Tag: activities at beach

March 30,2026

Your Guide to a Relaxing Gulf Coast Family Adventure

Your Guide to a Relaxing Gulf Coast Family Adventure

Welcome to the Alabama Gulf Coast in the off season. It's the secret weapon of savvy family travelers, offering all the beauty and fun of a beach vacation but with a much more relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Without the March craziness and summer leaving you with longer waits and harder reservations, the perfect opportunity to truly unwind and enjoy everything this incredible region has to offer, the off season, or as people in the industry call it, "shoulder season", is key!

Wild Encounters at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Kick off your quieter visit with a place that’s as heartwarming as it is fun: the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Often affectionately called "The Little Zoo That Could," this park has a big spirit. It’s not just a zoo; it’s a sanctuary where families can get surprisingly close to an incredible variety of animals.

The intimate setting is perfect for kids and adults alike. There’s something special about seeing a child's eyes light up as they feed a giraffe or learn about a playful lemur from a dedicated keeper. The zoo focuses on conservation and education, making every encounter a chance to learn. It's a place where curiosity is encouraged and wonder is a constant. The less-crowded trails of the slower season mean you can linger at your favorite exhibits, making connections with the animals and creating those priceless family moments that are the true souvenirs of any great vacation.

Lighting Up the Night: The Spectra Laser Light Show

As the sun sets and paints the sky in vibrant hues, head over to The Wharf in Orange Beach for a completely different kind of spectacular. The Spectra Laser Light Show is a nightly extravaganza that weaves together music, light, and magic, right on the waterfront.

It’s a truly immersive experience that will leave you and your kids with wide-eyed grins. The lasers paint the night sky with stunning, choreographed sequences, all synchronized to a dynamic soundtrack. The energy is infectious, and the pure, simple joy of watching a show like this together is a great way to bond. The less-chaotic atmosphere means you can easily find a great spot to relax and soak in the spectacle, making it the perfect, stress-free ending to a day of family fun.

Unearthing History at the Tip of the Peninsula: A Deep Dive into Fort Morgan

For a change of pace and a dose of incredible history, embark on a journey to the very tip of the Fort Morgan peninsula. This historic masonry fort, which has guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay since the early 19th century, is a treasure trove of stories and experiences for the whole family.

As you approach, the fort's imposing architecture, with its star-shaped design and weathered brick walls, immediately captures your imagination. Stepping inside is like walking through a portal to another era. For kids, Fort Morgan is an adventurer’s playground. The intricate network of tunnels, dark passages, and hidden artillery batteries is a blast to explore. You can almost feel the presence of the soldiers who once stationed here, from the Civil War to World War II. It's a hands-on history lesson that's far from a dry textbook chapter.

But Fort Morgan isn't just for history buffs. Its location at the mouth of Mobile Bay provides some of the most stunning, unobstructed views in the region. For photographers of all levels, the perspective of the bay merging with the Gulf of Mexico is a true gift. The contrast between the fort's robust, human-made structure and the vast, beautiful natural landscape is a powerful composition waiting to be captured. It's a place where history and natural beauty collide in the most peaceful and awe-inspiring way.

Educational Fun in the Sun: Sandcastle University

Now, let's talk about the beach – after all, that's a big part of why you're here. But instead of just lying in the sun, why not make your beach day an active, educational, and absolutely hilarious family event? Say hello to https://sandcastleu.com/.

These professional sandcastle-building lessons on the stunning white-sand beaches are more than just a fun activity; they’re an experience. Forget your standard bucket-and-shovel routine. Sandcastle University teaches you the real-deal tips and techniques used by professional sculptors. You’ll learn about the importance of sand-to-water ratios (yes, there's science involved!), the power of proper tools, and the art of "stacking" to build taller, more impressive structures than you ever thought possible.

It's a wonderful, cooperative activity where families work together to plan, design, and create. The best part? The shared laughter, the high-fives over a successful arch, and the sheer pride of looking at your completed, professional-grade masterpiece. This isn't just a lesson in sand-building; it’s a lesson in creativity, teamwork, and the pure joy of making something amazing together.

Where to Anchor Your Family: Finding the Perfect Home Base

Choosing the right place to stay is the difference between a good trip and a great one. For a "chaos-free" experience, we recommend skipping the crowded hotel lobbies and opting for a private vacation rental.

For families who want to be close to the action but still have their own quiet retreat, Sunset Properties is a local favorite. They specialize in the exact kind of "relaxed" experience we’ve been talking about, with over 100 picturesque beach homes and condos scattered across Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and the serene Fort Morgan peninsula.

