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Gulf Shores Condo Rentals

How to Choose Between Orange Beach vs Gulf Shores

Vacationing in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama, offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and Southern charm. The soft, sugar-white sands and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make these ideal vacation destinations. If you are trying to choose between Orange Beach vs Gulf Shores, this guide from Young’s Suncoast should help you out! We have a lovely selection of vacation rentals in both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, so we can help you have your dream vacation no matter which one you choose. 

4 Things to Consider: Gulf Shores vs Orange Beach

1. Orange Beach vs Gulf Shores: Beaches and Water Activities

  • Orange Beach: Known for its lovely white-sand beaches, Orange Beach is perfect for those seeking a more serene beach experience.
  • Gulf Shores: Gulf Shores also boasts beautiful white-sand beaches, but tends to be busier, especially during peak seasons. Gulf Shores offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere while you enjoy numerous beach activities vs Orange Beach that has a more laid-back feel.

2. Orange Beach Wins in Family-Friendliness

  • Orange Beach: Because it’s generally less crowded, Orange Beach can be ideal for families with young children vs the bustling Gulf Shores. The area has family-friendly attractions like Adventure Island and The Wharf.
  • Gulf Shores: Even with more crowds, Gulf Shores still offers a wide range of family-oriented attractions such as the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Waterville USA. It’s great for families looking for a variety of activities and entertainment options.

3. Plenty of Outdoor Activities and Attractions

  • Orange Beach: This beach vacation spot is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to the award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, where you can hike, bike, and spot wildlife.
  • Gulf Shores: In addition to beach activities, Gulf Shores offers numerous parks and nearby recreational areas like Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf State Park. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of nature and recreational activities.

4. Join in the Alabama Gulf Coast Events and Festivals

Whether basking in the sun, diving into water sports, savoring fresh seafood, or exploring hiking trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in these beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast destinations. Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast! 

Explore the Best Nearby Nature Trails

Discover the Alabama Gulf Coast’s scenic trails, perfect for nature enthusiasts of all levels. Each trail offers a unique ecosystem to explore, from marshes to sand dunes. After a day of adventure, rest assured in the comfort and convenience of your Young’s Suncoast vacation rental. We offer a variety of rentals to cater to different preferences and group sizes, promising a personalized experience for every guest in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Our Top 5 Favorite Nature Trails on the Alabama Gulf Coast

  1. The Eastern Shore Trail: Discover the stunning Eastern Shore Trail, a 22-mile path connecting North Daphne to South Fairhope. This nature trail is perfect for runners, pedestrians, and casual cyclists as it offers a variety of surfaces, such as concrete sidewalks, asphalt, elevated boardwalks, and low bridges. Whether looking for a scenic workout or a leisurely stroll, the Eastern Shore Trail has something for everyone.
  2. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama spans 7,000 acres of diverse coastal land, featuring undisturbed habitats ranging from beach dunes to pine-oak woodlands. The nature trails provide an opportunity to explore different habitats, and guided walks are available throughout the year.
  3. Gulf State Park: This park spans 6000 acres on the Alabama Gulf Coast and features beautiful lakes and plenty of nature trails. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a 28+ mile trail system in Gulf State Park. Named the best recreational trail in the USA in 2024 by USA Today, it leads visitors through the vast 6,150-acre park. Hammock Park, a new addition to the park, is located at Hidden Lakes Trails and provides seven hammock spaces for visitors to relax.
  4. Wade Ward Nature Park: The elevated boardwalk provides breathtaking views of the wetlands connecting Little Lagoon and Lake Shelby. The park is also a habitat for various wildlife and is recognized as a site on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, making it one of the best nearby nature trails for observing both migrating and local birds.
  5. Wetlands Park: You can find the entrance to the nature trails at the base of the water tower situated at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. The pathway, which is looped and made of gravel, winds around a serene fishing pond that has several benches, gazebos, and a fishing pier. This makes it an ideal place to admire the wetland ecosystem in a peaceful and tranquil environment.

Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast for an unforgettable Alabama Gulf Coast experience!

Enjoy These Unique Places to Stay in Alabama

When deciding where to go on your next family vacation, the number of possibilities can be overwhelming. If you’re dreaming of somewhere with idyllic weather, sandy beaches, and more adventures than you can count, look no further than Alabama. There are several unique places to stay in Alabama, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 

Both of these coastal towns are known for their wealth of things to do and see, but each has its own personality. No matter which one you decide to visit, you can find the perfect home base from Young’s Suncoast. Our incredible Gulf Coast vacation homes and condos are close to everything you need to make the most out of your vacation. Keep reading to learn more about these charming Alabama Gulf Coast towns.

A Brief Guide to Gulf Shores

Once the Intracoastal Waterway was completed in 1937 and Gulf State Park opened in 1939, people started flocking to the Gulf Shores area. The town itself started work to become incorporated in 1956, with it becoming official in 1958. Today, the beachside town attracts countless visitors looking to enjoy an unforgettable getaway.

This spot is home to two of the most popular area attractions: Waterville USA and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Another entertaining option is the Gulf Shores Museum, housed in a building that dates back to pre-World War II. For anyone hoping to spend time outdoors, there are plenty of options, including spending a day exploring Gulf Shores State Park 

What to Know about Orange Beach

For a more laid-back destination, head to Orange Beach, the sister city of Gulf Shores. With miles of white-sand beaches, bayous, and interior bays, this town is known for its wide selection of water sports. Cast your line at the Waterfront Park fishing pier or set off on a guided fishing trip with Distraction Charters. If you’re looking to spend a relaxing day out on the water, book your spot on a Back Bay Sailing Adventures cruise.

