Your Alabama Gulf Coast Spring Itinerary

February 17, 2026

Sun, sand, and blue skies set the tone for an unforgettable spring getaway on the Alabama Gulf Coast! To make exploring a breeze, we’ve mapped out a custom Google Map Itinerary you can open, save, and follow along, no guesswork required. From easy-breezy beachy mornings and laid-back lunches to sunset stops worth pulling over for, this route lets you hit the highlights while still leaving room to wander. Plug it in, hit the road, and let the day take you where it will!

Your Alabama Gulf Coast Spring Itinerary Checklist

Sunliner Diner

Address: 100 East 2nd Ave., Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Sun-Thur from 7:30 am – 8 pm/Fri-Sat from 7:30 am-9 pm

Beach Pavilion Public Beach Access

Address: 22250 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Daily sunrise to sunset

Gulf State Park

Address: 20115 State Park Rd.

Hours of Operation: Daily sunrise to sunset

The Yard Milkshake Bar

Address: 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Mon-Thur & Sun from 11 am-8 pm/Fri-Sat from 11 am-10 pm

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Address: 20499 Oak Rd. East, Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation:  Thur, Fri & Sat from 10 am-10 pm/ Sun from 10 am-5 pm

The Wharf

Address: 23101 Canal Rd., Orange Beach

Hours of Operation: Shops open Mon-Fri from 10 am-6 pm/Sat from noon-6 pm. 

Restaurant hours vary.

Adventure Island

Address: 24559 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach

Hours: Varies by season

Historic Fort Morgan

Address: 51 Hwy. 180 West, Gulf Shores

Hours of Operation: Daily from 8 am-5 pm

Tacky Jack’s 2

Address: 1577 AL-180, Fort Morgan

Hours of Operation: Daily from 8 am-8 pm

CoastAL

Address: 25722 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach

Hours of Operation: Daily from 8 am – 9 pm

Your Alabama Gulf Coast Spring Itinerary

Start With Breakfast and a Beach Stroll

It’s your first day in town, and of course, you’re going to want to hit our incredible beaches. While there are many beautiful places to explore, we like the Beach Pavilion public beach access because it offers plenty of parking and well-kept facilities. If you prefer easing into the morning, walk the shoreline first before sliding into a booth at Sunliner Diner. More of a ‘don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee’ type? Grab your cup of joe (and maybe a stack of pancakes) first before heading out for a post-breakfast walk!

Bike Ride Through Gulf State Park

After breakfast, make your way to Gulf State Park, one of our favorite places to go for a little outdoor recreation. With miles of paved trails winding through nine unique ecosystems, it’s ideal for walking, biking (check out their bike sharing program), or simply enjoying the beautiful weather. Spring also presents ideal conditions for fishing off the pier, paddling on Lake Shelby, or relaxing lakeside. It’s quiet, serene, and a great way to experience the coast beyond the beach.

Stop for a Sweet Treat and Hit the Zoo

Keep the good times rolling with a stop at The Yard Milkshake Bar. The kids will go crazy for the creamy milkshakes piled high with toppings. Afterward, head to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, one of our favorite spring activities. Home to hundreds of animals and interactive encounters, it’s a memorable stop the kids will thank you for, and an easy way to add a few scroll-stopping moments to your feed.

Browse the Shops and Grab Lunch

Browsing local shops at The Wharf makes it easy to spend a little extra time outdoors. When lunchtime rolls around, grab a table at Mile Marker 158 for fresh bites and pleasant water views, or head to Villaggio Grill for Italian-inspired fare with outdoor seating. Grab a glass of wine after lunch at Gulf Babe, and make plans to come back and check out the nightlife vibes later at 8 Real Speakeasy. Whether sipping a cold drink dockside or lingering over lunch with views of the Intracoastal Waterway, we can’t think of a better place to recharge before heading back out.

Make a Splash at Adventure Island

Add even more fun to your day at Adventure Island, where rides, games, and water attractions keep the whole family entertained. Race go-karts, challenge your crew in mini-golf, or cool off on a sun-soaked slide. With plenty of options for kids and adults alike, it’s one of our favorite spring activities and guaranteed to keep the smiles flowing.

Tour Historic Fort Morgan

Take the scenic drive to Historic Fort Morgan, a striking piece of Alabama Gulf Coast history standing guard at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Built in the early 1800s and active through multiple conflicts, this national historic landmark is a good place to stretch your legs, learn a bit about the local history, and soak up sweeping water views all in one stop.

Enjoy Dinner and a Sunset

You’ll be just minutes from Tacky Jack’s 2, a fun place for a relaxed waterfront dinner with incredible views of Mobile Bay. Serving up everything from fresh seafood and hearty po’boys to burgers and signature drinks (did someone say Bushwhacker?), all with plenty of outdoor seating so you can watch the sunset as the boats go by. If you’d rather settle in and catch the sunset on your way back to town, try CoastAL for elevated coastal fare, refreshing cocktails, and delicious Southern desserts.

If You Time It Right, Hit an Event

If this itinerary isn’t enough, you’ll find a host of spring events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach happening throughout the season. Here are a few of our faves:

Use this spring itinerary in whatever way works best for you. Follow it step by step or mix and match your favorite stops along the way. However you do it, it’s all about making the most of your spring vacation on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

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