Moved here 2 years ago full time, best decision ever! Reiterating some points made: 1. Liquor stores-buy beforehand or only go to the ABC store, on Canal next to CVS. Don't pay the mark up. 2. Restaurants-tons of tourist places, but IMO Acme Oyster House (dinner) & The Beach House (best burger) Brick & Spoon (breakfast), are the best places to eat. 3. Beaches-the beaches are indeed pristine and as a community everyone works hard to keep it that way, so please LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS! 4. Sunsets-absolutely gorgeous and awe inspiring, a photographer's dream. I would further that by saying fishing topwater lures from the beach at sunrise is a pretty beautiful experience, its just you and your Maker & the fish. 5. Ft. Morgan-if you're a history buff don't forget the fort! Civil War era coolness. 6. Activities-the area is very conducive to runners/walkers/riders, there are bike paths on every road down by the beach, bike rental at Infinity in OB, right by Gulf State Park. Go-Karts & mini golf everywhere, OWA (theme park) is just up in Foley, they just added a new water park. If you like to golf, it would be worth the hassle to bring the clubs, there are courses big and small all over (i enjoy the little par 3 course at OB Golf Center, and do yourself a favor & eat at Duck's Diner!) 7. Hangout Fest-the annual 3 day music festival on the beach at The Hangout, world famous groups (who doesn't love Post Malone?) we always accumulate family and friends when that happens, so if you are a trendy music lover, look into it! End of May usually. I could go on and on about this area I just love it! I hope that everyone who visits loves it as much as we do and comes back again! Thank you for coming!
Check out sassy bass amazing grill down ft Morgan, also the sloop under the bridge. They're personal friends of mine and are both super awesome places. Tell BR I said hi!
Interesting.. I am researching relocating to AL/Miss on the ocean. Are you still happy with your choice? How is it for affordable cost of living and safety/crime?
A very big "don't" - DON'T Go swimming at Perdido Pass. EVER. Too many folks not familiar with the area have lost their lives while swimming in that vicinity. The currents are way too strong for even the best swimmers.
Takes a real coward to be scared of swimming somewhere… it’s just water… it’s not going to kill you, you won’t melt like the wicked witch of the west…. Get over it crybaby
I’m so excited I have been researching a lot bc this summer is our first vacation in almost ten years, and I really want it to go smoothly to have the best time. What a great video with great tips, especially the getting groceries/booze beforehand. Was fully planning on buying groceries for our condo upon arrival to orange beach 😂
And to go with that Don't regarding weather: keep an eye on the forecast during Hurricane season. Even if you booked that trip months in advance, be sure to get refund or rebooking plans in case any hurricanes decide to change your plans.
especially now that hurricane season is upon us now. Even with the weather isn't unbearable, hurricane season lasts until what, November? always have a backup plan.
Im glad you said something, just saw this video. He did a great job representing our cities and beaches, but I was literally about to post about rip current and knowledge of the flags fliying. Us locals hate hearing on the news about people out of state , and some from here that drown, They dont pay attention or are even aware of what a rip current is. We just lost a 14 yr old boy from Louisiana 2 weeks ago.. He and dad were swimming with red flags flying. Very sad.
@@shelovesaic Yes! I wrote my comment with at young fella in mind. His poor parents. His father said he should have held on. The power of water is something we can't control!🙏
I've been to Gulf Shores the last 4 years. Sad I'm not getting to come down this year. I absolutely love it there!!!!! I'd move there if I could. Love Love Love it there. Best shrimp EVER! We stay at the sand piper resort. Right on the beach. Awesome time!!! Came home 2 days before the hurricane hit in 2020!
My mom took me there when we went to Mobile for my Gram's funeral, years ago. We were having a lovely time, then it suddenly started to get dark with big black clouds. My mother looked at me and said, "TIME TO GO!" Being a NW girl, I was like, "huh? it's cloudy, who cares?" but she pulled me off the beach and we went into a restaurant. EVERYONE left the beach. Ten minutes later, it was POURING and lightening hit the beach!!! Oh!!!! Ok!!! GOTCHA!! Always watch the locals! (I learned this on the beach in Hawaii, too!)
5 of us just returned to Dallas on 6/9 from a 7-night stay in Gulf Shores. Overall consensus: AMAZING! Stayed in a condo on the beach. Walked to everything!! Used our vehicles very minimally while there. We will definitely return!! 💖
Dee Wilkerson, I'm a native Mobilian that now lives in Texas. I don't know if you had little ones with you on your trip to Gulf Shores but if you did here is one adventure you need to do should you return. Travel into Mobile and go to Mobile Square and let them feed the squirrels. You will need to stop at Walmart and pick up a couple of bags of green or raw peanuts to take with you, ths squirrels and pigeons will come up to you and take the peanuts from your hand. I introduced this to my daughter and son when they little and its still one of the things they still love to do. Along with going to Krystals for their hamburgers.
