Church Group Trips to the Alabama Gulf Coast

group of people at a restaurant during a church group trip to alabama

May 20, 2024

Are you planning a church retreat or attending a spiritual conference in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach? We hope you take some time to explore the beaches, take quiet walks along the shore, and discover the beauty of the Alabama Gulf Coast while you’re here! Beyond the beach, you’ll find family-friendly attractions and excellent restaurants your group will enjoy. While the retreat might be the main reason you visit, we’d hate for you to miss out on all the other experiences in the area.

If you’re the church group trip planner (and since you’re reading this, we’re pretty sure you are), we have a few tips on planning a meaningful and memorable trip!

Pick the Perfect Place to Stay

The first step when planning your church group trip is to find the perfect place to stay. Rather than booking multiple hotel rooms with limited amenities, consider a large vacation home for your group! Kaiser Vacation Rentals offers luxury homes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with plenty of space and thoughtful amenities tailored to your group’s diverse needs. Whether you’re interested in a home with a private pool or an expansive outdoor deck, you’ll find something that appeals to all ages and interests.

Plus, having everyone under one roof will simplify logistics, and fully equipped kitchens make meal planning a breeze. With plenty of seating and spaces for conversations and quiet time, our vacation homes offer a comfortable place to unwind and create new memories.

Plan Fun Activities

A church retreat is often a time for reflection and relaxation, so it’s best not to overplan, but all would welcome a few optional activities during downtime.

Parks and the Beach

The Alabama Gulf Coast is brimming with natural beauty, with many parks and public beaches throughout the area, perfect for quiet activities and reflection. Hike through Gulf State Park or use their bike-sharing program to see the sights. Rent paddleboards or kayaks and explore the local waterways, or just relax on the beach with a good book. Spending a little time outdoors is an excellent way to enhance your church group trip!

Entertainment Districts

Aside from beaches and parks, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers entertainment districts with quaint shops and restaurants ripe for exploring!

OWA

More than a waterpark and beyond a shopping center, OWA in Foley is year-round fun. The kids can play on the water slides and theme park rides while you enjoy shopping in downtown OWA. Meet for dinner at one of the many eateries, then catch a show at the OWA theater!

The Wharf

The Wharf in Orange Beach offers an excellent selection of local shops, restaurants, and attractions in a picturesque setting by the water. Stroll down Main Street for a day of shopping, engage in some friendly competition at the arcade, and finish your day with a delicious meal at one of the popular eateries.

Local Attractions

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Enjoy a day of adventure and make some new furry friends at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo! With a petting zoo, exclusive animal encounters, and educational stage shows, there’s something for everyone in your group.

Waterville USA

Featuring 20 acres of pure fun and adventure, Waterville USA is the go-to destination for a day of fun-filled activities. With a waterpark, amusement park, mini golf, and go-carts, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular and a must-add to your itinerary.

Excursions and Tours

You’ll find many excursions and tour options in and around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach that accommodate groups of all sizes. Soak in the beautiful environment on the water and book a dolphin cruise or a sunset sail through a reputable company like Cetacean Cruises. If you’re in the mood for an adventurous ride, a segway tour through the beautiful Gulf State Park is another fun option!

Enjoy Delicious Meals

The beauty of a vacation home is that you can cook your meals in the beautifully appointed kitchen! On those nights you want to go out, you’ll find plenty of delicious restaurants catering to large groups.

The Hangout

For great food and fun, visit The Hangout in Gulf Shores. This lively spot sits right on the beach and boasts a wide range of menu options that will please every member of your group, from BBQ pork nachos to the Alabama cobb salad to the ever-popular shrimp and grits.

Lulu’s

Are you searching for some authentic coastal cuisine? Look no further than Lulu’s in Gulf Shores! Their scratch-made dishes include seafood favorites and allergy-friendly options to accommodate all diners. Lulu’s is located directly on the beach, so you can take in the scenery while the kids burn off all that extra energy on the ropes course outside!

The Gulf

The Gulf in Orange Beach welcomes guests with a chic yet casual atmosphere and a wide-ranging menu featuring seafood options like smoked tuna dip, shrimp tacos, and the tuna poke bowl. The Gulf prides itself on featuring the freshest ingredients, so menu items often change with the seasons.

Tacky Jack’s

Voted “Local’s Favorite Hangout,” Tacky Jack’s offers three squares a day in a beautiful waterfront setting. Start the day with the farmer’s omelet, or come for dinner for fan favorites like Mexican Garbage Nachos or Tacky Shrimp at any of their three locations.

Plan Your Church Group Trip in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!

The Alabama Gulf Coast provides the perfect setting for every occasion or event, and we look forward to hosting groups of all sizes. Our gorgeous vacation homes are located near churches to suit your group’s worship style and everything else that makes Gulf Shores and Orange Beach extraordinary!

Pick the Perfect Place to Stay