Category: Traveler Tips

Are you making a beeline to The Beach Club this summer? Don’t forget all the essentials as well as some extras to make your Gulf Shores vacation even better. Wondering what’s in our beach bag for the perfect day of sand and surf? We’ve got it all covered.

What’s in Our Beach Bag

1.) First up, we pack a cooler with plenty of water, juice and snacks to enjoy while soaking up the sun. After all, being dehydrated at the beach is no fun. We love to add some grab-and-go fruit, bottled drinks and granola bars, too.

Beach Club Tip: For an extra-special treat, bring the kids by The Clubhouse Pool for a complimentary frozen treat from Toby the Turtle. It’s another perk of booking direct through Spectrum Resorts at The Beach Club.

2.) The sun can be harsh, so we pack plenty of sunscreen. No one wants a sunburn to ruin their vacation, especially on the first day! Even more importantly, ultraviolet A rays can cause skin cancer. Experts recommend using at least SPF 15 sunscreen, and those with fair skin or a family history of skin cancer should use SPF 30 or higher. The most important aspect of sunscreen is to use it right. Reapply after getting out of the water. Don’t miss any hard-to-reach spots or areas easy to forget like the tops of your feet or that bald spot. Use plenty, and don’t forget the balm to protect your lips as well. They can get sunburned, too!

Beach Club Tip: Did you run out of sunscreen and don’t want to ride into Gulf Shores proper? We’ve got you covered. Stop by The Village Mercantile for a selection of lotions and sprays. And, guests of Spectrum Resorts get 10% off their purchases.

3.) While we’re talking about sun protection, we don’t leave home without a sunhat and sunglasses in our beach bag. Shades should indicate they block 100 percent of UV rays. And that wide-brimmed hat provides extra coverage for ears, neck and eyes.

4.) We love a thick and extra-long beach towel. Always bring one more than you think you’ll need. If you love to lay in the sand, a sheet is a great addition, too.

Beach Club Tip: Reserve your beach chairs and umbrellas prior to your vacation. Guests booking direct through Spectrum Resorts at The Beach Club get priority beach chair reservations.

5.) As for those “extras” that add the perfect touch to our beach bag, we don’t leave the condo without a good book. Beach time is perfect for catching up on those best sellers you’ve been meaning to read. We’ve also been known to download our favorite reads on Audible. Just don’t forget earbuds, so you can listen without disturbing your beach neighbors.

6.) As much as we love to disconnect, our phone will always be in our beach bag! We can’t miss a postcard-perfect scene. So, along with our phone, we bring a waterproof pouch to protect it. If you plan to stay on the beach all day, consider tossing a battery extender into your bag, as well.

Beach Club Tip: After you snap your postcard-perfect photo, share it with us on Facebook and use #ChooseSpectrum!

7. Baby powder. Never leave home without it! Not only is it good for all those cracks and crevices where sand can seep in, but it’s also perfect for removing sand from feet and legs when you’re leaving the beach. Simply sprinkle a little on your feet and dust the sand away.

8. Jellyfish 101. As much as we hope we don’t see any of these critters, it does happen from time to time. We like to keep a plastic bottle of vinegar in our beach bag.

Beach Club Tip: If you’re stung by a jelly fish, don’t use freshwater, apply ice or rub the area. Treat the area with vinegar, which helps stop the release of toxins. Lay it over the area for 30 minutes.  

9. Saltwater can dry out your hair, so we love to keep a bottle of leave-in conditioner in our beach bag. It’s especially helpful when the littles have been playing in the Gulf all day. Just give a little spritz and their hair will feel soft and moisturized.

10. While the cooler keeps our drinks on ice, we don’t forget an insulated tumbler for when it’s in our hand!

Now, all you have to do is pack your beach bag and put The Beach Club in your GPS!

The short days of winter will soon be stretching into longer spring days, leaving more time to connect with your family. Rescue them from the doldrums of winter by planning a spring break in Gulf Shores everyone will love. Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens, we’re sharing our favorite Gulf Shores activities for a spring break to remember.

Waterfront Fun

Take advantage of all the onsite amenities and perks as a Spectrum Resorts guest. Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, there’s no better place to stretch out and enjoy the surf and sand. As a Spectrum guest, you’ll get priority reservations for beach chairs and umbrellas. It’s the perfect spot for ditching digital distractions and reconnecting with your family.

In addition to our private beach, guests can make a splash at one of the members-only pools at the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse offers an indoor and outdoor pool. Our junior guests have even been known to call the spacious outdoor pool the “turtle pool.” This is where you’ll likely run into Toby the Turtle, our resort mascot who keeps families entertained with fun games, dances, and challenges. Reserve a poolside cabana, order lunch from the Gulfside Bar & Grill and enjoy a family spring break vacation that’s truly a vacation.

Take to the Skies on a Hot Air Balloon

Experience Gulf Shores like never before on a hot air balloon ride with Gulf View Ballooning! Providing incredible scenes and vistas, a hot air balloon ride is a unique and unforgettable experience for any rider. Whether you’re looking to impress on a date or make new memories with your family, you can’t go wrong with this one-of-a-kind experience. Rides can accommodate up to 3 people. Call (251) 970-3598 for more information.

Rent a Bike

Peddle away and explore The Beach Club’s 85 acres by bike. Complimentary bike rentals and helmets are available in child and adult sizes. Life is busy. What better way to slow it down than enjoying fresh air and your family’s laughter as you remember your bike-riding skills!