@@davidadams8842 No. That’s not allowed, and is not only harmful to the environment, but dangerous. These wild animals can have harmful diseases like rabies, and you are contributing to killing their genetics and ecosystem. When humans feed them, they get used to it. They can lose the ability to live in the wild in as little as 1 generation. Millions of years of evolution being flushed down the toilet by clueless tourists like you….
I grew up in Mobile and we often went to Gulf Shores (in the off season). As others have commented, regarding weather and water conditions: follow the rules on posted signs; if there are lifeguards, listen to them, be respectful, please keep the beaches clean, and yes- watch the locals- if people are leaving in droves or with concern on their faces, it's time to go!!! The colored flags each have a meaning. One that visitors often don't expect is there are sometimes surges of jellyfish (common in July). @wolter: enjoy some fried blue crab claws, hush puppies, fried okra, catfish, and gulf shrimp for me (but not all in one sitting, of course. Don't explode, lol!!!) Thanks for calling attention to Mobile being the birthplace of Mardi gras ☺️. It's a little known fact to outsiders!
Also there is this theme park called OWA that’s nearby Foyle and is pretty fun. And in the Bay Area of Baldwin county there are some pretty neat towns to check out like Spanish Fort, Bay Minette, Daphne, and Fairhope
Love this video family and I have been coming to Gulf Shores for the last 6 years from Illinois we drive. By far our favorite place to vacation planning on moving there when we retire possibly.
We went there for our honeymoon last year at the end of April! It was fantastic! The Mullet Toss at Florabama is popular; we loved the Ferris wheel at The Wharf; bushwackers at Lillian’s in Pensacola were THE BEST; and don’t forget sunscreen and cash for tips!!
As a local I can't like this comment enough. So many people just don't understand the importance of taking care of those of us that take care of tourists ... Glad you liked it! Come back to visit😁
It's been a while, but I've been to Gulf Shores before way back when I was only 7 years old. And I absolutely loved it. Heck, I've been wanting to go back there for almost 19 years now. I love the beach
We live in LA (lower Alabama), very accurate. Fall best time to visit. Great golf all over area. Be aware of traffic on bayway to/from Mobile during summer and holiday weekends.
I live in New Orleans and I grew up going to Gulf Shores all the time as a kid. I've got friends that live in the area and so I HAVE to visit the area VERY often and have quite a few UA-cam videos reviewing several of the area restaurants. There are some really affordable good restaurant deals during lunch time if you get a bit off the beach and right on the beach is Sea & Suds which has good prices on their food and beer. Another FREE attraction not mentioned in this video is Bamahenge which is a replica of Stonehenge and this area, located at Barber Marina, also has some cool dinosaur sculptures along with the huge Lady in the Lake floating sculpture along with quite a number of other interesting things to see (just do a search for Bamahenge and their are several videos on UA-cam). Visitors definitely have a lot of fun stuff to see and do in the area!!!
Dont forget to check out bama henge! Ive been goin to gulf shores since I was a kid and only found out about it on the way home last year. Its a replica you can walk through and its supposed to be off the road in a wooded area. Cant wait to go check it out next time im down
Watch out for ticks in that area during warm parts of the year! We took our dogs to Bamahenge and they were COVERED afterward. We must have found like 10 or 15 ticks on the car ride home.
Just left there a week ago spent 2weeks there loved it stayed Wright on the beach people were so friendly already booked condo next year for 3 weeks lot of snow birds there from Wisconsin lot warmer there then here loved all the restaurants good food hangout restaurants was a good time even for a old guy like me at 65 loved the drink called bushwhacker
Thanks for the video. And u are so right. We go down at least once a year. We love it. But we bring 3 children and unless u eat at McDonald's u can plan on between 100 and 150 every time u eat. So definitely plan for it
As a local....don't expect locals to be as accommodating as others. I've lived in Wildwood NJ as well as Foley, Alabama. Foley population is nice, except when it's not! Go with the flow. Don't try to "rock the boat" when it comes to how people do things. I've lived in Foley/Gulf Shores all my life until I happened to live in Wildwood, NJ. Gulf Shores/Foley is full of accommodating people but, people here will put you in your place when you disrespect their beach/territory.
@@Pumpmaximum13 …don’t know anyone who gives a damn. We get aggravated with the traffic and empty grocery stores but that’s all I can think of. Maybe the ones in a certain tax bracket or higher get weird about it but working class ppl really don’t care.
@@davidnovak9159 …what does that have to do with me saying normal ppl around here don’t really care about being a local? And sure, why not. Me and my riches hanging out in nowhere Alabama… What are you on? Sharing is caring.
