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Spring Break Ideas in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Area

The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area is overflowing with ideas for spring break fun. This stretch of Alabama’s Gulf Coast is ideal for families, friends, and couples looking for beach vacations. With abundant vacation rentals in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area to suit every type of traveler, Young’s Suncoast ensures a memorable beach vacation for families, couples, and groups alike. We’ve compiled this guide to the best spring break vacation ideas to make the most of your trip!

5 Spring Break Vacation Ideas on the Alabama Coast

1. Make a Splash with Alabama Coast Water Sports

  • Jet Ski Rentals: Speed across the waves and feel the wind in your hair.
  • Boat Rentals: Renting a boat or joining guided tours allows visitors to explore diverse coastal habitats and marine wildlife. The Gulf’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.
  • Parasailing Trips: One of the most exhilarating spring break ideas is to take in breathtaking aerial views of the Alabama coastline.
  • Fishing Charters: The Alabama Coast offers an exciting array of inshore and deep-sea fishing opportunities.

2. Savor Fresh Alabama Gulf Coast Seafood

One of the most delicious ways to spend spring break on the Alabama Coast is to indulge in fresh seafood. Tacky Jacks offers a taste of the area’s history as it first opened during Orange Beach’s fishing village days. The Original Oyster House serves up hand-shucked, fire-grilled oysters alongside stunning waterfront views. Doc’s Seafood Shack is recognized as one of America’s Top 10 Seafood Shacks by Fox News.

3. There’s Plenty of Ideas for Outdoor Spring Break Adventures

  • Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: Explore one of the state’s last remaining unspoiled coastal barrier habitats. Fall and spring are the best times to visit and view neotropical migrant birds.
  • Fort Morgan Historic Site: Explore this fort’s fascinating history and enjoy breathtaking views of Mobile Bay.
  • Gulf State Park: There are plenty of ideas for outdoor spring break adventures at this state park. With over 28 miles of trails and a fishing pier, you can hike, bike, fish, or birdwatch in this scenic paradise.

4. Explore Some of the Best Bars on the Alabama Coast

Iconic spots like The Hangout Gulf Shores combine fresh coastal cuisine with beach access, live entertainment, and exciting events. LuLu’s Bar offers made-from-scratch dishes and live music, while the eye-catching Pink Pony Pub serves up delicious food and drinks in its signature Barbie-pink building.

5. There’s Plenty of Spring Break Ideas for families

  • Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: This small but charming zoo is home to 118 species, 22 critically endangered species, and interactive experiences that kids will love.
  • Go-Karts: The Track Family Fun Park features six go-kart tracks, mini golf, a mini Ferris wheel, sky coasters, and other attractions. Also, Waterville, USA, is home to some of the Gulf Coast’s fastest go-karts, water slides, escape rooms, and amusement park rides.
  • The Wharf: With a Ferris wheel, arcade, unique shops & attractions, and nightly laser light shows, there are plenty of ideas for fun spring break activities for families.

Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast to start planning your unforgettable spring break!

The Best Gulf Shores Spots for Valentine’s Day Flowers

A Valentine’s Day getaway booked with Young’s Suncoast is one you and your sweetheart will cherish forever. Picture cozy mornings together sipping coffee on a private balcony, with panoramic views of the white-sand beaches and calming waves of the Gulf of Mexico. We offer a lovely variety of vacation rentals in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan, making it easy to find the perfect spot for couples seeking a quiet escape or families looking to celebrate love together. Add an extra dash of romance by surprising your special someone with flowers on Valentine’s Day. To help you make your romantic getaway magical, we curated this guide to the best local floralists and tips for finding the perfect bouquet! 

