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Orange Beach 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! 

Top Water Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are known for the stunning beaches and vibrant coastal atmosphere, and offer a wide range of water activities that cater to adults and kids alike. Staying in one of the Gulf Shores vacation rentals offered by Young’s Suncoast is more than just having a place to sleep; it’s about creating lasting memories. The combination of home comfort and vacation luxury makes these rentals perfect for those seeking an escape from daily life to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

7 Fun Water Activities on the Alabama Gulf Coast

  1. Fishing Charters: Fishing is one of the major water activities, with numerous charters available for both inshore and deep-sea fishing. Anglers can catch top game fish such as snapper, grouper, and king mackerel. Popular charters often include experienced guides who provide equipment and local knowledge, ensuring a successful and enjoyable trip.
  2. Dolphin Cruises: Dolphin cruises are a popular water activity for families, allowing them to see these playful creatures up close in their natural habitat. Many Gulf Shores and Orange Beach dolphin tours promise sightings and take passengers through the scenic waters of the Gulf, often providing educational commentary about local marine life.
  3. Jet Skiing: Jet skiing is one of the best water sports activities for an adrenaline rush. Rentals allow visitors to zip across the waves and explore the coastline from a different perspective. Some companies also offer guided jet ski tours.
  4. Parasailing: Parasailing provides a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful Gulf Shores coastline. Participants are tethered to a parachute and towed by a boat, offering an exhilarating experience with stunning shoreline views.
  5. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: The clear waters of the Alabama Gulf Coast provides plenty of exploratory water activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling adventures. Local dive shops offer rentals, lessons, and guided excursions to the best underwater sites, including artificial reefs and natural formations teeming with marine life.
  6. Water Parks: If you want a break from the Gulf’s natural waters, consider visiting water parks like Waterville USA. They offer a range of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, making them perfect for families seeking a day of water-based fun and excitement.
  7. Boat Rentals: Renting a boat is one of the most exciting water activities for exploring outdoor wonders. Visitors can rent equipment and explore at their own pace or join guided tours that navigate through estuaries and coastal habitats, offering a closer look at the area’s rich biodiversity. The calm waters of the Gulf and surrounding bays are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Sailing provides a serene way to experience the Gulf. Sunset sails are particularly popular, offering a peaceful and picturesque end to the day on the water.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Ft. Morgan all offer a variety of water activities to enjoy its beautiful coastal environment. Book your stay today 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!

Don’t Miss the Orange Beach Freedom Fest

Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, thrilling water adventures, or a mix of both, Orange Beach offers a vacation experience that leaves you with cherished memories and a longing to return to its shores time and time again. Orange Beach Freedom Fest is a family-friendly festival and is a great time to travel to the area. Book your stay in time with Young’s Suncoast!

Young’s Suncoast offers an exceptional selection of vacation rentals in the beautiful Alabama coastal destinations of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach, Alabama. From cozy beachfront condos for a romantic getaway to spacious beach houses that can accommodate large families or groups of friends, the options for vacation rentals are plentiful. Choose from accommodations with fitness centers, lazy rivers, private pools, and boat parking. 

All About the 2023 Orange Beach Freedom Fest

When: Friday – Saturday, October 6-7, 2023

The Orange Beach Freedom Fest is a patriotic celebration filled with car shows, concerts, hands-on activities, kid’s activities, delicious food vendors, and all-around American-style fun! This is a family-friendly event with FREE admission and parking for the public. Below are some of the activities in store for the 2023 Orange Beach Freedom Fest:

  • Fun Kids’ Zone by the Ferris wheel 
  • The Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.will feature live entertainment
  • Arts and crafts 
  • An incredible selection of food vendors 
  • Jeep rally organized by Island Time Jeepers 
  • Motorcycle rally organized by The Marshals
  • Fall edition of Bama Coast Cruisin, sponsored by Young’s Suncoast, on Main Street

Explore the One-of-a-Kind Festival Venue

The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, is set against the backdrop of the Intercoastal Waterway and Canal Bridge. The Wharf is more than just an ordinary venue and is a hub of fun. Walk down Main Street to explore the local restaurants and shops. Watch a show at the Wharf Amphitheater which hosts some of the hottest performers. There is so much to explore!

Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast to join in the Orange Beach Freedom Fest fun!

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!