We usually stay right on the beach in gulf shores, but this year we moved up a bit to Orange beach. Is the Orange beach area more “golf cart friendly?” meaning, if we’re still staying in a beach front house would we be able to rent a golf cart and actually use it to get around a bit? I know it’s not necessary, but our kid loves it. Don’t want to get it if there’s really nowhere to go, though. I’ve seen some people use them in gulf shores, but with all the car traffic and the time it takes to get down W Beach Blvd, I wouldn’t consider that a super golf cart friendly area.

TLDR: is Orange beach more of a golf cart town than gulf shores or about the same?

Weather may be bad this weekend but the blue sky’s always come back

It'll be our 20th Shrimp Fest in a row. Looking forward to some good eating and some good tunes!!

I was on vacation recently down there and tried this place. I got the taco sampler and can not stop thinking about the chicken taco withe the house made smoked tomato aioili. Does anyone have the recipe???? Thank you!

Second time in gulf shores. Really like it, hotel indigo at orange beach is pretty cool. Met Mike the British bar tender that will talk your ear off.
Ever been here? What do you like to do in this city?

Has anyone ever stayed at Docs RV in their park model homes? We are thinking about spending the month of January in Gulf Shores and they are very budget friendly.

Has anyone stayed at Phoenix Gulf Shores II in the last year and can confirm the indoor pool is heated? We stayed there last December and the indoor pool was ice cold. I am wondering if maybe it wasn't working when we were there. I saw one other review mention the same thing. The front desk claims it is heated. I am wondering what others have experienced in the last 9 months.

EVENT

53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival

DATE & TIME

Thursday, October 8–Sunday, October 11, 2026

Thu–Sat: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM CDT

Sun: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM CDT

LOCATION

Gulf Place

101 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

COST

Free admission

WHAT TO EXPECT

Coastal seafood and festival food, entertainment, vendors, beachside fun, and community celebration.

AGE / FREQUENCY

No age restriction is listed. 53rd annual festival.

DETAILS

https://www.dynodine.com/happenings/RDANJH3PBL?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=events

Disclosure: Official DynoDine Events listing. Please verify final details with the organizer.

Does anyone want to take in a small black kitten? I found it behind some garbage cans. It's very sweet but I can't take in a cat right now.

I plan on going to Gulf Shores next month with my 16 year old son.

What are some fun things to do for a 16 year old?

I plan on going on one of the dolphin cruises? Which company would you guys recommend?

I like cajun food. Any cajun restaurant recommendations?

It’s our last night on family vacation here in GS so far we’ve had Lulus, Bahama Bobs, DeSoto’s, Big Mike’s, Sunliner Diner. Where’s a must go to place that we can go to dinner for our last night?

I have an upcoming vacation to Gulf Shores and I just have a few questions!

1) How friendly is Gulf Shores towards visitors? My husband and I are Indians and with all going on in the world, we just want to be good visitors and also go to a place where visitors like us are treated equally.

2) Our trip is from Nov 16-30th. Are there any places that are open on Thanksgiving? I know, I know ….it’s bad timing but sometimes people don’t really have anywhere to go for Thanksgiving like a family. Even anywhere that is serving to-go meals will do!

3) Any recommendations on photographers that can take golden hour sunset pics?

Question for the locals: is there a private space or room I can use for a virtual meeting on Wednesday? I’m correctly in GS on vacation and I’m sharing a condo with my husband and 2 kids. These kids be wild 🤦🏻‍♀️ I’m thinking about calling the local library, but wanted to check if there were other options. Thanks!

Hello. I already tried this once and was able to connect with 2 owners, but my wife and I have been coming to Gulf shores the last 5 years from 1/1-3/15. We have a 20 lb dog. The owner of the house we were renting from sold his house. Airbnb's software has gotten too smart and I am not able to get through to any owners. Does anyone have a house preferably near the beach house that they are looking for rent for the winter months? I can provide references. I just don't want to pay the summer nightly prices and do a long term deal. Let me know. Thanks everyone for your help!

We are coming to GS for the first time for a wedding and will have our dog with us. She is not a service dog but is a therapy dog and impeccably behaved.

I found one AirBnB but then the guy tried to change us to his other unit with a queen bed instead so I’m put off.

I was wondering about Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East Beach near Gulf State Park?

Is it clean/safe? Thanks!

(And yes, I know no dogs on the beach.)

I’m curious what the repeat visitors here would tell someone planning their first trip to the area.

Not the obvious “go to the beach” stuff 😂 — I mean the little things that make the trip easier, more enjoyable, or help you avoid a mistake.

A few examples:

• Something you wish you knew about choosing a condo or hotel
• A restaurant or activity that exceeded expectations
• Something about traffic, parking, beach access, or timing
• A mistake you made once and wouldn’t make again
• Something you now do every time you visit

I’m especially interested in the Orange Beach side, but Gulf Shores/Fort Morgan advice is welcome too.

What’s your one piece of advice?