Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Ft. Morgan | Which is Better?

People planning a trip to Alabama’s beautiful white sand beaches in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan often ask: “Which is better?” Well, it depends upon what you prefer for your lifestyle. All three locations have tremendous upside that you will love, so long as you are aware of what you are choosing ahead of time.

Note: While none of the characterizations you are about to see apply fully to each of these locations, they ARE accurate, overall, in the opinion of this writer who has lived in this area for nearly 15 years. None of this is intended to upset any resident or past visitor to any of these areas. It is merely intended to help those who know very little about our slice of paradise to choose more wisely according to their own preferences.

For those who have never been here, or who have maybe only been to one specific area, you can think of it this way: Where you live, there is probably a “downtown,” a “suburban area,” and a “rural area.” The downtown area will be more densely packed with businesses, people, and things to do. The suburban area will be nearby all those downtown things, but will have more locally owned businesses, hole-in-the-wall type places, and a more “homey” feel. Finally, the rural area will be far less densely packed with businesses and people – and it will be much quieter, more laid-back, and a bit of a drive to go to places like grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and entertainment, right?

The same applies here, across the three areas you are considering.

MORE “DOWNTOWN” FEEL: Orange Beach

Orange Beach - photo by Orange Beach AL (.gov)

Orange Beach is mostly comprised of high-rise condo towers (there are some beach houses, of course, but far fewer than you will find in Gulf Shores or Fort Morgan). There are more bars and clubs there, more large restaurants, more marinas (with more fishing charters, jet ski rentals, etc.), and a more “hustle-and-bustle” feel to the area. You’ll be closer to the nearest major airport (PNS in Pensacola), further from golf courses, and you’ll find that it is pretty congested with traffic, especially during the peak of the tourist season in June/July/August. It is less walkable (in my opinion) but that is by no means to say it is as un-walkable as a large urban area like Atlanta, for example. Orange Beach is still small. I am talking about the “feel” of it here, as it compares to Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan. If having plenty of beach time and being close to more nightlife, attractions, stores, and restaurants is what you want, Orange Beach will not disappoint. 

MORE “SUBURBAN” FEEL: Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores’ beaches and lagoon are mostly comprised of beach houses and low-rise condos (there are some high-rise condo towers, of course, but far fewer than you will find in Orange Beach). There are plenty of bars and restaurants, but they tend to be smaller, more “hole-in-the-wall” type places. Yes, two of the biggest restaurants in the area are in Gulf Shores (The Hangout and Lulus), but they are more the exception than the rule. Things like grocery stores and Walmart are close by, and it is more walkable and bike-able, particularly around the Gulf Shores Parkway/Beach Blvd intersection (where The Hangout restaurant is). You’ll be close to multiple nice golf courses and lots of attractions like water parks, go-cart tracks, amusement parks, souvenir shops, and putt-putt golf. You’ll be further from most fishing charters and boat/jet ski rentals at marinas. Traffic can be congested in Gulf Shores during the peak of the season, but it tends to be that way for less of the day – in other words, you can plan around it. To me, it just has a more “homey” feel. If plenty of beach time and being close to lots of attractions, outdoor activities (like golf and biking the Gulf State Park trails), shops, and restaurants is what you want, Gulf Shores is a great place for you. 

MORE “RURAL” FEEL: Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan’s accommodations, like Gulf Shores’, are more houses than high rise condos. There are some mid-rise and high rise condos, of course, but there are even fewer than you will find in Gulf Shores. There are only a handful of restaurants, one gas station, and no grocery stores. There is one marina at the far end, where some fishing charters depart from, but not nearly as many as Orange Beach. There are some great golf courses in the area, as well. It’s much quieter and much less congested in Fort Morgan than either Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, but it is a bit of a drive into Gulf Shores for attractions, a better selection of restaurants and bars, or to buy things like groceries, beach supplies and souvenirs. Fort Morgan does offer easy access to the Mobile Bay Ferry, which gives you the opportunity to drive your car aboard and take a fun day trip over to Dauphin Island to visit the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. From the far western end of Fort Morgan, the 15+ mile drive into Gulf Shores can take 40 minutes to an hour during the busiest times of the season so if you plan to stay out there, its best to plan your trips into town around getting everything you might need for your beach stay to avoid a lot of time running back and forth. If you want to go from the western end of Fort Morgan all the way over to Orange Beach to have dinner, rent a pontoon boat, or visit The Wharf, plan for it take an hour to and hour-and-a-half to get there during the busy times of the season. If a slower pace and maximum beach time is what you want, Fort Morgan will feel like a paradise to you. 

