A Gulf Coast beach day can be more than sand and waves. With the right start, clever little add-ons, and a splash of evening fun, your time by the water becomes a story worth telling.
A trip to the Gulf Coast will most certainly involve miles and miles of pristine beaches boasting crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands with stunning views over the Gulf. The sound of waves and the gentle sea breeze are all you need to have a wonderful time, right?
Well, we beg to differ. We think that doing a little planning for your beach day can make a real difference in how you enjoy it. There are a lot of details involved in a day at the beach, and with so much to do along the shores of Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, or Pensacola, how can you make the most of it?
Let's kick things off with a quick look:
- Start with a Hearty Breakfast: Fuel up at local favorites in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, or Pensacola.
- Pack Smart: Sunscreen, water, speakers, coolers, and a beach wagon make all the difference.
- Pick the Right Beach: Each stretch has its vibe: family-friendly, quiet, adventurous, or historic.
- Rent the Gear You Need: From beach chairs to jet skis, rental services across the Gulf Coast have you covered.
- Keep the Fun Going After Sunset: Ferris wheels, piers, boardwalks, dining, and nightlife keep evenings lively.
At Luxury Coastal Vacations, we offer a wide range of rental options along the Gulf Coast, paired with exceptional customer service and meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of your vacation. As experts in Perdido Key, Pensacola, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores, our destination blog covers everything from top pet-friendly spots and kid-friendly activities to must-try restaurants and local distilleries and breweries.
With this blog, I'll bring you amazing tips for a perfect day on the beach in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, or Pensacola.Ready for some sun-kissed bliss by the shore? Time to jump into the details!
1. Kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast to fuel a day of beach excitement.
Swimming, playing beach sports, and exploring the shores demand a lot of energy. In other words, having fun demands energy. That's why, before you head to the shores, we recommend you and your family start your day with a hearty breakfast, to have everyone well-fed for the day ahead. The question is: where to head for the best breakfast on the Gulf Coast?
Luckily, there are many great breakfast spots in cities like Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Pensacola. Let's go over some of the best ones.
Best Breakfast Spots in Fort Morgan, AL
- Sassy Bass: Beach views, laid-back vibes, and hearty plates like crab cakes and eggs or classic omelets to start the day right.
- Tacky Jacks: Waterfront dining with plenty of flavor. Kids love doodling on chalkboard tables while you enjoy a stack of pancakes outdoors.
Best Breakfast Spots in Gulf Shores, AL
- Sunliner Diner: Step back into the 1950s with jukebox energy, fluffy waffles, Eggs Benedict, and retro milkshakes.
- Foam Coffee Shop: Hip, cozy, and photogenic, with fresh juices, avocado toast, and a swing that doubles as an Instagram moment.
Best Breakfast Spots in Orange Beach, AL
- Oso at Bear Point Marina: Marina views plus a breakfast menu wide enough to keep the whole crew happy.
- Duck's Diner: A local institution where regulars and visitors flock daily for signature Southern breakfasts.
Best Breakfast Spots in Perdido Key, FL
- Hub Stacey's: A deck wrapped in oaks and magnolias sets the tone for an affordable, Southern-style breakfast.
- Perdido Key Breakfast Club: Pancakes, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches that guarantee you'll want a second visit.
Best Breakfast Spots in Pensacola, FL
- Native Cafe: Local favorite with a Florida twist on a good old American breakfast, voted best in town by the community.
- Scenic 90 Cafe: Retro vibes meet classic comfort foods like steak and eggs, French toast, and a towering Stack of Jacks.
2. Pack the essentials and some cool extras to enhance your beach fun.
A beach day is always better when you come prepared. A few smart essentials will protect you from the sun and keep you hydrated, while some handy extras can take your seaside experience from good to great. Pack thoughtfully, and you'll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the waves.
Tips for a Great Beach Day
- Sunscreen, Hats, and Sunglasses: Shield yourself from harsh rays and skip the sunburn.
- Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is a must if you're on the sand all day.
- Waterproof Phone Pouch: Keep your phone safe, dry, and ready for photos.
- Portable Waterproof Speaker: Set the mood with music, just keep the volume neighbor-friendly.
- Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair: Lightweight, stylish, and built for lounging in comfort.
- Beach Wagon: Make hauling towels, snacks, and gear effortless.
- Cooler: Cold drinks and snacks at arm's reach are always a win.
3. Choose the perfect stretch of sand for sunbathing and your favorite activities.
Sand, water, waves, and seashells, all beaches are the same, right? Err, not really. Even though the basics might seem the same, with some beaches (but not all), each stretch of sand on the Gulf Coast is unique and boasts distinctive characteristics, attracting different crowds.
A big part of making your day enjoyable is picking the right spot to hit. Let's go over the specificities of each of our favorite beaches in the Gulf Coast region.
Fort Morgan Beach, AL
Fort Morgan Beach offers a sugary expanse perfect for sunbathing, all against a stunning backdrop. The crystal blue waters, powdery white sands, and lively atmosphere of the beach will please your entire family. Some sections of Fort Morgan Beach are dog-friendly, so you don't need to worry about Fido feeling left behind on this trip.
Are you a history or architecture buff? So, this beach is for you. You can save some time on your beach day to explore the historic Fort Morgan. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the fort offers amazing views of the sea.
Gulf Shores Beach, AL
Gulf Shores boasts miles of soft, white sands that are a picturesque backdrop for sunbathing, beach games, and great strolls.
If you want to complement your beach day in Gulf Shores, Waterville USA Waterpark & Amusement Park, or simply Waterville USA, is a must-visit destination for families seeking more water fun.
Orange Beach, AL
Smaller and often less crowded, Orange Beach is equally stunning, with soft sands and crystal-clear waters. This one is ideal for relaxation and lounging in the sand for most of your day. Gulf State Park near Orange Beach is dog-friendly, offering a vast public park with tons of recreational activities and dazzling beaches. It provides a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails, fishing, and kayaking.
Perdido Key, FL
Perdido Key Beach captivates with its fine white quartz sand, audibly squeaking beneath your feet, and a boundless blue horizon framing pristine waters. Its untouched allure transports visitors to a serene escape, feeling worlds away from everyday hustle.
Still, Perdido Key isn't just for beach lounging. Adventurers can explore its waters by renting pontoon boats or jet skis, adding an exhilarating twist to a weekend at this Gulf gem.
Pensacola Beach, FL
On Santa Rosa Island and nationally known for its soft white sand and emerald-hued waters, Pensacola Beach is a favorite in the region. Although popular with both locals and visitors, it maintains its characteristic laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly vibe.
Pensacola Beach provides the ideal backdrop for water activities, sunbathing, relaxation, and enjoying some of Florida's finest scenery.
4. Find the right gear rental service to boost your experience with extra comfort and thrills.
As I mentioned above, to make the most of your beach day, you'll probably need some essentials and some non-essential equipment. Sometimes, these items are not the types you can bring on your own. Luckily, the Gulf Coast is filled with amazing rental services that can provide you with the gear for some extra beach fun and thrills!
Let's go over some options:
Ike's Beach Service
With locations including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and Perdido Key, Ike's Beach Service specializes in a wide variety of beach equipment rentals, including beach chairs and umbrella rentals, parasailing adventures, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and beach wheelchair rentals. The staff is efficient, helpful, and always checking on you to make sure you are comfortable and have what you need.
Pure Aloha Adventures
This woman-owned and -run business offers kayaking, paddleboarding tours, lessons, and rentals on beautiful Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach. As they say on their website, most of their tours are "Exciting enough for teens, cool enough for couples, easy enough for Grandma, peaceful enough for mom, and let's face it, Dad would rather be fishing!"