Yeah had some dumb California libturds ask us why we don't build more resorts here. Oh and their snobby better then thou attitude really got the best me!
We also have at the Gulf State Park Miles of Ziplines. A couple of HUGE don'ts, are. Don't mess with Sea Turtle Nests, and don't pick the Sea Oats. Also I recommend y'all trying the Red Fish ( snapper ) excellent!
My family and I love Orange beach/Gulf Shores. We love it so much my husband and I got married there on the beach 10 years ago. The city allows beach weddings at Gulf State park. You do have to buy a permit though.
Another don't that was not included is watch out for Hurricanes. Hurricane seasons occur between June or November, but most impactful between August and October. So, if you come during that come, look for indoors things to do, or be buy flexible tickets through flights and hotels. Sometimes, they will give waivers to change date of travel incase Gulf Shores Alabama adventures get delayed due to landfall hurricanes.
We were 18miles inland from ground zero during the last hurricane 2yrs ago which was a cat3 till it came close to shore then went to a high cat3. We rode it through but there's no reasoning with hurricane season, a sure 'nuff tornado-fest, we'll bug out on the next cat3 within this trajectory. Save some money for replacement tires if you're the sightseeing kind immediately following the storm.
They put a lot of effort into cleaning and maintaining the beaches in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Many of late nights getting off work seeing them brush and take the beaches
Great stuff!! If you are flying in and have an option to use Allegiant to Destin it can save you a lot of $. It's usually about $75/person from where I am located in the Midwest. If you are driving, try not to come in on a Saturday as it is crazy busy with people coming and going. And there are very few left turns on Perdido Beach Blvd in Orange Beach anymore, just U-turns. Watch out for jellyfish in the summer, and it isn't the clear ones (Moon Jellies) you should worry about, it's the Sea Nettle that usually has brownish stripes that'll get ya!! The closer you get to the bay, the darker the water will get as well. And finally, it's NOT Daytona Beach, so take your trash and every member of your party with you when you leave please ;)
And one more very important thing, please remember that while you are on vacation us locals work here. Enjoy your stay but buf heaven's sake please stay out of the left lane lol.
Ppl around here will bend over backwards to make you feel welcome … unless you’re a metaphorical donkey. Then you get a quick “well, bless your heart” and a mental dismissal.
Awesome vlog as usual with loads of useful everyday info while traveling. I know you travel with your family but if you don't mind me asking, do you have a monthly budget not including your flights and if so how much? Thanks for all the great vids.
I met a woman from the Czech Republic working there and had a beautiful Summer fling a few years after my wife passed. I sometimes wonder why we hit it off so well with us being so different. I love the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores all the way Eastward to Apalachicola. No place like it in the whole world.
This year the Pensacola airport has been temporarily “redesigned” to go with the theme for Pensa-Con. It’s an anime/comic/misc. convention held every year. So a lot of businesses and the airport partnered with them to bring their theme around town to build hype and for the convention-goers during the event. I don’t know if the alien stuff will still be present or if the town will be themed something else by then if people visit other years. I didn’t know it was an alien spot though, so maybe the town will keep some stuff.
I’ve been going to gulf shores for the past 10 years atleast. This place is ausome. I’ve been to tiki mini gulf I’ve been to all the souvenir shops and lamburts the track and much much more this place is my favorite place on earth
The FloraBama Yacht Club is great for food and music. And don't forget LuLu's (founded by Jimmy Buffet's sister, Lucy) in Gulf Shores. Great food, music, and views.
Wow, I’ve watched lot of your European vids. I’d never think you’d come close to home & actually be at GS, AL. We live in MS, but we grew up going there on summer vacas. Love it there & it’s like a 2nd home when we stay in a condominium on the beach. We prob go around 3 times a year.
Enjoy our beaches and Please remember to drive respectfully. I think the sun makes people forget how to drive. Use caution while driving here because folks will be in the left lane and zip over to the right cutting you off and never using a turn signal.
Agreed. I will say that yeah we have a ton of car accidents down here, take your time! If you aren't used to a center turn lane be safe, and don't be in a hurry everyone! It's the beach! Take it slow 🤙
Good information on warnings concerning the tides. There were no flags on the beach when I was there. I only waded in the water just below my knees to set foot in the Gulf. 😁 I was down there at Gulf Shores early last month from Indiana. Very nice area, and loved Alabama!
2 things you missed but I think need some attention: 1 is Fort Morgan. A true civil war fort that is still standing and you can walk around in. 2 is the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. There are so many things to do at Dauphin Island, it’s crazy! And you get to take a ferry to get to it 👍 nice video!
@ Wolter's Word - Great video and info. Are you going to do a whole "Redneck Riviera" series that covers each spot from Orange Beach over to Destin & beyond?
