Soc Icons

Brandi Boykin

Cycling the Scenic Bike Trails in Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores is the ultimate beach destination on the Alabama Gulf Coast, attracting beach bums from far and wide. But, Gulf Shores is also an excellent destination for adventurers looking to hike, paddle, and bike through scenic landscapes. One of our favorite places to embark on adventures can be found at Gulf State Park. In the park, you can find miles of paved and backcountry bike trails in Gulf Shores, AL. Within these trails, you can explore nine distinct ecosystems that showcase the diverse beauty of Alabama. And when you need a break from the trails, you can relax in your spacious Young’s Suncoast vacation rental!

Gulf Shores Bike Rentals

Before exploring the local trails, you will need a bike rental for the day. The Camp Store next to the Nature Center in Gulf State Park offers bike rentals for your convenience. If you prefer to begin your biking in Orange Beach, we recommend starting at the Rosemary Dunes trailhead. You can find bike rentals adjacent to the trail at Beach Bike Rentals.

Bike Trails in Gulf Shores, AL

The Gulf State Park features 28 miles of paved paths and seven trails in the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry complex. These bike trails in Gulf Shores, AL, offer diverse landscapes from coastal hardwood swamps to freshwater marshes. Read on to discover the available trails and plan your cycling route before you arrive.

  • Rosemary Dunes: Begin at this trail from Beach Bike Rentals and cycle past cattails, wildflowers, and pine trees. Keep an eye out for alligators and reptiles on the marsh banks.
  • Catman Road: This easy trail is great for families with views of maritime forests and marshy ponds. We recommend stopping at Boulder Park for rock climbing and then heading to the Pavillon and Butterfly Garden next to the park.
  • Twin Bridges: This one-mile trail connects Catman Road to Gulf Oak Ridge. This route will take you through draping oaks, past native plants, and over a scenic wooden bridge.
  • Gulf Oak Ridge: Ride under the canopies of ancient mossy oaks on this trail until you reach a picturesque overlook of the valley below.
  • Rattlesnake Ridge: Rattlesnake Ridge is the perfect trail for those who want to spot some local wildlife. As you ride through the dense trees, keep an eye out for tortoises, armadillos, rabbits, snakes, salamanders, and various bird species.
  • Cotton Bayou: This route is the perfect gateway to access the rest of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails.
  • Coyote Crossing: This trail is the newest route in Gulf State Park, connecting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. You can access the Fort Morgan Road Trail from here for an even longer bike ride.

The Best Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals

Start planning your vacation on the Alabama Gulf Coast and unlock your adventurous side on the local bike trails. You can find the best bike trails in Gulf Shores, AL, just a short drive away from your Young’s Suncoast vacation rental. From large homes to beachfront condos, we have over 200 properties in Gulf Shores. If you need assistance finding the right rental property, you can contact us at 800-826-1213.

Spend Time at The Wharf || Orange Beach

Most visitors flock to Alabama’s Gulf Coast to relax on the white sugar sand of our pristine beaches. But, travel beyond the typical beach destinations, and you will discover one of the best entertainment districts in the South. The Wharf in Orange Beach offers the perfect place to spend the day, whether you are looking for family fun or a romantic date night. The Wharf has endless attractions, from live concerts to mouthwatering seafood and water adventures!

Stay in the heart of the action with Young’s Suncoast condo rentals in The Wharf. Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment steps from your front door. We are here to provide a helpful guide to The Wharf so you can plan the perfect day in Orange Beach!

Entertainment at The Wharf in Orange Beach

The Wharf is one of the top entertainment districts on the Gulf Coast. Here are a few of our favorite activities to keep you entertained during your getaway:

  • The best way to kick off your day at The Wharf is with a Ferris Wheel ride. Take in incredible views of Orange Beach and the surrounding water or wait till night time and watch the light show from the Ferris wheel.
  • Speaking of the light show, the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience is a must-see at The Wharf. Main Street is lit up by a spectacular light display put to music every night.
  • The Wharf is home to a 10,000-seat amphitheater, one of the largest music venues along the Gulf Coast. Plan your vacation around one of the concerts and listen to talented musicians during your Alabama getaway.

Water Activities at The Wharf Marina

Besides being one of the best spots for entertainment, The Wharf is also an excellent place to embark on water adventures and boat tours. Cetacean Cruises offers fantastic dolphin and eco-tour trips for nature lovers. They also offer sunset sailing cruises where you can end the day with a stunning sunset over the bay.

If you are interested in fishing or exploring the water on your own in search of dolphins, reserve a watercraft with Orange Beach Boat Rentals.

Shopping & Dining at the Wharf

With the wealth of options to choose from, you could spend your entire vacation shopping and dining at The Wharf.

  • There are over 25 shops and boutiques to visit at The Wharf. From home decor to souvenirs, beach gear, clothing, and stylish sunglasses, The Wharf is the perfect place to shop til you drop!
  • There are dozens of restaurants to choose from serving seafood and Southern comfort food. Some of our favorite dining places include YoHo Rum & Tacos, Villaggio Grille, and Ginny Lane Bar and Grill.

