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Flying into the Coast: Closest Airports & Travel Tips

Flying into the Coast: Closest Airports & Travel Tips

Dreaming of white-sand beaches and sparkling Gulf waters? Getting to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is easier than ever, thanks to more flight options and nearby airports that make travel a breeze. Whether you’re coming for a long weekend or a full family vacation, here’s everything you need to know about flying into the coast.

Gulf Shores International Airport

Did you know Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) now has flights to and from Appleton, Des Moines, Kansas City, Northwest Arkansas, Belleville, Cincinnati, and Nashville. This convenient airport brings you closer than ever to the beach!

If you need a rental car, Gulf Shores International Airport partners with Enterprise and Alamo right on site. If you’d rather skip driving, Uber and Lyft are both available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Other Nearby Airports

If Gulf Shores International Airport doesn’t have your route, there are two great backup options:

  • Mobile Regional Airport (MOB): Roughly an hour and 20 minutes away, offering easy access and plenty of flight options.

Both are excellent choices if you want more flexibility with your travel plans.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Arrival

  • Book early: Flights fill quickly in peak seasons, so planning ahead gives you the best times and fares.
  • Time your arrival: Driving from Pensacola or Mobile? Try to avoid peak traffic hours for a faster trip to the beach.
  • Pack light: Most vacation rentals have washers and dryers, so you can save suitcase space for souvenirs and beach gear.
  • Download ride-share apps in advance: Not renting a car? Having Uber or Lyft ready to go makes pickup seamless.

No matter which airport you choose, getting here is easy, and the reward is unforgettable. With sunshine, fresh breezes, and warm Gulf waters waiting, your Alabama beach vacation starts the moment you land.

Ready to plan your getaway? Let Young’s Suncoast help you find the perfect rental so all you have to do is book your flight, pack your bags, and get here.

Alabama Gulf Coast Holiday Events

The air is a little colder, the lights are going up, and the spirit of the season is starting to shine across the coast! Whether you’re visiting for a coastal getaway or spending time with family and friends, Alabama Gulf Coast holiday events are the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

From cozy markets to dazzling light shows, the Alabama Gulf Coast is full of ways to celebrate the season with your family and friends. Here are a few holiday events you won’t want to miss. Be sure to follow your favorite local businesses and city pages on social media to stay in the loop on all the latest holiday happenings.

November 8 – Holiday Market at the Baldwin County Coliseum

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Baldwin County Coliseum, Robertsdale

Kick off your holiday shopping early! Browse a wide variety of handmade goods, crafts, seasonal décor, and unique gifts from talented local vendors at the Holiday Market. It’s the perfect place to find something special while supporting small businesses in Baldwin County.

November 29 – Orange Beach Holiday Market

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Orange Beach Community Center, Orange Beach

This all-day event brings together local artisans, crafters, and food vendors for a day full of holiday cheer. Whether you’re looking for gifts, treats, or just want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, this market is a great way to spend a day exploring in Orange Beach.

December 2 – City of Orange Beach Christmas Tree Lighting & Drone Show at The Wharf

Evening event | The Wharf, Orange Beach

It’s a brand-new twist on a beloved tradition. This year, The Wharf will debut its first-ever holiday drone show, adding a new element to the annual Christmas tree lighting. Enjoy live entertainment, festive activities, and watch as drones light up the night sky in a dazzling coastal display. It’s sure to become a new favorite for families and visitors alike, and it’s only a short drive from many of our vacation rentals.

December 5 – Christmas in the Park

6 p.m. | Heritage Park, Downtown Foley

Downtown Foley transforms into a winter wonderland during this annual tradition. Bring your loved ones to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree at Heritage Park, enjoy local performances, and take in the cheerful sights and sounds that make Foley shine during the holidays.

December 6 – Flora-Bama’s Annual Santa Drop

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Flora-Bama Lounge & Beach Bar, Perdido Key

Only on the Gulf Coast can you see Santa parachute onto the beach! Join the crowd at the famous Flora-Bama Lounge as Santa makes his grand entrance before visiting with families and taking photos. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that perfectly captures the fun, coastal spirit of the season.

December 31 – Noon Year’s Eve at LuLu’s

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | LuLu’s, Gulf Shores

Ring in the new year early with a family-friendly celebration at LuLu’s in Gulf Shores. Enjoy face painting, crafts, live music, and a festive beach ball drop at noon, the perfect way for kids (and kids at heart) to celebrate.

Celebrate the Season with Young’s Suncoast

No matter how you choose to celebrate, there’s no better place to enjoy the holiday season and events than right here along the Alabama Gulf Coast. From sparkling lights to sandy shores, this time of year is full of magic, and Young’s Suncoast is here to make your stay merry and bright.