Just a side note.. the alcohol is cheaper in Florida. So when we take the trip to Pensacola or Florabama we go a little early and hit the ABC store. Happy Travels
You can buy beer and wine in grocery stores. For hard liquor, go to stores with signs saying they’re an “ABC” store. There are a lot of independent liquor stores, but they set their own prices and charge more. ABC stores comply with a pricing schedule set by the state and are much more reasonable.
ABC (Alabama Beverage Center) are state owned and sell to the mom-and-pop liquor stores as well as local watering holes. They have a nice mark-up also.
Mark, when you went to the USS Alabama, there's a seafood restaurant nearby. I'm curious if it is still there. I was there in 2007, two years after Katrina and you can see the damage from inside the restaurant.
@@vall5675 I don’t believe thats the one. Just based on where that place is at, This place I’m referring to was right off the beaches. You could walk from the USS alabama to this seafood place.
Felix's is still there. The original oyster house moved further down the cause way (its closer to spanish fort now). There is a new restaurant where it use to sit and a couple others.
Don’t be afraid to act like a kid again! BEST ADVICE EVER!!!!!!!!!
Local here, if it's cloudy and suddenly gets windy and cold you have about 5 minutes to get off the beach before you get drenched.
I live in Fairhope. I love that feeling. You can smell the rain coming.
Summer thunderstorms man… rough but when they pass, it gets absolutely gorgeous pretty quickly.
Moved here 2 years ago full time, best decision ever! Reiterating some points made:
1. Liquor stores-buy beforehand or only go to the ABC store, on Canal next to CVS. Don't pay the mark up.
2. Restaurants-tons of tourist places, but IMO Acme Oyster House (dinner) & The Beach House (best burger) Brick & Spoon (breakfast), are the best places to eat.
3. Beaches-the beaches are indeed pristine and as a community everyone works hard to keep it that way, so please LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS!
4. Sunsets-absolutely gorgeous and awe inspiring, a photographer's dream. I would further that by saying fishing topwater lures from the beach at sunrise is a pretty beautiful experience, its just you and your Maker & the fish.
5. Ft. Morgan-if you're a history buff don't forget the fort! Civil War era coolness.
6. Activities-the area is very conducive to runners/walkers/riders, there are bike paths on every road down by the beach, bike rental at Infinity in OB, right by Gulf State Park. Go-Karts & mini golf everywhere, OWA (theme park) is just up in Foley, they just added a new water park. If you like to golf, it would be worth the hassle to bring the clubs, there are courses big and small all over (i enjoy the little par 3 course at OB Golf Center, and do yourself a favor & eat at Duck's Diner!)
7. Hangout Fest-the annual 3 day music festival on the beach at The Hangout, world famous groups (who doesn't love Post Malone?) we always accumulate family and friends when that happens, so if you are a trendy music lover, look into it! End of May usually.
I could go on and on about this area I just love it! I hope that everyone who visits loves it as much as we do and comes back again! Thank you for coming!
Don't forget CRICOS PIZZA ...they the best for us anyways.. 😂
Check out sassy bass amazing grill down ft Morgan, also the sloop under the bridge. They're personal friends of mine and are both super awesome places.
Tell BR I said hi!
Interesting.. I am researching relocating to AL/Miss on the ocean. Are you still happy with your choice? How is it for affordable cost of living and safety/crime?
I want to move there it's my dream
@kelcymatthews4901 it is a wonderful place. Everything I need is here.
So nice to see Gulf Coast representation.
Your 'Don'ts of Traveling' series is a really cool format for travel content. Very creative idea. Props.
We have vacation in Gulf Shores of Alabama for the past 3 years not including the past 2 covid. It's a beautiful place to be
We went there 3 days it it beautiful
A very big "don't" - DON'T Go swimming at Perdido Pass. EVER. Too many folks not familiar with the area have lost their lives while swimming in that vicinity. The currents are way too strong for even the best swimmers.
I’m a swimming champion and I don’t even swim there
Takes a real coward to be scared of swimming somewhere… it’s just water… it’s not going to kill you, you won’t melt like the wicked witch of the west…. Get over it crybaby
>not jumping off the Perdido Pass bridge pylons
Bro, do you even live?
@@bluediamond1522 you guys have all confused me.
I swim there all the time
I’m so excited I have been researching a lot bc this summer is our first vacation in almost ten years, and I really want it to go smoothly to have the best time. What a great video with great tips, especially the getting groceries/booze beforehand. Was fully planning on buying groceries for our condo upon arrival to orange beach 😂
And to go with that Don't regarding weather: keep an eye on the forecast during Hurricane season. Even if you booked that trip months in advance, be sure to get refund or rebooking plans in case any hurricanes decide to change your plans.
especially now that hurricane season is upon us now. Even with the weather isn't unbearable, hurricane season lasts until what, November? always have a backup plan.
