Tag: Things to do in Gulf Shores

The Ultimate Labor Day Weekend Itinerary in Gulf Shores

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Labor Day doesn’t have to be, well, laborious. Ditch the chores and dive into a weekend of pure relaxation and family fun at The Beach Club Resort & Spa in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Whether you’re seeking sandy shores, delicious eats, or endless family fun, we’ve got the perfect plan to make your three-day weekend a shore thing. We’ve even crafted the ultimate Labor Day Weekend itinerary to help you make the most of summer’s last (un)official hurrah!

Day 1: Saturday

Breakfast

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Sassy Bass Island Grill, a beachfront restaurant just a block from the resort. Dive into a plate of fluffy French toast or indulge in a Southern-style biscuit ‘n gravy with a spicy bloody mary or a sparkling mimosa. Fuel up because today’s adventures are bound to make waves!

Morning

Kick off your shoes and dig your toes into the sugar-white sands of our secluded resort beaches. Build epic sandcastles, hunt for seashells, or simply float in the gentle Gulf waters. Be sure to rent a beach chair so you have a shady place to lounge (or snooze). Don’t forget to snap a family selfie with the beach backdrop – perfect for your holiday photo album!

Lunch

Head to the clubhouse for poolside lunch at Gulfside Bar & Grill. Enjoy a classic mahi sandwich or a refreshing shrimp salad while soaking in the wide Gulf views and laid-back vibes. Pair it with a signature cocktail (and a mocktail for the kids!) to get in the island spirit.

Afternoon

If you prefer to cruise on land, make your way to OWA for the annual Labor Day Car Show. From 8am to 4pm on August 31st, cars of all makes and models will line the streets of downtown OWA for your viewing pleasure. With hot rods and custom builds from all decades lining the streets, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye!

Dinner

Feed your cravings at Coast Restaurant, our on-site eatery overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Grab a seat out on the veranda to watch the sunset over the water as you dine on fresh Gulf seafood, succulent steaks and creative southern cuisine.

Evening

End your day with a family beach campfire as you share spooky stories and show off your best secret s’mores recipe. The soft glow of the flames reflecting on the sand creates a magical setting. Keep an eye out for shooting stars – it’s the perfect time to make a wish! Reservations must be booked in advance.

Image Courtesy of Sail Wild Hearts.

Day 2: Sunday

Breakfast

Join our 8am worship service at Coast for some friendly fellowship, or enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee and a light breakfast on your balcony.

Morning

Set sail on a daytime dolphin cruise with Sail Wild Hearts. Watch as playful dolphins leap and frolic alongside the boat. It’s a thrilling experience that’s sure to make waves with the whole family.

Lunch

Head to The Wharf and enjoy a casual waterfront lunch at YoHo Rum & Tacos. Enjoy specialty tacos, casual pub fare and handcrafted cocktails featuring premium tequila. It’s the perfect pit stop before your next adventure.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon strolling through the boutique shops and entertainment venues along Main Street at The Wharf. Ride the Ferris wheel, explore escape rooms, try VR headsets and play classic arcade games.

Evening

At 6pm, head back to Main Street for Light Up Labor Day. This fun family event includes live music, kids games and activities, and a festive firework show. Stick around for the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience to celebrate in bright, dancing color.

Day 3: Monday

Breakfast

Start your final day with breakfast at Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill right here in Fort Morgan. Their breakfast menu features a range of styles and flavors, from classic comfort foods like waffles and omelets to avocado toast, crab cake benedict and yogurt parfaits.

Morning

Indulge in some leisurely pampering at The Spa at The Beach Club. Treat yourself to a muscle-melting massage, enjoy a rejuvenating facial, or book a mani/pedi session with the kids for some soothing together time.

Lunch

Grab a light lunch at The Village Hideaway while the kids play in the arcade or take a turn on the HD golf simulator. Enjoy casual beach eats, cool craft beers and refreshing cocktails in comfort. Grab dessert at The Village Creamery with handmade ice cream cones, old-fashioned milkshakes and other sweet treats.