Why families love staying with them:

Space to Breathe: Instead of being cramped in a single hotel room, you can book a multi-bedroom house or a spacious condo. This means separate rooms for the kids, a full kitchen for easy breakfasts, and private balconies for those Mobile Bay sunsets.
Fort Morgan Specialists: If you’re heading to the tip of the peninsula to explore the fort, Sunset Properties has a huge selection of rentals right in that quiet, historic area. It’s the perfect way to stay "away from it all" while still being just a short drive from the Zoo and The Wharf.
Pet-Friendly Options: Don't want to leave the four-legged family members behind? Many of their properties are dog-friendly, so the whole pack can enjoy the white-sand beaches together.
Book Direct and Save: You can browse their full collection and secure your dates directly at sunsetproperties.com, which often helps you avoid the extra middleman fees found on big travel sites.

Whether you want a Gulf-front house where you can walk straight onto the sand or a condo with a private boat slip, having a "home away from home" makes the slow season even more magical.

The Verdict: A Family Vacation You'll Remember for All the Right Reasons

So, forget the crowds, the chaos, and the pressure to do everything at once. The off season on the Alabama Gulf Coast is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and discover the true meaning of a family adventure. From the heartwarming animal encounters to the historic explorations and the educational fun on the beach, you'll create a new kind of spring break story – one filled with laughter, wonder, and the quiet joy of being together.

May 10,2025

Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Orange Beach, Alabama

Planning a trip to the Gulf Coast and looking for the best family activities in Orange Beach, Alabama? Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or a multigenerational group, Orange Beach offers a wide variety of fun, memorable experiences that everyone will enjoy. From water adventures to animal encounters and scenic nature trails, here are the top 10 family-friendly things to do in Orange Beach, AL.

1. The Wharf at Orange Beach

No family vacation in Orange Beach is complete without a visit to The Wharf. This entertainment district features everything from a giant Ferris wheel to mini golf, arcade games, and laser tag. Parents can enjoy waterfront dining while kids explore the shops or take a ride on the tram. You can also go to a concert at their amphitheater.

2. Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park offers a little bit of everything—beaches, biking trails, kayaking, and a nature center. Rent bikes and ride along over 28 miles of scenic trails or take a guided nature walk with a park ranger. Some of the Sunset Properties employees like to go look for the wild alligators that live in the lake.

3. Adventure Island

This family-friendly amusement park is perfect for a day of excitement. Kids will love the go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, and mini golf. Don’t miss the erupting volcano that’s become an Orange Beach icon.

4. Dolphin Cruises

Several tour companies offer dolphin cruises right from the heart of Orange Beach. Whether you choose a glass-bottom boat or a sunset sail, it’s a magical way to spot dolphins playing in the Gulf.

5. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Located just a short drive away in nearby Gulf Shores, this charming zoo offers hands-on encounters with kangaroos, sloths, lemurs, and more. It’s a hit with animal lovers of all ages.

6. Sandcastle Building Lessons

Make beach time even more fun with a professional sandcastle-building lesson. Learn how to turn ordinary sand into extraordinary sculptures—something the whole family can enjoy together.

7. Fishing Charters

Introduce your kids to the thrill of fishing on one of Orange Beach’s many family-friendly charters. Several companies offer half-day trips designed especially for beginners and children.

8. Coastal Arts Center

Explore local creativity with a visit to the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach. Families can watch glassblowing demos or take part in hands-on pottery and painting workshops.

9. Waterville USA

Waterville is a waterpark and amusement park rolled into one, located just 15 minutes from Orange Beach. With waterslides, wave pools, and a lazy river, it's the perfect way to beat the Alabama heat.

10. Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

This network of trails winds through coastal forest, freshwater marshes, and sand dunes. It's a scenic spot for walking, biking, or even spotting wildlife like alligators and osprey.

Final Thoughts

Orange Beach, Alabama is more than just a beautiful beach town—it's a family-friendly destination packed with outdoor adventure, unique attractions, and educational fun. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or a full summer vacation, these activities ensure your family makes memories that last a lifetime.

Bonus Tip: For the best experience, plan your trip in spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant and crowds are lighter. Sunset Properties will be happy to help you find the perfect place to suite your needs and accommodate your group for your Alabama Beach Vacation!

July 21,2020

Beat the Mid-Summer Heat! Keep Cool and Social Distance in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

We know you guys are all too familiar with the social distancing guidelines. Stay six feet apart. Wear a lower face covering when possible. If you’re sick, stay home. Here along the Alabama Gulf Coast, we are becoming pros at keeping ourselves masked, separated and healthy, as well. This has been pretty easy for the spring and much of the early summer. When it’s not so hot, taking a walk on the sand or sitting under an umbrella enjoying a good novel are great ways to social distance at the beach. But what do you do when it feels so scorching hot outside that you limit your beach time to only part of the day, but you still need to escape the four walls of your vacation home without melting?

