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Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals

How to Choose Between Orange Beach vs Gulf Shores

Vacationing in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama, offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and Southern charm. The soft, sugar-white sands and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make these ideal vacation destinations. If you are trying to choose between Orange Beach vs Gulf Shores, this guide from Young’s Suncoast should help you out! We have a lovely selection of vacation rentals in both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, so we can help you have your dream vacation no matter which one you choose. 

4 Things to Consider: Gulf Shores vs Orange Beach

1. Orange Beach vs Gulf Shores: Beaches and Water Activities

  • Orange Beach: Known for its lovely white-sand beaches, Orange Beach is perfect for those seeking a more serene beach experience.
  • Gulf Shores: Gulf Shores also boasts beautiful white-sand beaches, but tends to be busier, especially during peak seasons. Gulf Shores offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere while you enjoy numerous beach activities vs Orange Beach that has a more laid-back feel.

2. Orange Beach Wins in Family-Friendliness

  • Orange Beach: Because it’s generally less crowded, Orange Beach can be ideal for families with young children vs the bustling Gulf Shores. The area has family-friendly attractions like Adventure Island and The Wharf.
  • Gulf Shores: Even with more crowds, Gulf Shores still offers a wide range of family-oriented attractions such as the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Waterville USA. It’s great for families looking for a variety of activities and entertainment options.

3. Plenty of Outdoor Activities and Attractions

  • Orange Beach: This beach vacation spot is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to the award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, where you can hike, bike, and spot wildlife.
  • Gulf Shores: In addition to beach activities, Gulf Shores offers numerous parks and nearby recreational areas like Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf State Park. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of nature and recreational activities.

4. Join in the Alabama Gulf Coast Events and Festivals

Whether basking in the sun, diving into water sports, savoring fresh seafood, or exploring hiking trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in these beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast destinations. Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast! 

Explore the Best Nearby Nature Trails

Discover the Alabama Gulf Coast’s scenic trails, perfect for nature enthusiasts of all levels. Each trail offers a unique ecosystem to explore, from marshes to sand dunes. After a day of adventure, rest assured in the comfort and convenience of your Young’s Suncoast vacation rental. We offer a variety of rentals to cater to different preferences and group sizes, promising a personalized experience for every guest in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Our Top 5 Favorite Nature Trails on the Alabama Gulf Coast

  1. The Eastern Shore Trail: Discover the stunning Eastern Shore Trail, a 22-mile path connecting North Daphne to South Fairhope. This nature trail is perfect for runners, pedestrians, and casual cyclists as it offers a variety of surfaces, such as concrete sidewalks, asphalt, elevated boardwalks, and low bridges. Whether looking for a scenic workout or a leisurely stroll, the Eastern Shore Trail has something for everyone.
  2. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama spans 7,000 acres of diverse coastal land, featuring undisturbed habitats ranging from beach dunes to pine-oak woodlands. The nature trails provide an opportunity to explore different habitats, and guided walks are available throughout the year.
  3. Gulf State Park: This park spans 6000 acres on the Alabama Gulf Coast and features beautiful lakes and plenty of nature trails. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a 28+ mile trail system in Gulf State Park. Named the best recreational trail in the USA in 2024 by USA Today, it leads visitors through the vast 6,150-acre park. Hammock Park, a new addition to the park, is located at Hidden Lakes Trails and provides seven hammock spaces for visitors to relax.
  4. Wade Ward Nature Park: The elevated boardwalk provides breathtaking views of the wetlands connecting Little Lagoon and Lake Shelby. The park is also a habitat for various wildlife and is recognized as a site on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, making it one of the best nearby nature trails for observing both migrating and local birds.
  5. Wetlands Park: You can find the entrance to the nature trails at the base of the water tower situated at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. The pathway, which is looped and made of gravel, winds around a serene fishing pond that has several benches, gazebos, and a fishing pier. This makes it an ideal place to admire the wetland ecosystem in a peaceful and tranquil environment.

Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast for an unforgettable Alabama Gulf Coast experience!

Top Rated Go Karts to Explore in Gulf Shores

Go-karts are one of the most family-friendly activities in Gulf Shores. There are two main spots in Gulf Shores with go-karts that are perfect for guests of all ages. Imagine you are a NASCAR driver while whipping through the go-kart track. Young’s Suncoast has a premium selection of Gulf Shores, AL, vacation rentals to host your stay. 

Young’s Suncoast has something for everyone, from luxurious beachfront condos to large beach home rentals. We have Gulf Shores vacation rentals ranging from one – seven bedrooms and amenities like private pools, gourmet kitchens, and fitness centers. Experience the vacation of a lifetime with Young’s Suncoast.

The Two Spots With Go-Karts in Gulf Shores

The Track Family Fun Parks – Gulf Shores 

Not only is this one of the best spots for go-karts in Gulf Shores, but many other thrilling activities for the whole family. There are six go-kart tracks, a miniature Ferris Wheel, an arcade, blaster boats, mini golf, and skycoasters. Here are the different go-kart tracks:

  • Wild Woody: Enjoy riding The Track’s signature go-karts in Gulf Shores. The go-kart track is elevated with three and a half stories to climb and loop back down. 
  • Slick Track: This track is built to be slippery for some extra fun while guests make their laps around. 
  • Family Track: This is a great go-karts spot in Gulf Shores for families with young children. All passengers need to be at least three feet tall, though. 
  • Rookie Track: These Gulf Shores go-karts are designed for older children at least 4’2.
  • Kiddie Karts: These are the perfect go-karts in Gulf Shores for younger children between 3’2 and 4’2 feet tall. 
  • Super Track: This is like the Family Track but with tighter and more frequent turns. 