Top 3 Local Spots Where You Can Buy Valentine’s Day Flowers

  1. Coastal Flowers & Design: This is the perfect spot to find stunning and unique Valentine’s Day flowers with a tropical flair. They will hand-deliver premium blooms to help you express love and celebrate life’s most cherished moments in the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley area with same-day delivery.
  2. Roses And Blooms LLC Gulf Shores Florist: This Gulf Shores florist is the ideal destination for Valentine’s Day flowers, offering beautiful, fresh arrangements and truly unique gifts. Their passion for flowers and commitment to exceptional service shines through every arrangement.
  3. All Island Flowers: Find stunning Valentine’s Day flowers and thoughtful gifts for your loved ones at this local gem. Surprise your Valentine with a custom-made bouquet or designer choices featuring lavender roses, light pink lilies, white ranunculus, pink roses, and fragrant stock. Offering convenient local delivery to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key, they ensure your Valentine’s surprise arrives fresh and beautiful.

3 Tips for Finding the Perfect Valentine’s Day Flowers

  1. Order Early: Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days for florists, so order your flowers in advance. If you wait until the last minute, it may limit your options and add unneeded stress on the day of love!
  2. Add a Personal Touch: Include a heartfelt note or pair your flowers with their favorite treats for an extra-special surprise.
  3. Personalize Your Bouquet: While red roses are a Valentine’s Day classic, there are many different colors and flowers to choose from. Find out your partner’s favorite flowers and colors to make the arrangement more personal and meaningful.

Book your Valentine’s Day getaway with Young’s Suncoast to celebrate the day of love on the alluring Alabama Coast!

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas on the Alabama Coast

One of the best places to go for a dreamy Valentine’s Day getaway is the Alabama Gulf Coast, where pristine beaches, gentle Gulf breezes, and picturesque sunsets set the stage for romance. Young’s Suncoast has an enchanting selection of Gulf Shores vacation rentals in this coastal paradise that offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable Valentine’s celebration. We curated this list of romantic date ideas below for your Valentine’s Day getaway!

7 Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas on the Alabama Coast

  1. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: Rent a kayak and explore the peaceful waterways of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Look for coastal wildlife like herons and dolphins, and enjoy the quiet natural beauty.
  2. Dinner with a View at The Wharf: One of the best date ideas is to have a romantic waterfront dinner on Valentine’s Day at a restaurant like The Wharf’s Ginny Lane Bar & Grill. After dinner, enjoy The Wharf’s Ferris wheel for breathtaking nighttime views of Orange Beach.
  3. Explore Fort Morgan’s History Together: Wander hand-in-hand through the historic grounds of Fort Morgan. End your day with a stroll along the beach nearby, where you’ll often find it quiet and perfect for Valentine’s Day reflection.
  4. Helicopter Tour for an Aerial View: Treat your significant other to a romantic helicopter tour over Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Companies like Lost Bay Helicopters offer stunning coastline views for a Valentine’s date to remember.
  5. Couples Dolphin Cruise: One of the best Valentine’s Day date ideas is to book a romantic dolphin cruise in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores. Choose from standard dolphin cruises, eco-tours, and romantic sunset tours. Companies like Cetacean Cruises, Dolphins Down Under, or Sail Wild Hearts offer unforgettable views of dolphins swimming alongside the boat as the sun dips below the horizon.
  6. Romantic Brunch: Starting your day with a charming breakfast or brunch at The Southern Grind Coffee House is one of the most romantic Valentine’s Day date ideas. Their cozy atmosphere, lattes, and handmade desserts make it the perfect low-key Valentine’s morning. Brick & Spoon is another excellent choice for an upscale brunch with Southern flair.
  7. Couples Spa Day: Pamper each other at one of the local spas, such as Serenity at The Beach Salon & Spa, Magnolia Float Spa, and CCs Salon and Day Spa. Relax together with luxurious treatments and couples massages.

From relaxing sunsets to adventurous experiences, the Alabama Coast is full of opportunities to make Valentine’s Day extra special! Book your stay today with Young’s Suncoast!

