Travel Guides

Gulf Coast Guides & Event Tips

Local expertise on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of every Gulf Coast trip.

Event Guide

Hangout Music Festival 2026 — Where to Stay in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Hangout Fest 2026 hits Gulf Shores May 15–17. Here's the full guide to finding the best vacation rentals and hotels — whether you're staying in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Fort Morgan.

Event Guide

National Shrimp Festival 2026 — Complete Guide to Gulf Shores' Biggest Fall Event

Over 200,000 people attend the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores every October. Here's everything you need to know to attend, enjoy it, and find a place to stay before it sells out.

Event Guide

Flora-Bama Mullet Toss 2026 — Dates, Details & Where to Stay

Flora-Bama Mullet Toss 2026 is April 24–26 in Orange Beach, AL. Full guide to attending, where to stay near the Florida-Alabama state line, and what to expect at the Gulf Coast's best annual party.

Event Guide

Coastal Christmas in Orange Beach — 2026 Guide

Orange Beach puts on a stunning holiday season with lighted boat parades and festive markets. Here's everything you need to know.

Event Guide

Pleasure Island Alabama for Mullet Toss Weekend — Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Guide

Everything to do on Pleasure Island, Alabama for the Flora-Bama Mullet Toss (April 24–26, 2026). Where to stay in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, what to do, and why late April is the best weekend on the Gulf Coast.

The Complete Guide to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Everything you need to plan the perfect Pleasure Island trip — beaches, fishing, dining, and where to stay.

Event Guide

Baldwin County Strawberry Festival 2026 — Loxley Event Guide & Where to Stay

The Baldwin County Strawberry Festival returns to Loxley, AL on April 11-12, 2026. Enjoy fresh strawberries, carnival rides, and live music just a short drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Top 5 Rainy Day Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Don't let a rainy day ruin your beach vacation! From indoor water parks to escape rooms, here are the absolute best rainy day activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals — Complete Guide for 2026

Everything you need to know about booking a vacation rental in Gulf Shores, Alabama — best areas, tips, and how to find the right property for your group.

Best Gulf Shores Hotels for 2026 — What to Know Before You Book

A practical guide to Gulf Shores hotels — where to stay, what to look for, when to book, and how to get the best rate for your trip.

Best Gulf Shores Restaurants in 2026 — Local Guide

A local guide to the best restaurants in Gulf Shores, Alabama — from casual seafood spots to waterfront dining.

Gulf Shores Weather by Month — Best Time to Visit in 2026

Month-by-month Gulf Shores weather guide — water temps, air temps, crowds, and the best times to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Gulf State Park — Complete Visitor Guide for 2026

Everything you need to know about Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama — trails, beach, fishing, camping, and the Lodge.

Things to Do in Orange Beach, Alabama — Local Activity Guide 2026

A local guide to the best things to do in Orange Beach, Alabama — from The Wharf and fishing to dolphin cruises and water sports.

Gulf Shores Fishing Charters — What to Know Before You Book

A practical guide to fishing charters in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach — inshore, nearshore, and deep sea options explained.

Orange Beach Vacation Rentals — Condos, Prices, and What to Book in 2026

A local guide to Orange Beach vacation rentals — the best condo complexes, what to expect by season, and how to find the right rental for your trip.

Orange Beach Water Sports — Parasailing, Jet Skis, and Everything on the Water in 2026

A local guide to Orange Beach water sports — from parasailing and jet ski rentals to deep sea fishing and paddleboard tours.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Orange Beach, Alabama

A local guide to the best seafood restaurants in Orange Beach, AL — waterfront dining, fresh Gulf catch, and where locals actually eat.

Flora-Bama — The Legendary Bar on the Florida-Alabama State Line

Everything you need to know about the Flora-Bama — the iconic dive bar on the Florida-Alabama state line, the Mullet Toss, live music, and what to eat and drink.

Gulf Shores vs Orange Beach — Which Is Better for Your Trip?

An honest comparison of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach — what makes them different, who each one is best for, and how to choose the right spot for your Alabama beach trip.

Gulf Shores Family Activities — The Best Things to Do With Kids in 2026

A real parent's guide to Gulf Shores family activities — from Waterville USA and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to fishing the pier and building sandcastles.