Escape to Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Young’s Suncoast offers the best vacation rentals to access everything The Wharf in Orange Beach has to offer. Stay in one of our Wharf Condos, and you will have access to the fantastic Oasis Pool. We have something in store for every family’s budget, size, and lifestyle. Escape to Alabama’s Gulf Coast and discover our dynamic entertainment district this summer!
[/av_textblock]

[/av_one_full]

3 Eggs-cellent Local Brunch Spots in Orange Beach, Alabama

Brunch may be the most important meal of the day! You and yours can start the weekend off right, filled with waffles, quiche, bacon, omelets, sandwiches, and so much more. Foodies love visiting Orange Beach, AL, for its trendy (and timeless) brunch spots. Enjoy a delicious meal with gorgeous ocean views as a backdrop. Make sure to document your photogenic dishes with a quick picture, creating long-lasting memories of your Gulf Coast vacation.

Here at Young’s Suncoast, we understand the importance of enjoying great food during vacations. We are committed to helping all our guests, new and returning, discover the best and sometimes hidden local joints to take your stay with us to the next level. Our Orange Beach vacation rentals are placed in the most ideal locations, far removed from the bustle of neighboring Gulf Shores. Your weekends just got brighter and better along the Gulf Coast, thanks to the following three top-rated brunch spots in Orange Beach, AL!

1.   Brick & Spoon

Folks rave about the attentive and speedy service they experience at this favored Orange Beach brunch location. Brick & Spoon sets itself apart from other chain eateries, serving up unique meals with a classic Southern flair. Adults, pair your spicy Caribbean Scrambler with one of their eye-opening cocktails. You can upgrade your Sunday brunch with your gal pals with a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary. The Creole-inspired menu has a bit of something for everyone!

2.   Cobalt Restaurant

While their brunch specials are exclusively available on Sundays, we promise it’s worth the wait! You can savor your meal outside or inside, surrounded by views of the beautiful bay. We recommend trying their scrumptious “The Roscoe,” with a refreshing bowl of fresh fruit. This restaurant is wonderful for those seeking a serene and coastal atmosphere. Your Sundays will be a little sweeter when you visit Cobalt Restaurant.

3.   OSO Early

Why do we get up “O-So Early” for brunch? That’s simple. We all love gathering together over an appetizing meal, creating everlasting memories. OSO Early clearly understands this love for memorable breakfast and lunch. The team has created an inviting space for families, friends, and all sorts of brunch-goers! You can spread out in their full dining room or grab a quick drink in their cozy coffee-sipping areas. Everything on the menu is well-priced, so you can plan to eat out here often during your vacation to Orange Beach, AL.

When you stay with Young’s Suncoast, you’ll have the perfect resting place after a filling brunch outing in Orange Beach, AL. Pack up your bags and head down to Pleasure Island this summer—book your stay with us today by calling 251-968-7158!

Dance Like Nobody’s Watching at #HangoutFest19

After Mardi Gras has come and gone, a new excitement along the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach begins to build. The weather gets warmer, the long sleeves and boots are replaced with tank tops and flip-flops, and talk of the most anticipated music festival of the year begins to drift into conversations. Hangout Music Festival 2019 is coming in hot! Who could possibly resist the Gulf Coast’s largest beach party with a star-studded lineup?

If you haven’t already started planning your May 16th-19th festival trip, then you may need to get to work! As the band Jimmy Eat World says “don’t write yourself off yet, everything will be alright”. Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals has all the info on how to make your Hangout Music Fest trip unlike any other.

Are you under 25 years old and looking for place to stay? We got you! It can be difficult finding lodging options in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach that will accommodate people under the age of 25. Young’s Suncoast has a variety of rentals for festival goers that just want to groove all day and then come back to a comfy spot to relax until the next epic day of beach and music. Many condos within walking distance are still available!

When you enter the gates of the festival it will be like stepping into a different world. Just like Cardi B, you will like it! There are certain things you can and cannot bring inside the gates (there have to be rules) so make sure to familiarize yourself with the do’s and don’ts.

Most of your “To-Do List” should be:  

  1. Be Safe
  2. Be Nice
  3. Have Fun

Warning! What you are about to read is not a dream. The magic behind the gates of the Hangout 2019 will be unforgettable. There will be: a Puppy Kissing Booth, Hangout Summer Camp (with s’mores), Group Yoga, a Tropical Spa, and of course the iconic Ferris Wheel, located in the heart of the festival. If you need to take a moment to wrap your head around everything this Gulf Shores festival has to offer, go ahead. But don’t wait too long because availability is going fast.

Have we convinced you yet? You have to be at the 2019 Hangout Music Festival! So buy those tickets and then let Young’s Suncoast show you how to live life with a beach state of mind.