The Perfect 3-Day Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Itinerary

A fun, practical 3-day Gulf Shores and Orange Beach itinerary packed with beach time, nature, seafood spots, family entertainment, nightlife, and sunset views along Alabama's Gulf Coast.

Orange Beach & Gulf Shores vacation

Here's the truth: three days on Alabama's Gulf Coast is not enough time to see all the beauty this region has to offer. However, with the right Gulf Shores and Orange Beach itinerary, you can certainly make the most of a short trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, covering some of the best natural, entertainment, and dining attractions.

Since the towns are just a 12-minute drive from each other, whichever one you choose as your base makes it easy to explore attractions in both locations if you rent a car.

Here's a sneak peek at a great itinerary to help you make the most of three days in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach:

• Day 1: Gulf Shores Public Beach, lunch at The Hangout, afternoon at Fort Morgan Historic Site, dinner at Original Oyster House.
• Day 2: Morning at Gulf State Park, lunch at Moe's Original BBQ, afternoon and evening at The Wharf, nightlife at Flora-Bama or Sandshaker.
• Day 3: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge or Alabama Point East Beach, late lunch at Tacky Jack's or Sassy Bass, sunset dinner at Oso at Bear Point Marina, or a relaxed night at your vacation rental.

At Vacation Homes Collections, your comfort and happiness are our top priorities. With a wide variety of holiday homes in Gulf Shores and amazing vacation rentals in Orange Beach, Alabama, we've been creating dream vacations for years, ensuring you and your family have the best time possible.

As experts in the area, we're always sharing insider tips on our destination blog. There, you'll find tips on cultural attractions in Gulf Shores, family-friendly activities in Orange Beach, and a complete insider guide to both towns, plus Fort Morgan and Perdido Key.

Below, I've put together a perfect (not being cocky here) itinerary that will make your three-day visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach feel complete, checking all the boxes: beach time, natural exploration, seafood feasts, family entertainment, sunsets, and more.

Ready? Let's jump into the details!

Day One: Beach First, Always

Morning: Gulf Shores Public Beach

Start where most first-timers do: Gulf Shores Public Beach. This is the postcard version of the Alabama coast, with wide white sands and clear turquoise water for you and your vacation crew to enjoy. If you want to ease into the trip, keep that first morning simple: go for a swim, walk along the shoreline, relax under an umbrella, and reset.

The visit is convenient, too. There's clean boardwalk access, restrooms, and showers, which make it especially comfortable if you're traveling with kids.

Local tip: If you're visiting during peak season, arrive early to secure parking. Mornings are calmer, and the water tends to be smoother

Bring:

• Reef-safe sunscreen.
• Umbrella or tent.
• Plenty of water.
• A small cooler.

Lunch: THE HANGOUT

Walk straight off the beach and into The Hangout, one of the most popular beachside gems in Gulf Shores. This is a great pick for an after-beach, casual first meal. The menu is packed with seafood favorites like seafood baskets, Gulf shrimp, and the catch of the day, and a kids' menu is available to keep the little ones happy, too.

Beyond the excellent food and beautiful setting, The Hangout offers a colorful and energetic atmosphere that will immediately put you in vacation mode.

Afternoon: Get A Dose of History in Fort Walton

After lunch, a good rest at your accommodation is a smart call. But here's an idea: set your alarm in time for a short drive to Fort Walton, about 30 minutes from Gulf Shores, to visit a National Historic Landmark built between 1819 and 1834.

Fort Walton's historic site is compact, so if you're with kids in tow, it won't feel tiring, and they'll likely enjoy the visit. You can explore the grounds, look at the old structures, and imagine what life was like when the area served as a military outpost. The fort's location, near the water and within Heritage Park, also gives you the chance to take in the surrounding greenery and glimpses of the nearby Santa Rosa Sound.

Dinner: ORIGINAL OYSTER HOUSE

Back to Gulf Shores, it's time for dinner with more seafood indulgence. The Original Oyster House is a longtime local favorite where you'll feast on fresh local seafood, including Gulf oysters prepared in many ways, authentic Southern classics like their homemade seafood gumbo, cheesy grits with blackened shrimp, and the local favorite "Blackened Mahi down on the Bayou."

But it's not all about Gulf treats. If someone in your vacation crew can't eat seafood, the menu is also packed with steaks, chicken, salads, and delicious pastas.