If you are going anywhere during hurricane season ABSOLUTELY buy insurance
@@googleuser868 sometimes those spontaneous trips are the best. Go when you want. Stay as long as you like. Leave when you want. No strict schedule.
Don't ignore the red flags on the beach! People have lost their life by ignoring them.....
Yes!! Pay attention to the flags, and know their meanings. Strong current/undertow, jellyfish, storms, etc!!!
More important those saving lives of non compliant lose their lives. So know flag warnings!
Im glad you said something, just saw this video. He did a great job representing our cities and beaches, but I was literally about to post about rip current and knowledge of the flags fliying. Us locals hate hearing on the news about people out of state , and some from here that drown, They dont pay attention or are even aware of what a rip current is. We just lost a 14 yr old boy from Louisiana 2 weeks ago.. He and dad were swimming with red flags flying. Very sad.
@@shelovesaic Yes! I wrote my comment with at young fella in mind. His poor parents. His father said he should have held on. The power of water is something we can't control!🙏
Yes! Our rip tides are lethal! Please everyone pay attention!
What perfect timing, I’m leaving to gulf shores next week!
Gorgeous beaches for sure! Seafood is awesome and the locals are very friendly and nice! Not a cheap place to stay.
Go in off season usually half the price!
@@dianebay6879 please don’t. Off season is our reprieve from tourists
Orange beach/Gulf shore seemed to be about 20% more expensive than Pensacola beach.
I've been to Gulf Shores the last 4 years. Sad I'm not getting to come down this year. I absolutely love it there!!!!! I'd move there if I could. Love Love Love it there. Best shrimp EVER! We stay at the sand piper resort. Right on the beach. Awesome time!!! Came home 2 days before the hurricane hit in 2020!
I have been a huge fan of your content for a long time!! I honestly never thought I would ever see you in my backyard.
Great review of our coast!!! I’m from Mobile! Love this!
My mom took me there when we went to Mobile for my Gram's funeral, years ago. We were having a lovely time, then it suddenly started to get dark with big black clouds. My mother looked at me and said, "TIME TO GO!" Being a NW girl, I was like, "huh? it's cloudy, who cares?" but she pulled me off the beach and we went into a restaurant. EVERYONE left the beach. Ten minutes later, it was POURING and lightening hit the beach!!! Oh!!!! Ok!!! GOTCHA!! Always watch the locals! (I learned this on the beach in Hawaii, too!)
Very good advice and yes the streets get packed during the tourist season. We Texans sure like some Gulf Shores.
Ugh I can’t stand all the Texans.
They are the WORST
5 of us just returned to Dallas on 6/9 from a 7-night stay in Gulf Shores. Overall consensus: AMAZING! Stayed in a condo on the beach. Walked to everything!! Used our vehicles very minimally while there. We will definitely return!! 💖
Moved here full time from Dallas 2 years ago and just love it! Don't miss the traffic! Come back soon!
Dee Wilkerson, I'm a native Mobilian that now lives in Texas. I don't know if you had little ones with you on your trip to Gulf Shores but if you did here is one adventure you need to do should you return. Travel into Mobile and go to Mobile Square and let them feed the squirrels. You will need to stop at Walmart and pick up a couple of bags of green or raw peanuts to take with you, ths squirrels and pigeons will come up to you and take the peanuts from your hand. I introduced this to my daughter and son when they little and its still one of the things they still love to do. Along with going to Krystals for their hamburgers.
Just squeezed out some smelly brown poo! So satisfying :)
@@davidadams8842 No. That’s not allowed, and is not only harmful to the environment, but dangerous. These wild animals can have harmful diseases like rabies, and you are contributing to killing their genetics and ecosystem. When humans feed them, they get used to it. They can lose the ability to live in the wild in as little as 1 generation. Millions of years of evolution being flushed down the toilet by clueless tourists like you….
I grew up in Mobile and we often went to Gulf Shores (in the off season). As others have commented, regarding weather and water conditions: follow the rules on posted signs; if there are lifeguards, listen to them, be respectful, please keep the beaches clean, and yes- watch the locals- if people are leaving in droves or with concern on their faces, it's time to go!!! The colored flags each have a meaning. One that visitors often don't expect is there are sometimes surges of jellyfish (common in July). @wolter: enjoy some fried blue crab claws, hush puppies, fried okra, catfish, and gulf shrimp for me (but not all in one sitting, of course. Don't explode, lol!!!) Thanks for calling attention to Mobile being the birthplace of Mardi gras ☺️. It's a little known fact to outsiders!
Where did you end up? We are in Oregon and curious about some of these conservative states after we have become so disgustingly blue.
