Soc Icons

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas on the 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!

Your Guide to the Orange Beach, Alabama Weather Each Season

Once you’ve decided where you want to go on vacation, the next important question is when are you visiting. While there’s no bad time to visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast, certain seasons may better align with your ideal activities. Before reserving your Orange Beach vacation rental from Young’s Suncoast, take a look at the average weather in this Alabama town. To help you decide what time of year is right for your getaway, we’ve made a little guide looking at the conditions for each season.

Spring (March Through May)

Spring starts off with daily highs near 66 degrees in March and increases to the low 80s by May. Daily lows also become more pleasant and sit around 70 degrees. Water temperatures also start to increase, so you can easily enjoy kayaking along the Back Bay Blueway Waterway. Other great additions to your spring break itinerary include checking out the Orange Beach Festival of Art, playing mini golf at Beachside Mini Golf, and riding the Ferris wheel at The Wharf.

Summer (June Through August)

With both average monthly air and water temperatures reaching the mid-80s, summer is known for its idyllic conditions. Because of this, it’s a popular time of year for vacationers to visit. During your summer vacation, fly high parasailing with Orange Beach Parasail or plan the ultimate fishing getaway. Spend time outdoors hiking trails found inside Gulf State Park, or search for shells along the shoreline.

Fall (September Through November)

Fall is an exceptional time to visit Orange Beach. While daily highs start to decrease, they rarely fall below the high 50s. Lows are still pleasant, with the thermometer reading around 55 degrees by the end of the season. Fall is a great time to visit if you or anyone in your group is a foodie! This time of year is known for its plethora of food festivals, including the Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Beer Festival in nearby Gulf Shores. Other fun area fall festivals include Orange Beach Freedom Fest and the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival.

Winter (December Through February)

Unlike some parts of the country, winter in Orange Beach doesn’t mean freezing conditions and endless snowfall. Rather, it means daily highs around the low 60s and daily lows around the upper 40s. If you are planning a winter vacation, there’s no shortage of things to do, including checking out holiday events, warming up inside the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, and exploring the Gumbo Trail. Check the weather in Orange Beach, Alabama, and start planning your stay 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!

Enjoy the Fun Holiday Activities & Events in Gulf Shores, AL

With festive holiday events and activities like the Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and the Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, the Alabama Gulf Coast is brimming with holiday cheer. Young’s Suncoast offers cozy vacation rentals in the Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan area, featuring spacious living areas for gathering and fully equipped kitchens for holiday meal prep. Keep reading to discover more holiday activities to enjoy this season on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Join in the Holiday Activities & Events on the Alabama Coast

Holiday Fun at The Wharf

Experience winter magic at The Wharf with real ice skating and Ho Ho Holiday photo sessions with Santa. Kids can bring or write wish list letters in Santa’s village, while the Christmas Tree Farm transforms The Wharf into a holiday wonderland. It’s the perfect spot for festive fun and holiday activities for all ages.

Christmas Lights at Bellingrath Gardens

Bellingrath Gardens and Home, just a short drive from Gulf Shores, hosts the annual Magic Christmas in Lights display. Stroll through thousands of lights across 65 acres of gardens, enjoy holiday music, festive food, and even a visit from Santa Claus. It’s one of the best holiday events for the whole family.

Flora-Bama Santa Drop

One of the most unique holiday events on the Alabama Coast is the iconic Flora-Bama Annual Santa Drop. Guests of all ages can delight in watching Santa parachute onto the beach and family-friendly activities such as meeting santa, face painting, crafts, sweets, and kids games. Afterward, enjoy holiday activities such as live music, holiday food, and drink specials at the famous beachfront bar.

The Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

A Gulf Coast holiday tradition, this boat parade features brightly lit vessels cruising along Waterway Village. The parade can be viewed from the canal in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores but arrive early if you want to secure a table and enjoy the festivities at LuLu’s. Boats depart at dusk from LuLu’s Gulf Shores and Homeport Marina, heading toward The Wharf in Orange Beach, offering a dazzling canal view. Free admission makes it one of the top things to do this holiday season!

Flora-Bama’s New Year’s Eve Bash 

For a lively New Year’s Eve, Flora-Bama offers the ultimate event with live music on three stages, an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet, a midnight breakfast buffet, and a free champagne toast. Party favors, surprises, and an energetic vibe make it the perfect 21+ destination to welcome the New Year in true Flora-Bama style on the Alabama-Florida line.

Noon Year’s Eve at LuLu’s

LuLu’s NOON Year’s Eve is one of the most lively holiday events for kids and adults, perfect for welcoming the New Year. Morning holiday activities include crafts, bubble wrap “fireworks,” and a sandcastle contest. At noon, the Beach Ball Drop sends hundreds of beach balls cascading onto LuLu’s Beach. The fun continues with face painting, balloon animals, an inflatable slide, and more!

Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast to enjoy the Alabama Gulf Coast holiday events and activities!