Enjoy a Tasty Treat

While you’re out peddling, stop by The Village Creamery. Flash your SpectrumBand and treat the kids to a complimentary ice cream scoop. Want to make it a double, but left your wallet in the condo? No problem. Use your SpectrumBand to charge your treats to your condo, and continue on with your worry-free day.

Visit the Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to more than 500 exotic creatures, including lions, primates, reptiles, and leopards! Visitors can even get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most exotic creatures, including kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths. The zoo includes its own picnic area, seasonal concessions, and a gift shop, and is a great way to spend a day with the family. Kids will love the mining sluice, a hands-on experience that allows kids to search for gemstones, fossils, and collector rocks. Contact (251) 968-5732 for more info and tickets.

Beach Campfires

When the day is done, the memory making doesn’t have to be. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores with a Sunset or After-Sunset Beach Campfire, exclusive for Spectrum Resorts’ guests. Create a spring break that everyone will remember – from toddlers to teens.

Spring Break Tip: Book your beach campfire when you make your spring break reservation and save 10% on your package. Campfire packages come complete with chairs, bottled water, s’mores, roasting sticks and an attendant to handle set up and clean up. Other than relaxing with your family, you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Take a Scenic Hike

Beautiful views don’t just exist at the beach in Gulf Shores. Take the time to traverse Fort Morgan Road Trail, a 10.8 mile out-and-back paved trail that is surrounded by lush forest and local flora. Or visit Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park for sights and sounds of six different ecosystems.

Nearby Spring Break Activities

While there’s plenty to do at The Beach Club, you’re also just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Gulf Shores and nearby Foley, Alabama. Book a Gulf Shores dolphin cruise and spend a few hours searching for Flipper and his friends. Take a deep-sea fishing trip and reel in dinner. See who’s the best putter in the family with a game of miniature golf. Or, head to nearby Foley and ride OWA’s 21 thrill rides.

We know life can be hectic, and sometimes the opportunity to create happy memories with your family can be few and far between. Enjoy time together to relax and reconnect this spring break in Gulf Shores at The Beach Club Resort & Spa.

Select your accommodations.

Beach vacations are for relaxing and recharging. They should never be stressful. However, with crazy schedules and work demands, visitors sometimes arrive unprepared, adding even more stress to their vacation. There are many ways to work ahead and prepare for a Gulf Shores beach vacation, ensuring a smooth trip full of worry-free fun. And even if you do forget any essentials, The Beach Club Resort—one of the top Gulf Shores luxury resorts—can assist you in making your getaway enjoyable and relaxing.

Make a List  |  Gulf Shores Beach Vacation Tips

It doesn’t take nearly as long as you think, and it’s so useful. Save it on your computer or phone, and it can be used over and over. Include clothing you simply can’t do without like swimsuits, flip flops, cover ups, etc.

Tip! If you do forget a swimsuit or flip flops, stop by The Village Mercantile at The Beach Club Resort & Spa for a great selection of resort wear.

Pack Beach Essentials First | Gulf Shores Beach Vacation Tips

Most visitors start throwing together a suitcase the night before, but some thoughtful planning can make packing a lot easier. Gulf Shores beachgoers know they’ll need a beach bag packed with essentials: towels, sunscreen, bug spray, toys (football, Frisbee, etc.), hat or visor, baggies (to bring home seashells and other finds), pain reliever and lip balm for starters. Pack that bag in advance to make leaving necessities behind less likely.

Pre-order Groceries | Gulf Shores Beach Vacation Tips

When staying at a Spectrum Resorts property like The Beach Club Resort, you can pre-order groceries to be delivered to your room prior to arrival. Instead of that dreaded grocery store trip as soon as you arrive, head to the pool or the beach.

Pack Toiletries | Gulf Shores Beach Vacation Tips

Many vacationers forget that toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags and dish detergent found in your unit upon arrival is only a STARTER supply. You’ll need more, so pack it or put it on your grocery order for your Gulf Shores beach vacation.

Reserve Beach Chairs | Gulf Shores Beach Vacation Tips

Another tip for Spectrum Resorts guests at The Beach Club is to call ahead and reserve beach chairs. Why? It’s one less thing to do after arrival; you can ask for chairs with the best, unobstructed views; and you don’t have to worry about them being sold out during peak season.

Shop in Advance | Gulf Shores Beach Vacation Tips

Make a trip to your local dollar store for great, bargain beach treasures. Water guns, noodles, sand buckets, sand molds, kites, a laundry bag (for hauling beach toys back and forth to the room – sand will sift right through the small holes), even sunglasses and snacks are all great additions to a Gulf Shores vacation.

Have a Rainy Day Plan | Gulf Shores Beach Vacation Tips

Pack DVDs from home along with microwave popcorn, a favorite board game, playing cards and the like. Keep in mind bowling alleys and movie theaters are great for weather days, as well as, spa treatments. Spectrum Resorts guests can also get free DVD rentals at the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse Gameroom is a fun place for the kids to burn some energy, too.

If you need more rainy day ideas, check out these family-friendly options.

Schedule Car Maintenance | Gulf Shores Beach Vacation Tips

An upcoming Gulf Shores beach vacation presents a timely opportunity to have your car’s oil changed, tires rotated, etc. A quick vehicle checkup may save you some trouble down the road.

Learn the Beach Flag Warning System | Gulf Shores Beach Vacation Tips

When packing and preparing for a Gulf Shores beach vacation, it’s also a good time to revisit the flag warning system and talk to everyone in your party about it. It could save a life.

Take the time to put some of these tips into practice this year and find yourself extra prepared to enjoy a fun-filled, stress-free Gulf Shores beach vacation at The Beach Club Resort & Spa!