Afternoon

Cool off at the Clubhouse Pool, the hub of family fun and games here on the resort. Lounge in the sun as the kids make a splash and enjoy live music, coastal crafts, hula hoop contests and more. With both adult and children’s pools available, everyone can splash around and have a blast.

Evening

Spend your final night strolling down the beach or watching the stars twinkle from your balcony.

Ready, Set, Beach!

With this itinerary, your Labor Day weekend at The Beach Club Resort & Spa will be filled with sun, fun, and unforgettable memories. Book your stay today and get ready to celebrate the long weekend in beachfront luxury.

Our Favorite Summer Activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Guests at The Beach Club Resort & Spa have many onsite amenities and activities to keep the family busy. However, sometimes wanderlust sets in and there’s a need to explore. We have some ideas to help you navigate the best summer activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Happy Trails

Gulf State Park is a fantastic place to go to get face-to-face with nature and enjoy a little exercise as well. Head over to the Park’s Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system where you will find 26 trails within nine distinct ecosystems making up over 28 miles of paved pathways. Connecting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, these trails offer opportunities for hiking, biking, skating, rock climbing, watching wildlife, plant and tree identification, nature photography and more!

Aside from the trails, Gulf State Park offers adventure on the Fishing and Education Pier—the largest pier in the Gulf of Mexico and the state’s only public pier in the Gulf. Wet a line and enjoy fishing as a family knowing everything you need is available right on the pier. Purchase a saltwater fishing license, bait and tackle, snacks from the concession area and take home some neat souvenirs from the retail store. Want more? Consider attending Angler Academy, a two-hour signature experience where you’ll be thoroughly introduced to saltwater fishing.

Also check out Coastal Segway Adventures for guided Segway tours on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. It’s an exciting way to enjoy and learn more about Gulf State Park. Save time by signing waivers online and please note you must be at least 12 years old to participate.

Get on the Water

There’s no place better than Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for finding things to do on the water. There are lots of places scattered throughout the area that rent paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, cat boats and other water toys. You can also rent watersports equipment directly on the beach at The Beach Club!

Try your hand at something new like snorkeling. Get an close-up view of marine life thriving in Alabama’s Gulf Coast waters. You might see stingrays, crabs, jellyfish, sea turtles, and more! Don’t own a mask and fins? No worries! You can find them at retailers or local dive shops. And, don’t overlook the fun experience of a guided snorkeling tour.

Parasailing is another great way to spend time on the water and have a thrilling experience! Imagine yourself soaring high above the turquoise Gulf of Mexico waters, feeling the breeze and adding a new perspective to your view of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. 

Take a sunset cruise, search for dolphins, or maybe go deep-sea fishing. No matter your preference, there’s a boat for you. For boating, cruising, fishing or sailing excursions, booking early is best to ensure a spot for your family. (Pro tip: Consider a concierge service like The Beach Moms to book all of your reservations from dining to activities. You’ll have one less thing to remember and peace of mind for your vacation.)

Family-Friendly Fun

History buffs will love touring historic Fort Morgan. Spend an afternoon walking the grounds, hearing the stories, climbing the walls (yes, really!) and imaging where the battles actually took place. Save some time for the onsite museum and check the Fort Morgan website for daily/weekly events.

What’s a vacation without some friendly competition in a round of mini-golf or laser tag? Visit Adventure Island for fun in the sun riding bumper boats or go-karts, or some arcade shenanigans. (Pro tip: Look for a discount coupon on their website and print it at home.)

You just can’t beat a day at the award-winning Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo with exhibits, animal encounters, a carousel, and a cool new location! Make memories for a lifetime with experiences like holding a baby kangaroo, playing with a lemur, or hanging out with a sloth. Be sure to dine onsite at the Safari Club, Alabama’s first Green Certified restaurant. The décor is beautiful and fun, and the menu is spectacular.

No matter what special activities or experiences a vacation day holds, make sure your planning starts with booking a fabulous condo with plenty of room for your family. Comfort at the end of every day is key to a successful trip.