Like her brother, she’s all about music, and Saturday nights are quite festive with musicians dropping in to play live. Don’t miss: dancing the night away in Orange Beach!
After dinner, check out Titletown Brewing Company, a hip local favorite Tap Room, located within the renovated historic Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Depot! Then hit The Libertine, a prohibition styled speakeasy serving craft cocktails and craft beer in a casual setting – the best liquid collection and mixing ability within the Green Bay area.
* Please note: Some businesses may no longer be open post-covid
