Why Fall Is the Best Time for a Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Getaway?

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Are you getting tired of the searing hot summer temperatures? Do you look forward to the fall season arriving and having the opportunity to head outdoors? This is undoubtedly the best time of the year to enjoy new adventures and for us, there is always one destination that we consider visiting – Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

A Gulf Shores and Orange Beach getaway is the perfect tonic to help you recover from a long summer, or perhaps allow you to get away for a few days in preparation for the freezing cold temperatures you can expect in your home town! Hopefully, after reading this post, you will be inspired to add this spot to your list of fall destinations that you cannot afford to miss.

If after reading this post you need even more inspiration, you can always visit Gulfshores.com for more information.

gulf shores and orange beach

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers the perfect blend of luxury relaxation and adventure and is certainly our go-to destination to enjoy a long weekend getaway at the beach to recuperate from the summer months.

Whether you are couple looking to enjoy a quick fall break, or perhaps a family that has flexibility in their schedules to hit the road and travel, the Gulf Coast of Alabama offers something for everyone. We want to share a brief guide on how you can enjoy a Gulf Shores Orange Beach getaway this fall (or in the future)!

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Getaway

While we hope that you are returning visitors to our blog (or at least will be after reading this post), we have become quite the experts in maximizing our time off work and making the most of weekend getaways. The stereotypical statistics surrounding American travelers frequently losing vacation days is something we refuse to be part of, and we hope that we inspire others to get out and travel the world.

Many destinations can be quite the challenge when it comes to making the most of a weekend getaway, but we would argue Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the perfect destination to showcase our ability to experience the very best a location has to offer in a short period of time.

gulf shores and orange beach getaway

Folks that live in the States will understand that we are not all blessed to have a lot of vacation time so making the most of a long weekend is critical. The Labor Day weekend is frequently the last time of the year where couples and families will consider traveling for a short getaway, but we think waiting until later in the year is an even better option.

Less crowds, cheaper accommodation options, shorter wait times at attractions and restaurants, and yet still perfect weather…it’s a no-brainer to visit a destination like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in late September, October or November.

The Perfect Place to Stay

Looking for the perfect accommodation option for a weekend getaway? Depending on your budget, the Gulf Coast has something for every traveler. If you are looking to sample an extravagant, luxury accommodation, perhaps Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts will be the ultimate choice for those ready to splurge late in the season and enjoy an experience that epitomizes pure relaxation and luxury.

Bask in the sun, sink in the sand, and experience luxury at Turquoise Place, Orange Beach’s premier resort.

Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts

The biggest challenge with staying at Turquoise Place is that the amenities are so awesome that you will be very hesitant to leave.

While there is nothing wrong with that and you can certainly enjoy an epic experience along the Gulf Coast with everything this resort has to offer, after reading the rest of this post, we are sure that you will be itching to get out and sample some of the other reasons why Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is such a popular destination.

Another of Spectrum Resorts’ accommodation options that offers far more seclusion given its location in Fort Morgan is The Beach Club. Having spent several nights here during our recent visits to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we can well and truly attest that this is still a luxury resort with every amenity you will need to enjoy a perfect fall getaway.

gulf shores orange beach getaway

If venturing out into the Gulf isn’t your idea of relaxation, check out the 6 (that’s right SIX!) swimming pools that will allow you to relax and enjoy the perfect beach vacation. The philosophy of this hotel is to help you “reconnect and spend quality time with loved ones.”

gulf shores orange beach getaway

In today’s modern era, you may think the term ‘reconnect’ refers to the internet but this is the exact opposite. Leave all of that behind and enjoy a few days relaxing. Everything at the Beach Club will ensure you can do just that!

Reinventing the beach vacation – one family at a time

The Beach Club by Spectrum Resorts

The “Clean Bed” guarantee is a nice touch by Spectrum Resorts to ensure that every family staying at their resort will have a clean duvet. From delicious restaurant options on-site to easy access to the gorgeous private beach, the latter part of the year is the perfect time to spend a few nights at the Beach Club.

So, you have your hotel option figured out…and if we can just take you away from these ultimate relaxation spots for a little while, you will enjoy a plethora of other reasons to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! But first, it’s beach time!

Relax on 32 Miles of Pristine Beaches

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is blessed to have stretches of stunning coastline with pristine beaches that you will want to relax on. When you add the breathtaking sight of the turquoise colored waters, I think it’s fair to say you have found a perfect beach getaway destination.

gulf shores and orange beach getaway

The 32 miles of Alabama’s white-sand beaches are made almost entirely from quartz grains washed down the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

The idyllic sight of white, sandy beaches epitomizes the coastline along the Gulf Coast and whether you are looking for a quiet place to relax or perhaps enjoy an action-packed volleyball game, there are plenty of options to cater all needs.

gulf shores and orange beach getaway

Public beaches are not hard to find, though if you are fortunate to stay in one of the aforementioned accommodation options with a private beach, your experience may be even better. We have thoroughly enjoyed our experience on the private beaches at both Turquoise Place and The Beach Club by Spectrum Resorts, but regardless of where choose to stay, a gorgeous stretch of pristine sand is never too far away!

gulf shores and orange beach getaway

Grab your favorite cocktail or margarita and head down to the beach to relax before venturing out to explore everything else Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has to offer.

Embrace Nature in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Did you know that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a hotspot for exploring nature? It’s true, there are a variety of ways you can interact with nature when visiting this part of Alabama. If you are ready to enjoy the gorgeous fall colors and embrace the natural scenery surrounding you, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a nature lovers haven.

gulf shores and orange beach getaway

One of our favorite experiences is to explore the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Don’t worry about having to bring your own bike, because there are free bikes available throughout the 25 miles of paved trails. Simply download the Bloom bike sharing app, scan the QR code on the bike and away you go!