Suntastic Finds: Lost Bay Helicopters

Suntastic Finds with GilliAnne & Sydnie recently took to the skies, and what an adventure it was! We had the chance to fly with Lost Bay Helicopters, and it was an unforgettable ride.

Our pilot, Riley, took us up to see the Alabama Gulf Coast from a whole new angle. We flew right over our Young’s Suncoast office on Cove Avenue, spotted Sea-N-Suds, the pier, and of course all the condos. Seeing familiar places from the air was incredible.

Lost Bay Helicopters is veteran-owned and operated and offers several tour options. You can keep it short and sweet with the Intro Beach Tour (about 7 minutes) or stretch out your adventure with longer flights like the Sea & Wildlife Tour, Coastal Cruise, or the Battle of Mobile Bay Tour. Some flights last over 30 minutes, so there’s something for every schedule and budget.

We can’t recommend this experience enough — smooth ride, amazing views, and a great pilot.

Watch our helicopter adventure here!

At Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals, we love sharing local experiences that make every stay along the Alabama Gulf Coast unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, our team can help you find the perfect place to stay and the best ways to explore.

Happy Halloween from Young’s Suncoast!

Halloween along the Alabama Gulf Coast is a time for spooky fun, creative costumes, and a whole lot of candy! Whether you’re trick-or-treating with the kids, attending a local event, or simply handing out candy at home, it’s always a great time to enjoy the festive spirit that makes our community so special.

At Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals, we love seeing families and visitors celebrate safely while making lasting memories.

Halloween Safety Tips for a Spook-Tacular Night

  • Stay visible: Carry glow sticks or flashlights to help light your way after dark.
  • Trick-or-treating is more fun and safer with friends or family.
  • Be alert: Use sidewalks, crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing the street.
  • Dress smart: Choose comfy shoes and make sure costumes don’t block your vision or drag on the ground.

A few simple precautions can help make sure the only scares tonight are the fun kind!

Costumes and Creativity at the Office

Our office had a frightfully good time celebrating this Halloween! From classic costumes to creative twists, our team went all out to bring the spirit of the season to life. It’s always a fun way to share laughs, take photos, and enjoy a little friendly competition for the best costume.

We also held a Halloween door decorating contest, and the creativity was off the charts! Each department brought their own unique flair, from spooky scenes to playful designs that showed just how much our team loves getting into the spirit of the season.

From Our Family to Yours

From everyone at Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals, we wish you a safe, fun, and candy-filled Halloween. Enjoy the night, make memories, and don’t forget to share your favorite costume moments with us on social!

2025 Young’s Suncoast Halloween Costume Contest

2025 Halloween Door Decorating Contest

How We Help Our Owners Grow Their Vacation Rental Portfolio

At Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals, we’re more than just property managers. We’re a full-service real estate firm dedicated to helping our owners expand their investment opportunities along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Whether you’re just starting your vacation rental journey or looking to grow your portfolio, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Full-Service Real Estate Expertise

Did you know we have two convenient office locations? You’ll find us at 100 Cove Avenue and inside Boardwalk Condominiums at 409 East Beach Boulevard. With agents available at both, we’re always close by and ready to assist with buying or selling.

Our agents are uniquely positioned to help because they’re experts in both real estate sales and vacation rental management. That means when you work with us, you’re not just getting a real estate agent, you’re gaining a partner who understands how each property can perform as a rental and how to maximize its value.

Knowledge That Maximizes Your Investment

Choosing the right property is about more than location—it’s about knowing what today’s guests are looking for, how to market the property, and what returns you can realistically expect. Our team brings unmatched insight into:

  • Which properties rent best by season
  • Revenue potential based on market trends
  • Smart upgrades that drive more bookings
  • Local knowledge of high-demand areas along the Gulf Coast
  • Building Long-Term Relationships

At Young’s Suncoast, we value relationships and personal service above all else. We don’t just want to help you close a deal, we want to be your go-to resource for every stage of ownership. From the first property purchase to managing a full portfolio, we’ll be right by your side, making sure your investments succeed.

One Team, Two Services, Endless Opportunities

By combining real estate and vacation rental management under one roof, we make the process seamless. Buy, sell, and manage all with one trusted local partner. It’s this all-in-one approach that sets us apart and helps our owners grow with confidence.

Ready to expand your vacation rental portfolio? Our team is here to help you find the perfect property, maximize its potential, and handle the management so you can enjoy the rewards.

Visit us at 100 Cove Avenue or inside Boardwalk Condominiums at 409 East Beach Boulevard on the 3rd floor.