Tag: family fun
Soak Up the Sun! Your Ultimate Guide to July Fun in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Soak Up the Sun! Your Ultimate Guide to July Fun in Gulf Shores, Alabama
July in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is synonymous with sunshine, sparkling emerald waters, and endless opportunities for unforgettable memories. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures, relaxing beach days, or family friendly entertainment, this coastal paradise has something for everyone. Get ready to dive into the best of Gulf Shores this July!
Beach Bliss & Water Adventures
No trip to Gulf Shores is complete without ample time on its famed sugar-white sand beaches.
- Lounge on the Gulf Shores Beaches: Spend your days relaxing, building sandcastles, or simply soaking up the warm Alabama sun. The clear waters are perfect for a refreshing dip.
- Charter a Fishing Trip: July is prime time for fishing, with various tournaments and abundant catches. Head out to sea for red snapper, Spanish mackerel, redfish, or grouper. Many local charters, like Orange Beach Fishing Charters or Red Eye Charters, are ready to take you on an exciting offshore adventure.
- Rent Gear at the Flora-Bama Marina: From luxury pontoon boats (some even come with slides!) to zippy jet skis, renting gear here offers a fantastic way to explore the water. Afterward, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the FloraBama Yacht Club.
- Go Kayaking: Explore the serene coastal ecosystem and backwaters. Outfitters like Coastal Kayak Excursions offer guided nature, sunset, and even dolphin tours, providing a unique perspective of the area's natural beauty.
Family Fun & Thrills
Beyond the beach, Gulf Shores offers a plethora of attractions designed for family fun.
- Visit The Wharf: Located in Orange Beach, The Wharf is a vibrant entertainment district. Stroll along the waterfront, browse unique shops, dine at fantastic restaurants, catch a concert at The Wharf Amphitheater, play miniature golf, or take a spin on the iconic Ferris wheel.
- Take a Ride at OWA Parks & Resort: In nearby Foley, OWA boasts an exciting amusement park with over 20 rides, an interactive splash pad, diverse restaurants, shops, and lively events throughout the summer.
- Experience the Thrill of Waterville USA: This 20 acre amusement and water park offers a perfect way to beat the July heat. Enjoy the lazy river, the exhilarating Dune Racer, a Flow rider surf simulator, an arcade, mini golf, and plenty of concessions.
- Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: Known as "The Little Zoo That Could," this impressive facility is home to over 100 animal species, including critically endangered ones. Don't miss the chance to participate in up-close animal encounters with baby sloths, kangaroos, or lemurs!
Unique Experiences & Relaxation
Looking for something a little different? Gulf Shores delivers!
- Take a Lost Bay Helicopter Tour: Gain a breathtaking aerial perspective of the stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and even schools of fish from high above. It's an unforgettable way to see the coastline.
- Learn a New Craft at Sandcastle University: Unleash your inner artist and learn how to build incredible sandcastles. Expert instructors provide all the tools and tips you need for a truly impressive creation.
- Have a Pint at Big Beach Brewing Company: This local brewery offers a variety of craft brews in a kid and dog-friendly atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventures.
- Take Your Pup to The Dog Pond: Located at Lake Shelby, this is a fantastic spot where your furry friend can swim, run, and play freely.
- Go Shopping at Tanger Outlet Centre: For a dose of retail therapy or a great option on a rainy day, head to this outlet mall in Foley. With over 120 stores, a merry-go-round, and a splash pad, it offers fun for the whole family.
Call or text us today at 251-543-1370 so we can get you booked! Check us out online at www.SunsetProperties.com. We have a little something for everyone. Properties like PaPa’s Beach House provide extensive accommodations with up to 11 bedrooms and 12 baths, perfect for multi-family gatherings. If you're seeking a pet-friendly escape in Orange Beach, Sunset Properties also manages condos and houses that welcome furry companions, with options ranging from cozy units to larger homes. Many of our listings, regardless of location, feature desirable amenities such as direct beach access, stunning Gulf or bay views, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
Where Are The Best Places to Go Parasailing in Gulf Shores?
Are you an adrenaline junkie looking for adventure on Alabama’s Gulf Coast? You should try parasailing in Gulf Shores! Think of the fun you’ll have flying high in the air, catching that Gulf breeze, and seeing for miles across the horizon. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned veteran at parasailing, you’re guaranteed to make fun memories and great vacation stories. Here, we’ll narrow down for you the best companies offering parasailing in Gulf Shores to help you simplify your vacation itinerary.
Speaking of which, when you’re putting together your vacation plan, be sure to download the free Vacation Guide from Sunset Properties! Our guide is full of fantastic ideas for your time here. So, take advantage of our expertise and have the best Gulf Shores vacation ever!
Best Parasailing in Gulf Shores
Pleasure Island Parasail, LLC
At Pleasure Island Parasail, they invite you to “Come Fly With Us” and experience the relaxing feeling of flying high above the hustle and bustle of daily life below. With locations in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you have a couple of good chances to go parasailing during your vacation. If you’re looking for a new way to see Alabama’s Gulf Coast, then taking a parasailing trip with Pleasure Island Parasail is a good idea!
Parasailing Rates (800 Feet of Line)
Double | $125
Single | $65
Ride-along (When Available) | $15
Chute for the Skye Parasailing
A totally different way to enjoy the white sandy beaches famous along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Chute for the Skye Parasailing offers a birdseye view you shouldn’t skip. From 400 feet up, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Plus, the rides are available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
Parasailing Rates (400 Feet of Line)
Per Parasailer | $60
Per Observer | $30
Blue Sky Parasailing and Watersports
Operating in Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan, Blue Sky Parasailing accommodates small and large groups wanting to go parasailing. Flying through the air, you’ll look below and see incredible marine life, beautiful coastline, and a breathtaking horizon. Rides are available in 400, 600, and 800 feet options.