Day Two: Water, Entertainment, and Nightlife

Morning: GULF STATE PARK

Gulf State Park is usually one of the highlights of any visit to the Gulf Coast. This incredible natural area covers more than 6,000 acres, where you can explore 28 miles of walking and biking trails, enjoy wildlife viewing, kayak on Lake Shelby, and find miles of quiet shoreline for a beautiful morning by crystal-clear waters.

Here are some tips:

• If you want to cover more ground, it's a good idea to rent a bike. The paved trail system is smooth and extremely scenic.
• If you're not in the mood for too much activity, drive to Romar Beach for a quieter stretch of sand.

Lunch: MOE'S ORIGINAL BBQ

Time for a boost of energy! For lunch, head to Moe's Original BBQ for Alabama-style pulled pork, ribs, and classic Southern sides cooked to perfection. Moe's is in Orange Beach, just a 13-minute drive from Gulf Shores, and it's usually a mandatory stop for visitors coming and going from one town to the other.

Here, you can savor their mouthwatering food at outdoor picnic tables, enjoy warm service, and a casual atmosphere everyone will love.

Afternoon: THE WHARF

Spend the afternoon at The Wharf, Orange Beach's top entertainment hub, where everyone in your group can find something they'll enjoy.

This lively attraction is home to an incredible Ferris wheel, from which the Gulf views are simply unbeatable, as well as a wide variety of local boutiques, movie theaters, arcade games, and dining spots. From The Wharf, you can also catch sunset cruises for a unique experience with your loved ones. The little ones especially love hopping on the Wharf Express Train for a fun ride around Main Street. 

Local tip: It's a good idea to extend your visit to The Wharf into the evening so you can catch the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience and pick one of the amazing dining spots for dinner. Some great picks include Vinny's Pizzeria, Villaggio Grille, and YoHo Rum & Tacos.

Nightlife: Choose Your Energy

If you want to explore the local nightlife, there's nothing like Flora-Bama. Sitting right on the Florida–Alabama state line, this local legend hosts great live music nightly and boasts a lively, energetic atmosphere filled with friendly locals, sandy floors, and cold drinks.

Prefer something in Orange Beach? Sandshaker at The Wharf serves the original Bushwacker and often features karaoke or live music.

Day Three: History, Nature, and a Slower Pace

Morning: BON SECOUR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

You can't leave Gulf Shores and Orange Beach without one last dose of nature. For your final morning, head to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a quiet stretch of protected coastline, for a slower-paced nature exploration.

The refuge features easy, mostly flat trails that are good for kids, where you can spot birds, crabs, and butterflies along the way. You can also wander through beautiful dunes, walk toward the beach, take a dip, and then sit on the sand to relax and soak in the scenic surroundings and sea breeze.

Extra tip: If you want to skip Bon Secour and just relax on the beach, consider Alabama Point East Beach for a wide-open shoreline and views of the Perdido Pass Bridge, or Cotton Bayou Beach for a smaller, low-key setting.

Late Lunch: TACKY JACK'S or SASSY BASS

If you're near Orange Beach, Tacky Jack's is a go-to spot for marina views and more stellar seafood dishes. But if you're staying near Gulf Shores, then head to Sassy Bass Island Grill for a casual beachfront dining experience packed with made-from-scratch recipes featuring, of course, fresh Gulf seafood.

Final Dinner at OSO or at your vacation rental

A dinner at OSO at Bear Point Harbor in Orange Beach is a perfect way to wrap up your trip. This local gem serves dishes that blend local and Mexican flavors, while offering stunning views of the marina and great live entertainment. If you couple dinner with sunset, even better!

Want to slow down before you leave? What about staying in your vacation rental and making good use of the well-equipped kitchen? This is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones, cook together, have fun, and strengthen your bond. Sometimes, a trip is not only about going out and checking all the attractions off your list. It's also the perfect opportunity to slow things down, enjoy the company of whoever you're traveling with, and create great memories together.

Let the sea breeze lead the way — happy adventuring on the Gulf Coast!

If you're chasing sunshine, stunning views, and nonstop fun, the Gulf Coast will provide you with unforgettable experiences. ☀️

With years of experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we at Vacation Homes Collections are experts in crafting unforgettable experiences. When you stay with us, all you need to do is soak in the coastal beauty and let it whisk you away, because it surely will!