I was born & raised in Mobile. 🙂
Also there is this theme park called OWA that’s nearby Foyle and is pretty fun. And in the Bay Area of Baldwin county there are some pretty neat towns to check out like Spanish Fort, Bay Minette, Daphne, and Fairhope
You guys are amazing, don't you ever stop enjoying this process and the people you're bringing along. We're all rooting for you! ❤❤❤
One of my favorite places in the world. Love Gulf Shores❤❤❤
Love this video family and I have been coming to Gulf Shores for the last 6 years from Illinois we drive. By far our favorite place to vacation planning on moving there when we retire possibly.
This is such a wonderful video, we are visiting Gulfshores and this helped so much!
I loved living close there for a wee bit. Seeing him pass by familiar things is such fun.
We went there for our honeymoon last year at the end of April! It was fantastic! The Mullet Toss at Florabama is popular; we loved the Ferris wheel at The Wharf; bushwackers at Lillian’s in Pensacola were THE BEST; and don’t forget sunscreen and cash for tips!!
As a local I can't like this comment enough. So many people just don't understand the importance of taking care of those of us that take care of tourists ... Glad you liked it! Come back to visit😁
@@kimbrannon914 employers should pay a decent compensations to their employees and not have them depend on handouts from strangers
I love Gulf Shores!! A whole week of all fun things there!! Been going there for years!!
I'm really glad they got some stuff fixed up after the storms a couple years ago.
It's been a while, but I've been to Gulf Shores before way back when I was only 7 years old. And I absolutely loved it. Heck, I've been wanting to go back there for almost 19 years now. I love the beach
We go every year! We did a dolphin cruise in Orange Beach last year and it was so reasonably priced! We saw so many dolphins!
We live in LA (lower Alabama), very accurate. Fall best time to visit. Great golf all over area. Be aware of traffic on bayway to/from Mobile during summer and holiday weekends.
Yes! The traffic is terrible here. Especially during beach season!
Hey, you made it to Alabama! Welcome!
I live in New Orleans and I grew up going to Gulf Shores all the time as a kid. I've got friends that live in the area and so I HAVE to visit the area VERY often and have quite a few UA-cam videos reviewing several of the area restaurants. There are some really affordable good restaurant deals during lunch time if you get a bit off the beach and right on the beach is Sea & Suds which has good prices on their food and beer. Another FREE attraction not mentioned in this video is Bamahenge which is a replica of Stonehenge and this area, located at Barber Marina, also has some cool dinosaur sculptures along with the huge Lady in the Lake floating sculpture along with quite a number of other interesting things to see (just do a search for Bamahenge and their are several videos on UA-cam). Visitors definitely have a lot of fun stuff to see and do in the area!!!
Yes we always laugh at the P N S on the Pensacola airport tags ahahaha gotta love P(e)n(i)scola!
Dont forget to check out bama henge! Ive been goin to gulf shores since I was a kid and only found out about it on the way home last year. Its a replica you can walk through and its supposed to be off the road in a wooded area. Cant wait to go check it out next time im down
Watch out for ticks in that area during warm parts of the year! We took our dogs to Bamahenge and they were COVERED afterward. We must have found like 10 or 15 ticks on the car ride home.
Came here to mention BAMAHENGE!! Definitely take the bug spray!
As a local I agree with all of this.
I love your and Jocelyn’s videos! This one was helpful 😀
Going next week can’t wait
You gotta do one on Birmingham now. The city is on the come up and there are a ton of new fun things to do there
I really hope our city isn't on the come up, the libs will see a nice place to live and come ruin it.
Thanks for the video! Answered all my questions!
Cool! Glad to help.
Just left there a week ago spent 2weeks there loved it stayed Wright on the beach people were so friendly already booked condo next year for 3 weeks lot of snow birds there from Wisconsin lot warmer there then here loved all the restaurants good food hangout restaurants was a good time even for a old guy like me at 65 loved the drink called bushwhacker
Thanks for the video. And u are so right. We go down at least once a year. We love it. But we bring 3 children and unless u eat at McDonald's u can plan on between 100 and 150 every time u eat. So definitely plan for it
OMG, I live here. Thanks for visiting.
The Pensacola airport code is hilarious. The Pensacola to Charlotte flight route has the most hilarious combination of airport codes.
We didn’t find anything bad at all and actually ended up moving there because it was so nice.
Great video Mark
As a local....don't expect locals to be as accommodating as others. I've lived in Wildwood NJ as well as Foley, Alabama. Foley population is nice, except when it's not! Go with the flow. Don't try to "rock the boat" when it comes to how people do things. I've lived in Foley/Gulf Shores all my life until I happened to live in Wildwood, NJ. Gulf Shores/Foley is full of accommodating people but, people here will put you in your place when you disrespect their beach/territory.
