Lori McKenna

Tis the season to gather with family and friends and enjoy the spirit of the Christmas holiday! If your merry festivities include a trip to the Alabama Coast, you'll no doubt be spending time reminiscing, reconnecting, and rejoicing over fabulous food. From coastal-inspired cuisine to traditional Christmas fare, we've got the scoop on where to enjoy the tastiest morsels. Whether planning a large family get-together or keeping things small, you'll find plenty of dining options along the Alabama Coast this Christmas!

When planning a visit to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach this Thanksgiving Weekend, the meal won't be the only highlight. Whether meeting up with friends or planning a large family get-together,  the Alabama Coast is loaded with fun activities all weekend long. Here's the lowdown on Thanksgiving events you won't want to miss!

Fall typically sees the kids returning to school and maybe a shift in your workload after that deliciously long summer. But it's not a bad time to consider a long weekend trip before things get too hectic. After all, you'll find ideal conditions, fewer crowds, and reduced rates, all the more reason to consider a refreshing fall getaway. With miles of shoreline, activities for the whole family, and plenty of nature to discover, it's easy to see why Northwest Florida is the perfect destination for your fall getaway.

With four national forests, miles of stunning beaches, and dozens of hiking and biking trails, it’s safe to say you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities in Alabama. It’s also home to OWA, a 520-acre entertainment complex in Foley, an epic adventure your family won’t want to miss! 

No need to choose between water slides and amusement rides; you’ll find both at OWA, alongside restaurants, shopping, and an array of midway games. Equal parts family-friendly attractions and non-stop entertainment, OWA spells F-U-N in every direction. We can’t think of a better place for families to share exciting experiences and create new memories. Don’t know where to begin? Our OWA itinerary is an excellent way to start with a few tips to help you plan accordingly and get the most out of your visit.

Coming to the Emerald Coast and not hitting the beaches would be like a baseball game without the hot dog, a movie with no popcorn, the surf without the turf.  You get the idea. A visit to Florida's Gulf Coast wouldn't be complete without a trip to our sandy shores. But don't overlook the fun to be had shopping in Destin and on 30A. We've got everything from quirky beach shops and expansive antique malls to funky boutiques and novelty shops. Here's the lowdown on some of our favorites!

It's hard to imagine you'd ever get tired of exploring the Alabama Coast. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are a mecca for vacationers, whether traveling to the area for the first time or returning annually (as many do) to enjoy the scenic wonders. If you've been here, you already know it's a water playground loaded with activities for the whole family. Maybe you've spent time paddleboarding or kayaking in Lake Shelby, explored Bayou St. John on a pontoon boat, or seen the sights from above parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico. If you love what's above the water, wait until you see what's below.