Margaritaville Restaurant/Bar Coming Soon

Click to enlarge photo

Gulf Shores is getting a new highly anticipated attraction. Jimmy Buffet’s world-renowned Margaritaville restaurant/bar company will be opening a new Gulf Shores location in 2024 or early 2025, putting Gulf Shores on par with other top destinations around the world that enjoy the Margaritaville experience. It will be located at the also brand-new Legendary Marina and Yacht Club on the Intracoastal Waterway just west of the Hwy 59/Gulf Shores Parkway bridge. The full-service marina will feature:

- Onsite fuel dockings

- Launch requests through an app

- Indoor boat storage for boats up to 50 feet

- Complimentary waste pump-outs

- Complimentary freshwater fills

- On-site service and parts department

Located on the water with beautiful views of the marina will be the new Margaritaville restaurant/bar will feature:

- Island themed décor

- Coastal-inspired, made-to-order food

- Hand-crafted cocktails

- 5-0’Clock Somewhere Bar

- Great live music & fun party atmosphere

Situated just west of the famous LuLu’s restaurant & marina by Jimmy Buffet’s sister, LuLu, the new Margaritaville restaurant/bar will give Gulf Shores’ visitors the opportunity to experience the full Buffet Family experience.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MARGARITAVILLE

LEARN MORE ABOUT LEGENDARY MARINA & YACHT CLUB

Pedestrian Bridge Delayed

Pedestrian Bridge

Gulf Shores is planning a pedestrian/bicycle bridge that will run parallel to the Hyw 59/Gulf Shores Parkway Bridge that will cross the Intracoastal Waterway just east of Lulu's and Tacky Jack's restaurants in Gulf Shores. The bridge is part of the ongoing development of Gulf Shores' "Waterway Village" the goal of which is to create a "second waterfront" in Gulf Shores that will attract more restaurants, bars, boutique stores, entertainment attractions, art galleries, and the like. 

The idea is create a beautiful park-like area where visitors can park their cars and spend their time walking from place to place, perhaps with a drink in their hands, enjoying food, shopping, live music and other entertainment similar to what you find in cities like New Orleans or Nashville. The pedestrian/bicycle bridge is the key element connecting the new village's northern and southern banks along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Unfortunately, there has been significant delay in the project because construction bids have come in far above what the City estimated. The key factor in the cost of the bridge is the requirement that it be at least 72 feet tall to allow commercial vessels and tall-mast sail boats to pass beneath it. 

The beginning of construction was originally planned for this year, but it is now delayed until 2025 with a target of completion in 2026.

New Year's Eve in Gulf Shores | Orange Beach |2023

The Wharf New Year's Eve

It’s time to make a New Year’s resolution that's both refreshing and easy to uphold this year. Begin by ushering in the New Year with a rejuvenating vacation in the picturesque Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

While things might be winding down in your locale, the New Year in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is just gearing up. Celebrate New Year's Eve and New Year's Day surrounded by sandy shores, crashing waves, and delectable food and drinks, setting the tone for a promising and inspirational start to the new year.

New Year's Eve at Live Bait in Orange Beach - Celebrate the New Year at Live Bait with live music, a mid-night countdown and a champagne toast. Club will be open with late night food and karaoke in the Tiki Bar.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIVE BAIT'S NYE PARTY

Experience the 12th Annual Noon Year's Eve at LuLu's in Gulf Shores—an event filled with fun for both kids and adults. Engage in crafts, enjoy kid-friendly "fireworks" (made from bubble wrap), and participate in a lively sandcastle-building contest. When the clock strikes noon, witness a colorful beach ball drop, followed by live music, face painting, balloon animals, and more at LuLu's to kick off your New Year's celebration.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LULU'S NOON YEAR'S EVE

For a high-energy New Year's celebration, check out Reelin' in the New Year at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The carnival vibe comes alive with activities for kids, including bouncy houses, a mechanical bull, camel rides, rock climbing walls, face painting, and more. Top DJs provide the soundtrack, and live music sets the tone for a memorable New Year's Eve. Don't miss the epic fireworks display and the midnight Marlin Drop as the calendar turns.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WHARF NEW YEAR'S EVE

Experience Flora-Bama's Non-Stop New Year, where celebrations extend from New Year's Eve through New Year's Day. Enjoy the New Year's Eve Bash with an all-you-can-eat buffet, free breakfast sandwiches, complimentary champagne, cool party favors, souvenirs, and three stages of live music. The festivities continue with the Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip on New Year's Day, featuring a plunge into the Gulf of Mexico followed by a unique spread of ham, cornbread, black-eyed peas, and various sides.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORA-BAMA NEW YEAR'S EVE

Brave the Annual Kiwanis New Year's Day Polar Bear Dip starting at noon at The Hangout. Dry off and recharge with complimentary hot chocolate and chili, and join the after-dip party with live music, a customized New Year menu, football on the big screen, and Polar Bear Dip merchandise—all while supporting charitable donations to the Gulf Shores Kiwanis Club and Alabama Special Olympics.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEW YEAR'S POLAR BEAR DIP

What Gulf Shores Restaurants Open on Christmas?

