Dylan and Maddy
A Long Weekend in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Our Favorite Eats, Beaches, and Local Spots
There’s something special about returning to a place that holds childhood memories. For me (Dylan), Gulf Shores, Alabama, is that place. I used to come here every year as a kid, but life got busy, and it had been seven years since my last visit. This time, I finally got to bring my wife Maddy along for her first-ever long weekend in Gulf Shores—and watching her experience it for the first time made the trip even sweeter.
If you’re planning your own long weekend in Gulf Shores or just looking for honest recommendations from a couple who loves real, memorable adventures, this post is for you. We didn’t try to do everything, but we found the best eats, beaches, and local spots that made our getaway feel just right.
How to Get to Gulf Shores
Getting to Gulf Shores isn’t super tricky, and you have a couple of options. The closest airports are Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) in Alabama and Pensacola International Airport (PNS) in Florida. From either one, it’s about a one-hour drive to Gulf Shores.
If you don’t plan on renting a car, you can grab an Uber or Lyft straight from the airport, which is super convenient. Just keep in mind that once you’re in Gulf Shores, having your own wheels makes it much easier to explore beyond the beach. If you’re flying into Mobile late at night, rideshares can be tough to come by, so we recommend booking a taxi in advance.
Where We Stayed in Gulf Shores
We were lucky enough to stay at my parents’ condo/cottage, which honestly feels like the perfect home base for a family getaway. If you’re looking for a comfortable spot, close to everything, and has that “lived-in” beachy feel, check it out here: Gulf Village Cottage #7.
It’s great for families or groups of 4–5, with a lagoon just a short walk away and the main Gulf Shores beaches literally across the street. You can be on the beach in under five minutes—and due to a recent executive order, the body of water here is now officially called the Gulf of America (though we’ve always known it as the Gulf of Mexico). Either way, it’s the same beautiful stretch of coastline. Bonus: You can rent this cottage out yourself if you want to experience Gulf Shores the way we did!
Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores, with Gluten Free Tips
This trip was a little different for us food-wise, since I (Dylan) was recently diagnosed with celiac disease. But honestly? Gulf Shores makes it easy to eat well, even with dietary restrictions—especially if you’re a seafood fan.
Lulu’s
Lulu’s is a must, especially if you have food allergies or just want a fun, family-friendly vibe. They take gluten-free dining seriously: a manager takes your order to make sure everything is safe, and there’s a huge menu with tons of options. The atmosphere is classic beachy—live music, games like cornhole and swings for kids, and even little shops to browse. It’s as much an attraction as it is a restaurant. I went for the shrimp tacos (delicious), but you really can’t go wrong here.
Hog Wild Beach & BBQ
If you’re craving BBQ, Hog Wild is your spot. It’s more of a fast-casual vibe, but the food is great. We had the gluten-free pulled pork sandwich with both regular and sweet potato fries—so good. They also have a lineup of house-made BBQ sauces, most of which are gluten-free (just skip the whiskey-flavored one). Quick, tasty, and perfect after a long day in the sun.
The Hangout
The Hangout is another classic—beachy decor, live music, and daily trivia at 3 PM. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid (old photo above), and it still holds up. The menu is huge (think seafood, nachos, burgers), and the atmosphere is always lively.
Sea N Suds
If you want to eat right on the water, Sea N Suds is the place. There’s a gift shop, and the views are unbeatable. Not a ton of gluten-free options (only seafood), but if that’s not a concern, you’ll love it.
Original Oyster House
Another classic for seafood lovers—expect all the Gulf Coast favorites.
Favorite Beaches in Gulf Shores
Honestly, Gulf Shores is all about one main beach along the Gulf. It’s wide, clean, and perfect for both lounging and long walks. You can also drive down to Orange Beach for a change of scenery, but the vibe is pretty similar: soft, fluffy sand and endless waves.
Fun Things to Do in Gulf Shores
Dolphin Cruise: If you do one “touristy” thing, make it a dolphin cruise. There’s nothing quite like watching dolphins jump alongside the boat, especially at sunset. This is easily our favorite thing to do in Gulf Shores!
Putt Putt & Go Karts: Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf is a classic for mini-golf, and The Track is a blast for go-karts and arcade games.
The Wharf (in Orange Beach): Worth the short drive for shopping, a giant ferris wheel, arcades, a movie theater, and our new favorite—Tee Off At The Wharf, where you can try golf simulators (plus football, soccer, and more). It’s a fun, laid-back spot for a rainy afternoon or a break from the beach.
- Souvenir Shopping: You can’t leave Gulf Shores without a stop at Souvenir City, aka the place with the massive shark head as the entrance. It’s a fun photo op and the perfect spot to grab beachy gifts, T-shirts, and hermit crabs!
- Night Beach Walks: Highly recommend strolling the sand after dark. Some people go hunting for sand crabs (they’re harmless), while we just love the cool sand and the chance to enjoy a peaceful walk on a beautiful beach. The sand here is some of the best you’ll ever feel, and the sunsets are unreal.
Tips for Future Travelers visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Stay at Least 3 Days (But 5–7 is Better): Give yourself time to actually relax, try all the great food, and enjoy the beach without feeling rushed.
- Book a Place With a Kitchen: Eating out every meal adds up fast. We saved money (and ate well) by cooking breakfast and a few dinners at my parents’ cottage. Book your stay there here.
- Wear Sunscreen—Seriously: The UV index here is no joke. Even on cloudy days, you’ll burn if you’re not careful.
- Try Something New: Whether it’s a dolphin cruise, trivia at The Hangout, or just exploring a new restaurant, step outside your comfort zone.
- Check for Live Music: Many spots (especially Lulu’s and The Hangout) have live bands or events—makes for a fun night out.
- Embrace the Laid-Back Vibe: Gulf Shores isn’t about rushing from sight to sight. Slow down, enjoy the sunsets, and let the days unfold.
Final Thoughts on our Long Weekend Trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama
Overall, we love Gulf Shores—and it will always hold a special place in Dylan’s heart since he came here every year as a kid. But we know you’ll love it too! The beaches are beautiful, the sand is amazing, and there’s no shortage of fun restaurants and attractions to keep you busy. Whether you’re here for relaxation, food, or adventure, Gulf Shores is the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again.
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