Weekend on the Alabama Gulf Coast one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: From Oct. 9-12, the 43rd Annual National Shrimp Festival will take place in Gulf Shores at the public beach access. This free event features over 300 vendors offering fine art, crafts, coastal cuisine and more than 40 bands set to perform on two stages. http://myshrimpfest.com.
Getting there: The drive from Atlanta is under six hours. Rates from $322 round-trip to Pensacola; nonstop Delta with 21-day advance notice.
BUDGET
Stay: Several hundred private rental accommodations are offered along the south Alabama coast with rates as low as $50 per night. Find a little cottage for two or a beachfront home for a family reunion. Start the selection process at VRBO.com, Airbnb.com and Tripadvisor.com to choose properties by location, size, price, amenities and consumer reviews/ratings.
Eat: Buy everything you need for an at-home shrimp boil at Aquila Seafood, home of the Royal Red Shrimp. Found deep in the Gulf waters, this sweet cold-water shrimp is a delicacy. 17309 River Road, Bon Secour, 251-949-6658. Go to GooRoos Grill for cooked-to-order fresh seafood. Baskets from $11-$19. 1209 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, 251-500-1444, www.gooroosgrill.com.
Experience: Go beyond the beach to the quiet of the 7,000-acre Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for hiking (1-4 miles), fishing, wildlife observation, and photography. 12295 Ala. 180, Gulf Shores, 251-540-7720, www.fws.gov/bonsecour. Six trails among seven distinct ecosystems make up more than 13.5 miles of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex through Orange Beach and the Gulf State Park. Take a two-hour guided tour through the habitats and woodlands; $15. 4009 Orange Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, 251-981-1063, http://backcountrytrail.com.
MODERATE
Stay: The romantic Original Romar House (adults only), a historic bed-and-breakfast, offers easy beach access and is within a short drive to shops, golf courses, dining and entertainment. On site are an outdoor patio and hot tub. Each of the five rooms is uniquely decorated with antiques and fine linens. Rates from $179 ($129 from Nov. 4) include full breakfast and a wine and cheese reception in the Purple Parrot Bar. 23500 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, 251-974-1639, http://theoriginalromarhouse.com.
Eat: Bimini Bob's features an ultra-casual, open-air dockside restaurant overlooking the Wharf Marina — a perfect spot for sunsets. Enjoy live music daily and an 11 a.m.-6 p.m. happy hour. A wide-ranging menu offers burgers to fish tacos to surf and turf entrees ($6-$20 and market price seafood). 4673 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach, 251-424-1900, www.biminibobs.com.
Experience: The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, featured on the Animal Planet series "The Little Zoo That Could," is just blocks from the beach and is home to more than 500 animals. Besides the lions, tigers, bears and primates, the zoo has a petting zoo, an aviary, a reptile house and a shady spot for picnics; $11 adults, $8 ages 3-11. 1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, 251-968-5732, www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: Turquoise Place is the premier rental resort on the coast with luxurious condos, five swimming pools, a lazy river pool, fitness centers, tennis courts, spa services, poolside entertainment, a children's pool and playground. Three-bedroom residences (which sleep eight) average $480 per night; four-bedroom residences (which sleep 10) from $680. 26302 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, 1-855-203-0522, www.turquoiseplace.com.
Eat: Fisher's houses two restaurants — both recommended by Southern Living magazine. Dockside invites flip-flops and offers less pricey entrees ($13-$24). Find chic decor indoors, steak to seafood entrees ($27-$30), craft cocktails, and a fine wine list. 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach, 251-981-7305, http://fishersobm.com.
Experience: Go big with a six-hour offshore fishing experience. The family-friendly adventure for six people (regardless of age) is $1,200 (plus suggested 20 percent tip) and includes fuel, tackle, bait and licenses. 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach, 251-975-8111, www.distractioncharters.com. Those that don't fish might opt to visit the galleries, boutiques and dining options at San Roc Cay Marina & Entertainment District. 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, 251-981-5423, www.sanroccay.com.
About the Author