In addition, bike rentals are also available if you prefer to hop on a tandem with your partner in crime, and so there are no excuses to miss exploring these gorgeous trails. While many associate the Gulf Coast with the breathtaking beaches that we mentioned (understandably so…), exploring the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail enable visitors the opportunity to come face to face with nature and enjoy a rather different, unique side of the Gulf Coast.

For anyone with an interest in the flora and fauna of a destination, we strongly recommend setting aside a few hours to explore this incredible landscape.

gulf shores and orange beach getaway

Prefer to be on the water when visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? A kayaking adventure through Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a relaxing way to burn a few calories while enjoying the vast amount of wildlife that thrives here. Can you imagine drifting along a river with the breathtaking sight of fall everywhere you look?

However, if biking or kayaking just doesn’t satisfy your appetite, perhaps my favorite way to enjoy nature will convince you to head to Alabama’s Gulf Coast in the near future. Hit the links by visiting Peninsula Golf Club in Gulf Shores to not only test your skills but also enjoy a gorgeous area of perfectly manicured landscape, where wildlife and nature continue to embrace the man-made links.

peninsula golf course

Golfing in the fall is the perfect season to enjoy the best weather and perhaps shoot your best round! Cheaper tee times, less crowds, and perfect temperatures allow golfers of all standards to enjoy the collection of courses on the Gulf Coast. Regardless of your score, you cannot help but enjoy this environment before heading to the 19th hole to reflect on your experience.

gulf shores and orange beach getaway

Enjoy Delicious Cuisine

Fine dining in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach may not be the first thing you think about but this destination arguably offers some of the best cuisine options that we have experienced on our travels. If you love seafood as much as we do, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is undoubtedly the place to visit. But even if seafood isn’t at the top of your list, there are plenty of other options available to satisfy your taste buds.

gulf shores and orange beach cuisine

One of the best aspects of visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is having the opportunity to sample one of the pre-defined cuisine trails. Forget about the bourbon trail in Kentucky and instead focus on one of the following delightfully sounding trails…I don’t know about you, but we’re sold on ALL of these!

  • Beach Burger Trail
  • Crab Trail
  • Fresh Fish Trail
  • Gumbo Trail
  • Oyster Trail
  • Shrimp Trail

Don’t worry, for those with a sweet tooth, there is even a Key Lime and Bread Pudding trail to salivate over!

I don’t want to give too much away in terms of the best restaurants worth visiting because you will just have to experience them for yourselves. However, if you want our personal favorites, here is where we would recommend:

brick and spoon orange beach

You could quite easily associate each of these with the above trails but of course, a visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach should be about sampling a variety of dishes and this destination certainly has endless opportunities awaiting you!

Don’t forget to sample of one the main awesome coffee shops in the area to ensure you have plenty of energy to experience everything the Gulf Coast has to offer. The Southern Grind Coffee House is one of our favorites, but you certainly cannot go wrong visiting any of these vibrant locations. Check out the best local coffee shops in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for more information and perhaps you will be inspired to visit several during your next visit.

Summary

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach continues to have a place in our heart and hopefully, after reading this post, you will see why! If you are looking for a fall destination that has everything you wish for during the summer months along with a variety of other attractions that can be enjoyed all year round, please consider Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as a viable option.

gulf shores and orange beach

Breathtaking beaches that are perfect during the fall season, a natural environment that thrives at this time of year and a diverse cuisine that can be enjoyed all the time makes Gulf Shores and Orange Beach our chosen fall destination to spotlight this year! The beauty of this destination is that it’s suitable for all types of travelers.

Whether you are looking for a family vacation, a romantic couples getaway, a “mancation” or perhaps a girls getaway, there is something here for everyone. Our next Gulf Shores Orange Beach getaway cannot come soon enough and we hope to see you all there!

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Chris Boothmanhttps://abritandasoutherner.com
Chris Boothman is the co-founder of A Brit and A Southerner. Born near Manchester, England, Chris moved to USA in 2006 where he soon after met his wife and travel partner in crime, Heather. They have since embarked on an amazing journey of travel as they challenge others to follow in their paths of working full-time but also being able to travel frequently! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Chris at [email protected]

8 COMMENTS

    • Definitely agree with that Eva!! Those slightly cooler temperatures make the fall season the PERFECT time to experience GSOB! Not that any other time of the year is bad 🙂

  1. What a wonderful way to enjoy the beach while avoiding the peak season. Thank you for sharing this experience, Chris, and along with a handful of tips on how to have a worthwhile stay at the Gulf Shores Orange Beach. I’m adding this to my list. 🙂

  2. Have you guys ever taken a catamaran tour with Sail Wild Hearts? If not, I hope you’ll add it to your list of things to do on your next visit! Absolutely awesome. I’m headed back to GSOB (my fourth trip — it’s so fabulous) late next month and hope to try Cobalt. 🙂 Thanks for all the recommendations!

  3. 6 pools is quite the hefty number Chris. The Gulf Shores region is one I know so little about. It intrigues me. The farthest South I have been is South Carolina – Hilton Head – so this trip would be a nice distance from the Palmetto State. Looks like a dream getaway.

    • Hi Ryan, yes the Gulf Coast was a part of the country we were very unfamiliar with until a few years ago! But as soon as we discovered it, we realized we had been missing out for years! Very underrated and we hope that we can help put this on the radar of others. Highly recommend visiting it at least once…but that’s because I’m convinced you will go back again 🙂

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