Image from Doc's Seafood & Steaks

Wondering what Gulf Shores restaurants will be open over Christmas? Look no further! Here is what we know about dining opportunities during your beach holidays:

HANGOUT HOSPITALITY GROUP

During Christmas Eve, The Hangout, Sunliner Diner, and TheGulf will remain open, while Picnic Beach will close at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All establishments will be closed on Christmas, with the exception of Sunliner Diner.

FLORA-BAMA LOUNGE AND OYSTER BAR

Join the longstanding Christmas Day potluck dinner tradition at the iconic Flora-Bama. Bring a side dish for 10-12 people, and the Bama will provide ham and turkey. Serving starts at 1 p.m. on Christmas Day.

DOC’S SEAFOOD SHACK AND OYSTER BAR & DOC’S SEAFOOD AND STEAKS

Both sister restaurants, Doc's Seafood Shack and Doc's Seafood & Steaks will open at noon on Christmas Day, serving from their regular menus.

BUBBA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE

Bubba’s Seafood House will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas, featuring a special menu with options like New York strip, a seafood tower with crab legs, shrimp, grilled oysters, mussels, and Conecuh sausage. Notable dishes include the royal reindeer, a grouper filet fried and topped with Hollandaise, a skewer of shrimp, and lump crab meat. Specialty drinks include the Grinch Hopper Bushwacker and the Salty Santa with vodka, Irish cream, caramel drizzled glass, and a sea salted rim.

WOLF BAY LODGE

Both Foley and Orange Beach Wolf Bay Lodge locations will be closed on Christmas Day, but the Orange Beach location is offering to-go meals daily during the off season. For $35, feeding four to six people, you can choose from entrées like shrimp and grits, chicken or plain Alfredo, beef medallions with mushroom gravy, country fried steaks and white gravy, chicken tenders, chicken Parmesan, and a soup of the day. All meals come with a choice of house salad or Caesar salad and bread, with individual sides available for $12 per quart.

BOLO STEAKS AND SEAFOOD

Bolo Steaks & Seafood, a new addition to the beach restaurant scene will host a special dinner on Christmas Eve, offering a choice of three appetizers and three entrées, including duck confit, Beef Wellington, or Trout Almondine, along with two desserts for $60 per person.

And here are several well-known Gulf Shores area restaurants that WILL NOT be open: Big Fish Restaurant and Bar will close from Dec. 17-26, reopening on Dec. 27. LuLu's Gulf Shores will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. De Soto’s Seafood Kitchen will be closed from Dec. 16-25 for maintenance and repairs, and Duck’s Diner will be closed on Christmas Day. COASTAL in Orange Beach will be closed on Christmas day. Finally, Bahama Bob's is still closed as they recover from a July 2023 kitchen fire.

Gulf Shores Lighted Boat Christmas Parade: Where to Watch

Photo by LuLu's - Click to Enlarge

One of the coolest things we do here in Gulf Shores for the holidays is the annual lighted boat parade for Christmas. Local boat owners go all out rigging their boats with generators and tons of creative holiday lights for your enjoyment. The parade departs from LuLu’s in Gulf Shores and travels east down the Intracoastal Waterway to The Wharf in Orange Beach. This year’s parade starts at dusk on Saturday, December 9^th.

The map below shows where the best viewing areas are, along the canal, with plenty of parking. Of course you can watch the parade leave from LuLu’s and arrive from The Wharf, where the whole place is lit up with Christmas lights and decorations, too.

Lighted Boat Parade Viewing Areas

Jimmy Buffet Meeting of the Minds 2023

Parrot Heads

The annual Jimmy Buffet “Parrot Head Gathering,” also known as “Meeting of the Minds,” is coming to Gulf Shores, AL October 25-29. In the late 90s, Jerry Diaz and Scott Nickerson initiated this event in New Orleans. This year, Gulf Shores, where Jimmy spent his formative years on the beach and where is sister, Lulu, still runs the popular Lulu's restaurant & bar, will host a fantastic gathering of Parrot Heads celebrating Jimmy's life. Registration closes on September 15th, and you can find more information at www.MOTM.rocks

Best Sports Bars | Local Favorites

Wondering where the best places in Gulf Shores are

The Sloop

to watch the NFL playoffs, Super Bowl, March Madness, and all the other sports? There are several sports bars that offer the games (Google them), but the locals’ favorites (at least in this writer’s opinion) are listed below. So, read on and find your favorite spot to watch the big game like a local.