Waterville USA

Head to this spot in Gulf Shores for go-karts, waterpark rides, escape rooms, and amusement park rides. They have one of the fastest go-karts on the Gulf Coast. The height minimum for passengers is 42 inches, and 4’10 for drivers. Some of the other rides and activities they offer include bowling, mini golf, water slides, arcade games, surfing, and so much more!

Have a blast with the go-karts in Gulf Shores by booking the trip of a lifetime with Young’s Suncoast!

5 Summer Recipes to Cook in Your Gulf Shores Condo Rental

Summer is best spent along the gorgeous Alabama Gulf Coast, whether you’re traveling with family or friends. You and yours can spend your days (and nights) taking in breathtaking views of sparkling sand and emerald waters, savoring local cuisine, vibrant nightlife, amusement parks, and much more! There’s a bit of something for everyone, and you can be by it all when you stay in a comfortable Gulf Shores condo rental.

As you plan your Orange Beach and Gulf Shores vacation, consider starting a new family tradition of indulging in a few home cooked meals during your break from the hustle and bustle. There’s something incredibly special about enjoying a meal with your family and friends, all gathered around the kitchen island or dining table. Young’s Suncoast, your one-stop shop for affordable Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan beach vacation rentals, offers great accommodations with fully equipped kitchens suitable for your simple cooking needs. Follow these five breezy recipes this summer and cook up a delicious feast in your Gulf Shores condo rental.

1.   Breakfast Peach Crisp

This healthy recipe perfectly showcases Alabama’s official tree fruit, peaches. You can create this easy dish with your favorite oats and a little sprinkle of brown sugar. Take it to the next level with a dollop of whip cream or rich Greek yogurt!

2.   Strawberry Limeade

Mix together sweet and tart with this kid-friendly limeade! Your little ones will love helping you prep the ingredients, including sliced strawberries, lime juice, and mint leaves. We recommend making a large batch upon arrival to enjoy throughout your whole Gulf Shores visit.

3.   Italian Chicken Wrap

Planning a beach picnic? Impress your family and friends with these flavorful wraps, stuffed with chicken, olives, and more. You can always substitute ingredients to fit everyone’s preferences. These wraps pair nicely with chips and are easy to transport.

4.   Grilled Seafood Platter

Many of our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach condo rental buildings have designated BBQ areas. Spend the afternoon under the sun and fire up the communal grills, preparing this simple grilled seafood platter! Grab all your favorite fresh seafood from Gulf Shores Seafood and get to grilling.

5.   Alabama Pecan Bread This recipe will help you create the most perfectly moist and indulgent dessert, loved by Alabamans from all over! It’s not really “bread” either, but more of a dense cake. Your whole group will be asking for seconds as they lick the caramel-y crumbs and pecan bits from their plate. Folks also like to pair a slice with their morning coffee.

Cook Up a Feast in a Gulf Shores Condo Rental

Get ready to enjoy the most memorable meals right in the heart of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Young’s Suncoast has various Gulf Shores condo rentals along the stunning coast, waiting for your summer arrival. Our vacation rentals are packed with amenities, allowing you to get the most out of your stay and cook a feast for your family in fully-equipped kitchens. Book your stay directly with us online today!

Pet-Friendly Activities In and Around Gulf Shores

Every family member deserves a break from the daily hustle and bustle, including your furry friends. This year, treat the whole family to a Gulf Shores vacation filled with memorable pet (and human) friendly activities. You and your family can enjoy breathtaking sugar-white sands, delicious seafood, great local shops, and all-around Southern hospitality!

No family trip is complete without our beloved pets, so it’s an excellent thing Young’s Suncoast doesn’t ask our guests to keep their precious pooch at home. We understand the importance of having your four-legged friend journey with the whole family. Spend the day strolling through state parks or frolic with your leashed pup at Fort Morgan Beach. There are so many wonderful pet-friendly things to do, see, and explore with your family in and around Gulf Shores. Keep reading for more paw-sitively helpful information—

Gulf Shores is a Pet-Friendly Paradise for All

Looking to bring your furry friend to Gulf Shores? Our grand vacation destination is extremely pet-friendly, leaving no family member behind! Here at Young’s Suncoast, we love pets and offer over 10 different pet-friendly Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan beach rentals to suit your entire group.

Our lovely city is also home to pet-friendly restaurants, outdoor attractions, and much more. The Young’s Suncoast team cannot wait to help you plan the best pet-friendly experience in Gulf Shores this year. Follow our quick guide on all the dog-friendly attractions and businesses locals and tourists love:

Where to Eat & Drink

Where to Visit

Stay with Pet-Friendly Young’s Suncoast

Gulf Shores is a popular vacation spot for pets and their owners, so don’t miss out on any pet-friendly locations and activities this year. Sometimes, pet emergencies or kennel needs may arise, so check out the Young’s Suncoast pet-friendly services page for helpful information. You and yours will fall in love with our pet-friendly vacation rental options—book your stay with us today by calling 800-826-1213!