Tiki's Bikes, Boats & Beach Rentals
Tiki's Bikes, Boats & Beach Rentals started offering just bikes to embrace Gulf Shores' over 100 miles of trails, sidewalks, and quiet, picturesque streets for biking enthusiasts. Their offer has expanded and now includes beach bikes, e-bikes, paddleboards, pontoon boats, beach chairs, umbrellas, beach carts, coolers, and all kinds of accessories.
Daily Adventure Box
Rooted in Pensacola Beach, Daily Adventure Box specializes in paddleboard, skimboard, and bodyboard rentals—all made from top-notch materials and eco-friendly components. Renting is straightforward through their automated system, using QR codes and Bluetooth technology.
You can retrieve the equipment from convenient lockers, known as "boxes," scattered throughout Pensacola Beach. They also developed an app that informs you about your remaining rental time.
Radical Rides
Are you feeling like taking a thrilling ride? As the name suggests, Radical Rides is your go-to service in Pensacola. This family-owned and operated firm offers a range of gear and exciting activities, along with more relaxed water fun options.
They provide parasailing, jet ski rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Whether you're soaring high above the water on a parasail or enjoying the adrenaline rush of a jet ski, a memorable experience awaits.
For more details on rental services in the area, head here.
5. Seek the perfect post-beach fun and entertainment.
Beach days don't have to end when the sun goes down. Along the Gulf Coast, evenings are just as lively as the afternoons, with family-friendly attractions, waterfront dining, and entertainment hubs that keep the holiday spirit going well into the night. From Ferris wheel rides to sunset strolls, there's always something to add that perfect finishing touch to your coastal getaway.
Tips for Post-Beach Fun
- The Wharf, Orange Beach: A buzzing entertainment district with boutiques, restaurants, bars, and the iconic Ferris Wheel offering sweeping views.
- Pensacola Beach: A classic sunset spot where you can watch anglers, soak in the views, and catch the sky at its most dramatic.
- Pensacola Beach Boardwalk: Perfect for an evening wander, with shops, restaurants, and plenty of lively energy.
- Waterfront Dining: From casual al-fresco cafés to elegant seaside restaurants, the Gulf Coast's dining scene shines brightest with a view.
- Nightlife Spots: Enjoy local hotspots for a fun night out with refreshing cocktails, live music, and friendly people.
FAQ: Tips for a Perfect Day at the Beach Along the Gulf Coast
What should I pack for a Gulf Coast beach day?
Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, plenty of water, a beach chair, a cooler, and a waterproof phone pouch. Add fun extras like a speaker or beach wagon to make your day smoother and more enjoyable.
Which Gulf Coast beach is best for families?
Gulf Shores Beach is a family favorite thanks to its wide sands and attractions like Waterville USA Waterpark. Fort Morgan Beach is also great, especially with dog-friendly areas and the historic fort nearby.
Where can I rent beach gear on the Gulf Coast?
Popular rental services include Ike's Beach Service, Pure Aloha Adventures, Tiki's Bikes, Boats & Beach Rentals, Daily Adventure Box, and Radical Rides. They offer everything from umbrellas and paddleboards to parasailing adventures.
What's a good spot for breakfast before hitting the beach?
Try Sassy Bass in Fort Morgan, Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores, Oso at Bear Point Marina in Orange Beach, Hub Stacey's in Perdido Key, or Native Cafe in Pensacola. Each has its own local flavor and charm.
What can I do after the beach besides dining?
Check out The Wharf in Orange Beach for shopping and rides, stroll Pensacola Beach for sunsets, or wander the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk for boutiques and entertainment. Nightlife across the Gulf Coast also offers live music and great drinks.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE GULF COAST?
Looking for an extra idea to make the most of your weekend on the Gulf Coast? Book your stay with Luxury Coastal Vacations. We offer the finest selection of luxury rentals on the Gulf Coast, spanning Alabama and Florida.
When you choose to stay in one of our homes or condos, you can anticipate a 5-star experience that you'll cherish forever. Browse through our options and discover what awaits you on the beautiful Gulf Coast.