Here are five ways to Keep Cool and Social Distance While You’re in Gulf Shores:

Parasail over the Gulf of Mexico

Some folks have asked us what is parasailing? Well, it’s actually being towed behind a boat while you’re hooked to a parachute. It’s kind of the best way everrrrr to watch marine life in the Gulf without actually being in the water! How it works is simple. You’ll get your parachute on and climb inside a boat and travel in the Gulf just offshore. You’ll still be able to see your buddies on the beach and they will be able to get some great pics of you! Once you’re out in the Gulf a few yards and ready to take off, you’ll find yourself flying up out of the water behind the boat pulling you in just a matter of minutes. Forget trying to count six feet to social distance, while parasailing, you’ll go as high as eight-hundred feet over the water and just ride in the air. The good folks at Blue Sky Parasail and Watersports would love to have you join them for one of their outings. The rates to parasail are very reasonable and the memories you’ll make are immeasurable. If social distancing and staying cool are two of your goals while you’re vacationing with Sunset Properties in Gulf Shores, parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico needs to be on your list!

Bike from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach

Lots of folks love to bike around our island. We know taking a trip from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach with a few fun stops on the way will be a great way to social distance and keep cool. Why not rent a bike at Tiki’s Bike Shack located on Gulf Shores Parkway next to what we “old tymers” remember as Zooland Mini Golf (now Tiki’s Mini Golf) and ride from there down Gulf Shores Parkway and turn left toward Orange Beach. Of course, while you’re still on Gulf Shores Parkway, you’ll want to stop at Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream and just get a scoop or two for the road. When you make the turn onto highway 182 also called Beach Boulevard, be sure to stop by our public beach in Gulf Shores and just spend a few minutes enjoying the sounds of the Gulf. There really is nothing better than the feeling of the Gulf breeze on your skin in the middle of the summer. Once you’re back on your way toward Orange Beach, you’ll see one of our favorite restaurants sitting out on the Gulf Side of the Lighthouse condos. Be sure to stop in at Sea-N-Suds for a cold adult beverage and some of the best gumbo anywhere. If you happen to be staying with Sunset Properties in Lighthouse 607, you already know about Sea N Suds! Your adventure shouldn’t end here, though. So, keep pedaling! You’re only about ten miles from the heart of Orange Beach and the scenery along the way is spectacular!

Ride a jet ski in our beautiful back bays

Orange Beach is not only a fisherman’s paradise, but also one of the best places to ride jet skis! While you’re social distancing, why not give it a try? Our back bays, places like Bay La Launch and Wolf Bay, are brimming with sea life this time of year. Dolphins will almost surely swim alongside you as you ride. Sea gulls and cranes are all along the shoreline. While you’re out riding our back bays, be sure to visit Pirate’s Cove Restaurant and Marina and have a burger and a bushwacker! If you’re staying with us at Grand Caribbean 425, a tastefully decorated two bedroom/ one and half bath condo (the perfect size for social distancing!), you are only a few minutes away from where this cool water adventure can start. Visit the good folks at Alabama Extreme Watersports to schedule your jet ski rental and let the fun begin!

Slingshot yourself to Fort Morgan

We cannot think of a better way to cool off during the steaming summer days than to take a ride in a convertible, unless it’s riding in a Slingshot. Slingshots are a kind of crazy cool cross between a convertible car and a three-wheel motorbike. The good folks at Coyote Beach Sports in Gulf Shores will get you set up and on your way in no time! Two people can ride comfortably, as long as one of you can drive a car with a manual transmission. You should start from your condo at Crystal Tower 1406 in the West Beach area of Gulf Shores and travel out Fort Morgan Road until you reach the historic fort site. The twenty-two mile ride out to the fort is such a nice ride and your scenery will change from hundred year old water oaks, to peeks at our lagoon, to passing beside Shell Banks Baptist Church and the old Indian village site. Eventually you will be driving alongside Mobile Bay and end up at Fort Morgan where the Gulf and the bay meet. This is a great ride and a great way to social distance and keep cool!

Go for a swim

Swimming is one of the best ways to cool off while social distancing. Most pools have ten person-limit in the pool areas to help fight the spread of COVID-19. However, the Gulf of Mexico is big enough to handle us all! If swimming in the Gulf appeals to you and you want to be just a short walk away from the public beach in Gulf Shores, stay with Sunset Properties at Beachview 223. This vacation home is a cozy one bedroom apartment on the second floor directly across the street from the world famous Pink Pony Pub and the amazingly white sandy beaches we all love! Speaking of white sandy beaches, check out Beach Front 301! This condo located on West Beach Boulevard is literally just steps away from our beautiful beaches! Remember to social distance on the beach and only hang out with folks you know. But swimming in the Gulf is a great way to get your splash on without having to worry about the ten-person limit at our pools.

We know the necessary social distancing thing can be a challenge when you’re trying to decide what to do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan and avoid spreading the awful coronavirus. We also know that with a little bit of creativity, you can still have a super fun vacation. At Sunset Properties, we are taking extra precautions to keep your vacation homes guest-ready and safe. If you’re wondering what we’ve been up to regarding this, be sure to check out our COVID-19 Updates Page. We are looking forward to your arrival! The beach is calling and social distancing can be a cool thing, so come on down!!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370