People are prideful of the "locAL" tag line for sure!
@@Pumpmaximum13 …don’t know anyone who gives a damn. We get aggravated with the traffic and empty grocery stores but that’s all I can think of. Maybe the ones in a certain tax bracket or higher get weird about it but working class ppl really don’t care.
@@davidnovak9159 …what does that have to do with me saying normal ppl around here don’t really care about being a local? And sure, why not. Me and my riches hanging out in nowhere Alabama… What are you on? Sharing is caring.
@@davidnovak9159 …lol. Whatever you say, skippy.
Yeah had some dumb California libturds ask us why we don't build more resorts here. Oh and their snobby better then thou attitude really got the best me!
We also have at the Gulf State Park Miles of Ziplines. A couple of HUGE don'ts, are. Don't mess with Sea Turtle Nests, and don't pick the Sea Oats. Also I recommend y'all trying the Red Fish ( snapper ) excellent!
My family and I love Orange beach/Gulf Shores. We love it so much my husband and I got married there on the beach 10 years ago. The city allows beach weddings at Gulf State park. You do have to buy a permit though.
Enjoy the beach with your kids , don't worry about the tourist distractions !
Another don't that was not included is watch out for Hurricanes. Hurricane seasons occur between June or November, but most impactful between August and October. So, if you come during that come, look for indoors things to do, or be buy flexible tickets through flights and hotels. Sometimes, they will give waivers to change date of travel incase Gulf Shores Alabama adventures get delayed due to landfall hurricanes.
We were 18miles inland from ground zero during the last hurricane 2yrs ago which was a cat3 till it came close to shore then went to a high cat3. We rode it through but there's no reasoning with hurricane season, a sure 'nuff tornado-fest, we'll bug out on the next cat3 within this trajectory. Save some money for replacement tires if you're the sightseeing kind immediately following the storm.
Everyone knows that
They put a lot of effort into cleaning and maintaining the beaches in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Many of late nights getting off work seeing them brush and take the beaches
Hey I'm from this area! Great tips sir 👍
I was so confused when I first encountered a u-turn only lane down there.. 😂 Can't wait to go back in a couple of weeks.
If you like history, then i highly recommend a quick trip from gulf shores to fort morgan and tour the fort
I live there and I would also suggest fort Morgan and the ferry over to dauphin Island as well
Great stuff!! If you are flying in and have an option to use Allegiant to Destin it can save you a lot of $. It's usually about $75/person from where I am located in the Midwest. If you are driving, try not to come in on a Saturday as it is crazy busy with people coming and going. And there are very few left turns on Perdido Beach Blvd in Orange Beach anymore, just U-turns. Watch out for jellyfish in the summer, and it isn't the clear ones (Moon Jellies) you should worry about, it's the Sea Nettle that usually has brownish stripes that'll get ya!! The closer you get to the bay, the darker the water will get as well. And finally, it's NOT Daytona Beach, so take your trash and every member of your party with you when you leave please ;)
And one more very important thing, please remember that while you are on vacation us locals work here. Enjoy your stay but buf heaven's sake please stay out of the left lane lol.
Far right lane is the fast lane down here lol
Don't forget to be respectful. It's a huge thing in Gulf Shores and you'll get way farther if you get along with the locals
Ppl around here will bend over backwards to make you feel welcome … unless you’re a metaphorical donkey. Then you get a quick “well, bless your heart” and a mental dismissal.
Awesome vlog as usual with loads of useful everyday info while traveling. I know you travel with your family but if you don't mind me asking, do you have a monthly budget not including your flights and if so how much? Thanks for all the great vids.
I met a woman from the Czech Republic working there and had a beautiful Summer fling a few years after my wife passed. I sometimes wonder why we hit it off so well with us being so different. I love the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores all the way Eastward to Apalachicola. No place like it in the whole world.
Yup can't wait to go back next winter get out of Wisconsin cold
This year the Pensacola airport has been temporarily “redesigned” to go with the theme for Pensa-Con. It’s an anime/comic/misc. convention held every year. So a lot of businesses and the airport partnered with them to bring their theme around town to build hype and for the convention-goers during the event. I don’t know if the alien stuff will still be present or if the town will be themed something else by then if people visit other years. I didn’t know it was an alien spot though, so maybe the town will keep some stuff.
Omg! I’ve been here since the 2nd, I would love to have met you!
Hey loved the channel for years! I’m going to Istanbul this fall and would love some tips about traveling in Turkey if you have any!
Waterville in Gulf Shores is fun, and there is a new water park opening at OWA. And the Legends show at OWA is great!! OWA is on Foley Beach Express.