Single Double Triple
400 ft $55 $110 $165
600 ft $60 $120 $180
800 ft $65 $130 $195
Sky Pirate Parasail
Operating out of Hudson Marina in Orange Beach, Sky Pirate Parasail takes folks up in single, tandem, and triple formats with a maximum weight limit of 450 lbs. They also offer some of the highest parasail flights in the area. Of course, you’ll have great birdseye views and have the chance to spot marine life like dolphins and sea turtles.
Sky Pirate Parasail offers a coupon for $59 parasail rides.
All a Part of a Gulf Shores Vacation
The adventure doesn’t end with parasailing in Gulf Shores! There’s plenty more where that came from. Just be sure to download our free Vacation Guide! And, when you’re looking for a place to stay during your time on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, consider Sunset Properties. Our beautiful condos and beach houses are ideally located for your Gulf Coast adventure. Contact us today to book your beach getaway!
Plan Your Adrenaline Rush on a Fun Zip Line in Gulf Shores
There are a lot of ways to have a lot of fun here in Gulf Shores. That’s well-known. But, did you know that you can get your adrenaline fix on azip line in Gulf Shores? It’s true! Zip through the air over your new favorite vacation destination for a thrilling view of the Gulf of Mexico and more! We’ll tell you where to go, what you’ll see, and everything else you need to know to take a zip line in Gulf Shores!
Zip lines in Gulf Shores are just a part of the fun you’ll have on Alabama’s Gulf Coast this vacation. When you download the free Vacation Guide from Sunset Properties, you’ll have the key to the very best vacation possible. We want you to have a wonderful experience here. That’s why we offer this valuable insider information for all things Gulf Shores!
Hop on a Zip Line in Gulf Shores
The most well-known zip line in Gulf Shores is the Hummingbird Zip Lines at the Gulf Adventure Center at the Wharf. There, you’ll have the chance to fly through the air in a safe and professional setting guaranteed to be a fun and memorable time. Here’s what you need to know!
What is it like to zip line at the Gulf Adventure Center?
Arrive at the Gulf Adventure Center 15 minutes prior to your reservation for check-in where your guides will fit you with the necessary equipment for your zip line tour. After that, you’ll board a trolley for a practice session on a near-ground-level miniature zip line course. Once the group has passed the practice session, the real fun begins. From there, you’ll walk to the first tower and embark on your two-hour zip line ride. The eight-mile adventure will have your adrenaline pumping, and you’ll have mastered it by the time you’re done for wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!
Is it safe to zip line?
At Hummingbird Zip Lines, the course meets the highest industry standards for zip line equipment. Each tour has a guide to accompany you, ensuring your safety and fun at every turn, including rescue training like First Aid, CPR, and AED usage. Guides inspect equipment daily to ensure proper working order. So, as a safety net, per se, each participant must finish ground school training before taking the zip lines, which is no extra cost.
Other Important Information
Cost
Adults | $79
Children (12 and under) | $59
Seniors | $69
Group Rates
Groups of 4-7 | $75 per person
Groups of 8-11 | $71 per person
Groups of 12-15 | $67 per person
Zip On Into Your Vacation Rental
Okay, okay, so you can’t really zip line into a Sunset Properties vacation rental. But, when you stay in one of our condos or beach houses, you’re set to have a wonderful vacation experience by the beach and close to everything you want to do while you’re here. With properties in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, the choice truly is yours on where you want to be. So, browse our availability for your next beach vacation! We are excited to be your host, so contact us to book your getaway today!
Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Animal fun at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Home to over 500 exotic animals, including wolves, leopards, lions, tigers, primates, bears, birds, and reptiles, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a haven for animals, a petting zoo, an aviary, a fun family-friendly attraction, and an educational experience all
in one. It was opened in 1989 as Zooland Animal Park. In 1991, the Ward family donated the 17 acres that the zoo now sits on and created the Zoo Foundation, Inc. Along with the animal encounters, animal exhibits, aviary, reptile house, and petting zoo, the park is now made up of wide pathways, a shaded picnic area, a gift shop, and concessions (seasonally).
While guests love meeting the animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the zoo’s primary mission is to provide an educational experience for guests. Throughout the week, zoo employees and volunteers offer
free educational programs and presentations that teach about the importance of conserving resources and land for these animals. They believe that when people get the opportunity to meet these animals close up, they can find more appreciation for them. It’s a community outreach program that the people at the zoo are very passionate about.
The animal encounters are easily the most popular part of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, offering unique family fun. Animal encounters allow kids and adults to get up close and personal with animals they would likely never come across in real life. Be adventurous and try an encounter with kangaroos, lemurs, reptiles, or tigers! The animal encounters are closed during the winter, but they resume again in early spring. Just be sure to check the rules for each encounter, as different attire is required for the safety of guests.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
1204 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Contact information
251.968.5732 (main line)
251.968.5731 (information line)
Hours
Open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily (last guests admitted at 3:30 p.m.)
Open every day during the year, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
Admission prices
Adults (12-54) – $11 plus tax
Seniors (55+) – $9 plus tax
Children (3-11) – $8 plus tax
Children (2 and under) – FREE
*Group rates are also available, and reservations are required at least 48 hours before the visit. Call for more information.
If you’re looking for some family fun in Gulf Shores, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great option. Spend a few hours meeting the animals and learning more about them!