Travel to One of the Top Destinations for Warm Winter Fun

Have you made your winter vacation plans yet? If you haven’t, now is the time to sit down and figure out where you and your family want to escape this year. If you’d rather spend your days soaking in the sun than skiing down a mountain, plan a getaway to Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Young’s Suncoast. This region is home to some of the best warm winter vacation destinations. If you’re unsure if this is the right place for your family vacation, keep reading to learn why you should reserve one of our vacation rentals in towns like Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Fort Morgan.

  1. Idyllic Weather

Winter in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach means pleasant conditions. The monthly average temperature in December is 55 degrees, while January gets slightly colder, with average temperatures settling around 51 degrees. However, daily highs have been known to still reach close to 60 degrees.

  1. Entertaining Festivals

Between December and February, there are countless events and festivals taking place, including ones that’ll get you into the holiday spirit. This includes The Wharf transforming into a Christmas Tree Farm or the annual Magic Christmas in Lights Display at Bellingrath Gardens. Other winter happenings include The Flora-Bama Super Chili Bowl Cook-Off, Sea Turtle Half Marathon, and Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show.

  1. Vast Array of Activities

The fun doesn’t stop at events! Because of the warm weather, you can still enjoy some of the most popular things to do in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and beyond. Go on a tour of Fort Morgan or visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Enjoy some family-friendly competition at Adventure Island or The Track. If you are looking to enjoy a classic winter activity, go ice skating at The Wharf. Lace up your hiking boots and explore some of the trails inside Gulf State Park or go for a sunset stroll on the beach. For even more ideas of things to do during your winter escape, check out our blog.

See why Alabama’s Gulf Coast is home to some of the best warm winter vacation destinations by booking a stay with Young’s Suncoast!

Whip up These Tasty Holiday Dessert Recipes in Your Rental

During the holiday season, the Alabama Gulf Coast comes alive with festive cheer. The mild winter weather and fewer crowds make it the perfect time to explore the area’s natural beauty, whether you’re enjoying a quiet winter stroll along open beaches or taking in scenic views and bird watching along the coastal trails of Gulf State Park. Young’s Suncoast offers an ideal base for your holiday escape, with a lovely selection of vacation rentals in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. Each property features a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for whipping up your favorite holiday treats. To make your stay even sweeter, we’ve curated a list of some of the best holiday dessert recipes to try during your cozy coastal retreat!

Try One of The 12 Best Holiday Dessert Recipes

  1. Triple Chocolate–Peppermint Cookies: These minty and delicious cookies are one of the best holiday dessert recipes to whip up for a large family or friend gathering in the Alabama Gulf Coast.
  2. Coconut Arroz con Leche Tamales: These can be enjoyed as either a dessert or breakfast treat. 
  3. Cocoa Cola Bundt Cake: Coca-Cola is a Southern staple, and this dessert recipe uses it as a key ingredient.
  4. Vegan Coconut-Ginger Caramels: Whether or not you are a vegan or avoiding dairy, this is one of the best holiday dessert recipes to try! 
  5. S’mores Linzer Cookies: Enjoy a slice of summer during the holiday season with this cookie recipe. 
  6. Ugly Sweater Cake: Have some fun baking this creative holiday dessert recipe. 
  7. Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Vanilla Cream Cheese Fluff: These are some of the most fun and tasty dessert recipes you can make during the holiday season.
  8. Christmas Tree Cake: This cute dessert recipe is sure to be a hit during your holiday getaway on the Alabama Coast.  
  9. Sprinkle Stocking Cookies: You can never go wrong with the classics when looking for the best holiday dessert recipes. 
  10. Frosted Sugar Cookie Snowflakes: These elegant sugar cookies will bring a little of the cold, snowy winter you left behind. 
  11. Red Velvet Doberge Cake With Cheesecake Custard: This elegant cake is one of the best dessert recipes to make for a holiday party.
  12. Hot Chocolate Lasagna: This no-bake dessert will surely be a hit at your holiday gathering.

Escape the bitter cold this holiday season by booking your stay with Young’s Suncoast!