Awesome job, just subscribe to your channel, looking forward to looking at more of your videos
I’ve been going to gulf shores for the past 10 years atleast. This place is ausome. I’ve been to tiki mini gulf I’ve been to all the souvenir shops and lamburts the track and much much more this place is my favorite place on earth
You can also fly into Ft. Walton Beach. That’s usually my preference, but it depends where you’re staying.
Im at gulf shores Now in Alabama
Have fun!
Ok I will
The FloraBama Yacht Club is great for food and music. And don't forget LuLu's (founded by Jimmy Buffet's sister, Lucy) in Gulf Shores. Great food, music, and views.
My favorite place. I'm from birmingham but now live in England. I miss gulf shores plantation. Sugar beach is wonderful.
Great beached. Sand is amazing
Good info!!! Looks like a lot to see!!!
Wow, I’ve watched lot of your European vids. I’d never think you’d come close to home & actually be at GS, AL. We live in MS, but we grew up going there on summer vacas. Love it there & it’s like a 2nd home when we stay in a condominium on the beach. We prob go around 3 times a year.
Enjoy our beaches and Please remember to drive respectfully. I think the sun makes people forget how to drive. Use caution while driving here because folks will be in the left lane and zip over to the right cutting you off and never using a turn signal.
Agreed. I will say that yeah we have a ton of car accidents down here, take your time! If you aren't used to a center turn lane be safe, and don't be in a hurry everyone! It's the beach! Take it slow 🤙
Best place to eat is Roadkill Cafe in Elberta AL! Open 10:30-12:30 all you can eat buffet with the best fried chicken in the south!
Mark...you didnt mention rhe cival war forts or Dauphine island and sea lab...
Yes! Spanish Fort!
I went to king Neptunes sea food restaurant yesterday it’s pretty cool there I live in foley Alabama
Good information on warnings concerning the tides. There were no flags on the beach when I was there. I only waded in the water just below my knees to set foot in the Gulf. 😁
I was down there at Gulf Shores early last month from Indiana. Very nice area, and loved Alabama!
Is the water clearer in Pensacola compared to orange beach?
Nobody’s talking about Orange Beach
Awesome tips!
PLEASE do a Pensacola video... if you need a tour guide to some cool spots in the area that only locals know about, hit me up!
Love pegleg petes and flounders!
I spent around $1,800 on restaurants for family of 4 in gulf shores in 5 days
My first trip there was the week Hurricane Ike came through still had a great time
Thanks for the video Wolter; actually that's right in time, we'll be visiting Gulf Shores in July (if the rona allows)
They are totally over the Rona down there!
"Come on vacation, leave on probation" is the Sherriff's motto, don't do any crime while you are there 😂
I enjoy this place very much ❤️
2 things you missed but I think need some attention: 1 is Fort Morgan. A true civil war fort that is still standing and you can walk around in. 2 is the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. There are so many things to do at Dauphin Island, it’s crazy! And you get to take a ferry to get to it 👍 nice video!
@ Wolter's Word - Great video and info. Are you going to do a whole "Redneck Riviera" series that covers each spot from Orange Beach over to Destin & beyond?
Just a side note.. the alcohol is cheaper in Florida. So when we take the trip to Pensacola or Florabama we go a little early and hit the ABC store. Happy Travels
Go to Publix in Perdido Key (just over the Perdido Bridge) to buy your liquor . Florida has cheaper taxes on their liquor than AL.
I live near gulf shores it’s beautiful
Just there this past weekend. Awesome place but no parking anywhere
Awesome video
Where do you get the seafood stuffed baked potato ? It looked delicious.
You can buy beer and wine in grocery stores. For hard liquor, go to stores with signs saying they’re an “ABC” store. There are a lot of independent liquor stores, but they set their own prices and charge more. ABC stores comply with a pricing schedule set by the state and are much more reasonable.
ABC (Alabama Beverage Center) are state owned and sell to the mom-and-pop liquor stores as well as local watering holes. They have a nice mark-up also.
My Uncle used to be the President of the Tourism Bureau in Gulf Shores.
Mark, when you went to the USS Alabama, there's a seafood restaurant nearby. I'm curious if it is still there. I was there in 2007, two years after Katrina and you can see the damage from inside the restaurant.
Wintzell's?
@@vall5675 I don’t believe thats the one. Just based on where that place is at, This place I’m referring to was right off the beaches. You could walk from the USS alabama to this seafood place.
Feliz’s?
Felix's is still there. The original oyster house moved further down the cause way (its closer to spanish fort now). There is a new restaurant where it use to sit and a couple others.
Was it the Captains Table? If so, it burned down.
I’m actually going next week I live in Lawrence County Al but it’s still a while away I’m staying at Clearwater condos
You forgot the epic sunrise. You get both with reflections on the water
Any don't miss restaurant recommendations in the Orange Beach area (other than FloraBama)?