There’s also plenty of fun to be had on dry land. Go for a stroll along part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, or enjoy a sunset stroll along the shoreline at Cotton Bayou, a Gulf State Park beach area. If you’re hoping to sneak in a bit of learning, take your kids to Orange Beach History Museum.

Don’t Forget about Fort Morgan

Found west of Gulf Shores is Fort Morgan. Most of this peninsula is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a popular attraction for bird lovers. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love spending time at Historic Fort Morgan, famous for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. Make the most out of your time in these unique places to stay in Alabama by reserving a vacation rental from Young’s Suncoast.

One of the Best Gifts for Foodies Is a Gulf Coast Vacation

When you think of reasons to visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you probably think of sandy beaches, emerald waters, and memorable adventures. However, this region is also home to an incredible food scene. For anyone looking for gifts for the foodies in their life, plan a getaway with Young’s Suncoast.

From cooking delicious meals in your Gulf Shores vacation rental to dining out at some of the best local restaurants, there are countless ways to discover the deliciousness of Alabama cuisine. To help you make the most out of your food-focused vacation, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best things to do.

3 Ways Alabama Coast Cuisine Makes Great Gifts for Foodies

  1. Explore a Food Trail

Perhaps one of the best ways to taste as much of the incredible food the Gulf Coast has to offer is on a food trail. There are several options that cater to all palates, including sweet treats. Try a signature drink of the Alabama Gulf Coast, the Bushwacker, at places like Flora Bama Ole River Grill, or visit CoastAL to try the Bushwacker tiramisu.

If you are looking for gifts for foodies who love fresh seafood, you’re in luck. Several routes, including the Oyster Trail, Crab Trail, and Shrimp Trail, showcase the world-class seafood this area is known for.

  1. Dine Out at Popular Restaurants

You don’t have to follow a food trail to discover exceptional places to eat. From spots known for expertly cooking the catch of the day to somewhere to grab a burger piled high with tasty toppings, the restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have it all. Some great gifts for foodies are dining at:

  1. Create Delicious Dishes

Whether staying at one of our spacious Alabama condo or home rentals, you’ll have a fully-equipped kitchen at your fingertips. Take a break from eating out and try creating a scrumptious meal. For a quintessential Alabama experience, make a Low Country Boil, complete with fresh Gulf shrimp and spicy cocktail sauce. If you’re looking for something to help warm you up, enjoy a bowl of Swamp Soup, a light soup perfect for a rainy day.See why the best gifts for foodies are vacations to the Gulf Coast by reserving your stay with Young’s Suncoast today!

5 Summer Recipes to Cook in Your Gulf Shores Condo Rental

Summer is best spent along the gorgeous Alabama Gulf Coast, whether you’re traveling with family or friends. You and yours can spend your days (and nights) taking in breathtaking views of sparkling sand and emerald waters, savoring local cuisine, vibrant nightlife, amusement parks, and much more! There’s a bit of something for everyone, and you can be by it all when you stay in a comfortable Gulf Shores condo rental.

As you plan your Orange Beach and Gulf Shores vacation, consider starting a new family tradition of indulging in a few home cooked meals during your break from the hustle and bustle. There’s something incredibly special about enjoying a meal with your family and friends, all gathered around the kitchen island or dining table. Young’s Suncoast, your one-stop shop for affordable Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan beach vacation rentals, offers great accommodations with fully equipped kitchens suitable for your simple cooking needs. Follow these five breezy recipes this summer and cook up a delicious feast in your Gulf Shores condo rental.

1.   Breakfast Peach Crisp

This healthy recipe perfectly showcases Alabama’s official tree fruit, peaches. You can create this easy dish with your favorite oats and a little sprinkle of brown sugar. Take it to the next level with a dollop of whip cream or rich Greek yogurt!

2.   Strawberry Limeade

Mix together sweet and tart with this kid-friendly limeade! Your little ones will love helping you prep the ingredients, including sliced strawberries, lime juice, and mint leaves. We recommend making a large batch upon arrival to enjoy throughout your whole Gulf Shores visit.

3.   Italian Chicken Wrap

Planning a beach picnic? Impress your family and friends with these flavorful wraps, stuffed with chicken, olives, and more. You can always substitute ingredients to fit everyone’s preferences. These wraps pair nicely with chips and are easy to transport.

4.   Grilled Seafood Platter

Many of our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach condo rental buildings have designated BBQ areas. Spend the afternoon under the sun and fire up the communal grills, preparing this simple grilled seafood platter! Grab all your favorite fresh seafood from Gulf Shores Seafood and get to grilling.

5.   Alabama Pecan Bread This recipe will help you create the most perfectly moist and indulgent dessert, loved by Alabamans from all over! It’s not really “bread” either, but more of a dense cake. Your whole group will be asking for seconds as they lick the caramel-y crumbs and pecan bits from their plate. Folks also like to pair a slice with their morning coffee.

Cook Up a Feast in a Gulf Shores Condo Rental

Get ready to enjoy the most memorable meals right in the heart of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Young’s Suncoast has various Gulf Shores condo rentals along the stunning coast, waiting for your summer arrival. Our vacation rentals are packed with amenities, allowing you to get the most out of your stay and cook a feast for your family in fully-equipped kitchens. Book your stay directly with us online today!