Are you ready to book one of these lovely Gulf Shores vacation rentals? If so, you might think you know what to bring, but there are some items that may not cross your mind, especially if you are not familiar with Gulf Shores.
Before you embark on your journey, get acquainted with Gulf Shores: what there is to see and do, what the weather is like, and what travelers normally bring with them when they come to stay here. Check out these helpful tidbits that will inspire you to get working on your itinerary and items-to-pack list!
About Gulf Shores
What do you see when you close your eyes and picture Gulf Shores? Lots of sun and sand, right? Well, there is certainly a lot of that, but there is even more than you can probably imagine!
Gulf Shores is a beautiful resort city with a year-round population of just under 10,000 people. You’ll find it in the southernmost part of the great state of Alabama, and Gulf State Park takes up a hefty chunk of the city’s easternmost part. It is just 33 miles from Pensacola, Florida, and has its own airport, just two miles from the beach.
And, of course, there are plenty of tourist attractions.
The Gulf Coast Zoo is a favorite attraction for both adults and children, as it lets you experience all types of wildlife. There are also plenty of golfing opportunities, such as Kiva Dunes, which is a major hit with guests and conveniently located, so you will not have to go far to play at Alabama’s best golf course.
You can take your pick of Gulf Shores beaches while you’re here, too. The Main Public Beach is always a hot spot, as it is equipped with restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and pavilions. Getting there early is key to enjoying your time, as the crowds tend to rush in during the day for swimming, volleyball, and just hanging out.
The Weather
Gulf Shores vacations are usually full of sunshine. This subtropical humid climate means that there are mild winters full of sun and hot, lengthy summers. You can go to the beach year-round and enjoy getting your vitamin D from the sunshine streaming down from above.
In the summer, there is often a nice sea breeze that rolls in and gives folks a break from the humidity.
During the winter, the daily high averages in at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit while the nights dip down to approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, the days are somewhere around 90 degrees Fahrenheit with the nights dropping down to about 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
May through November is known by locals as the best months to surf as the ocean temperatures are quite warm, generally sitting around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Pack
Pack for warm weather, especially if you are going during the summer. If you are going during the off-season, you should include a lightweight jacket or sweater in your suitcase. The weather can change on the drop of a dime, though, so it will not hurt to pack for a cooler day with a bit of rain.
If you plan on doing a lot of outdoor adventures like hiking, boating, and kayaking, bring a good pair of hiking boots and some tennis shoes that you won’t mind getting dirty. You will also want to pack some comfortable socks for walking around when you have your shoes or hiking boots on. Flip-flops and sandals are great for the beach, but if you are going to walk around a lot, you will want something with a lot of support.
Unless you are going to a formal event, you will not need to pack your dress clothes. Gulf Shores is laid-back, and you will see a lot of folks walking around in beach-friendly attire. It’s all jeans, shorts, T-shirts, and tank tops here. Don’t forget to bring hats and sunglasses as well – you are going to need them. And if your sunglasses break, no worries! There are plenty of stores in the area with shades you can buy.
Since it is humid in Gulf Shores, bring some hairspray with you, and you might even want to pack an extra deodorant to take with you throughout the day since it is easy to get sweaty while out and about. As silly as it sounds, deodorant comes in handy here. Also, you can easily get sunburned here, so be sure to grab some aloe vera to keep on you as you go about your day of having fun in the sun.
Reusable water bottles and reef-safe sunscreen are things to consider bringing as well. The ocean has faced a lot of challenges regarding pollution, so these are just two simple ways that you can help cut down on it. Yes, even regular sunscreen has toxic chemicals that can harm ocean life. You can grab these after you arrive if you plan on traveling light. Plus, reusable water bottles are a lot cheaper than buying individual water bottles everywhere you go. It is easy to get dehydrated while you are outside having a good time, so be sure to keep water on you at all times.
What If I Forget Something?
Forgot a necessity or two? There are a ton of souvenir shops in Gulf Shores. You can stop in at any of these shops and find what you forgot. Souvenir shops stock a lot of beach gear. Head on over to Alvin’s Island if you need to grab a swimsuit. There, you will find something cool and tropical, and you can add some airbrushed T-shirts, sunglasses, and beach bags to your basket if you are in need (or want) of any of those.
Surf Style provides a lot of great beachwear as well, and Old Time Pottery can hook you up with a wide array of beach accessories in addition to cookware, glassware, and beach-inspired home décor. You will not need to invest in towels, blankets, or pillows, though, as your Fort Morgan vacation rental home will provide you with everything you need and make sure you have everything clean and tidy.
There are a lot of shopping centers in the area too. If you need to grab a good pair of walking shoes, check out The Wharf in Orange Beach. They always have a good selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories in stock. You will also be close to the stores at Tanger Outlets.
Plan Your Visit
Now that you know everything you’ll need to enjoy your vacation, browse our full range of Fort Morgan vacation rentals and start planning your getaway!