The Sloop is a locally owned unicorn (part dive, part fantastic food, part sports bar, part live music venue) with TVs everywhere, all the sports packages, and a crowd that is heavily local, friendly, and welcoming. Fair warning to get there EARLY on game days. The Sloop is not large, parking is not plentiful, and when people get their seats they tend to stay until their game is over (and longer).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SLOOP

Island Wing Company

Island Wing Company offers everything you expect from a quality sports bar. The food is good, the service is good, there are TVs everywhere, and the place is huge with plenty of parking, so you don’t have to worry too much about being able to get a seat to enjoy your game, even if you are running a little late. It's little bit up Gulf Shores Parkway/Hwy 59 from the heart of Gulf Shores, so plan (and pace) accordingly for that drive home after the game - better yet, consider using that ride-sharing app on your phone!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ISLAND WING COMPANY

The Cove

The Cove Bar & Grill is a nice little dive in Gulf Shores that locals love for its friendly atmosphere, great food, pool tables, and live music – but it also doubles as a great game-day spot with plenty of TVs and fans rooting for (and against) the teams that excite them. The burgers are especially good, and the drinks are cold and delicious. Tucked away on Cove Ave in the heart of Gulf Shores, the Cove is not a large place, nor is there a ton of parking, so if you want to watch the big game like a local, get there early.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COVE

Big Beach Brewing

Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores is a terrific brewery offering great locally made craft beers and wine. The atmosphere is classy, open-air (when it’s warm) and offers plenty of comfortable seating (including couches) inside and outside where you can watch your games in style. Its a laid-back place complemented by an on-site food truck for those moments when hunger strikes. Located across from Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores, Big Beach has more parking availability on-site and down the street than some of the other local favorites detailed in this article, but you will still want to be there early to secure you favorite seats. And one last bit of advice from this writer’s personal experience: Pace yourself! Those craft brews pack a punch!

LEARN MORE ABOUT BIG BEACH

Where to Shop | Beach Girl at Home

Located at 3947 AL-59, a short distance north of the Pelican Place Shopping Center, Beach Girl at Home is a one-of-a-kind boutique dedicated to coastal-inspired home decor in Gulf Shores. This charming establishment is a tribute to the spirit of the Beach Girl within all of us. The boutique has meticulously curated an assortment of the region's most vibrant and individualistic home accessories, furniture, artwork, lighting solutions, tableware, area rugs, and an array of other items for your living space.

Beach Girl at Home excels in crafting holiday-themed decor, creating captivating tablescapes, and expertly staging or revitalizing your existing decor. The boutique also takes pride in providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talents. Beyond this, they offer a distinctive selection of unique gifts that capture the essence of the coast.

Beach Girl at Home extends its services beyond the physical store. They facilitate shipping, along with complimentary delivery options, ensuring your purchases reach you conveniently. Additionally, their signature gift wrapping adds a touch of elegance for those seeking the perfect present.

LEARN MORE about Beach Girl at Home

SEE MORE local favorite shopping spots

The Cove Bar & Grill | A Local Favorite

The Cove Bar & Grill is a local favorite dive located on Cove Avenue off Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores. Owned by local restauranteurs with 30 years of experience, The Cove is a place where locals and visitors hang out to have a drink (or 3), shoot some pool, enjoy live music, and eat some great food in a fun and welcoming environment. The Cove offers excellent cheeseburgers, Tuna Nachos, Wings, Fish Tacos, Wraps, multiple salad options, and more.

LEARN MORE about The Cove

Hurricane Idalia Update

Photo by AccuWeather

Hurricane Idalia is currently gaining strength as it moves westward off the coast of Cuba. According to experts from AccuWeather specializing in hurricanes, the storm is predicted to undergo rapid intensification and transform into a major hurricane by Tuesday, while positioned over the Gulf of Mexico. Subsequently, the hurricane is forecasted to make landfall on the west coast of Florida.

The region, situated between the Gulf coasts of the panhandle and the peninsula in Florida, now faces an 'extreme' risk for various impacts due to the impending storm. This area is particularly vulnerable to life-threatening storm surge flooding, destructive winds, and heavy rainfall as Idalia advances and is projected to reach hurricane status by Wednesday morning.

In accordance with AccuWeather's RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes in the United States, meteorologists have assigned Idalia a level 3 rating. This assessment takes into account the expected consequences such as extensive flooding, damaging winds, the potential for life-threatening storm surges, and the overall toll on infrastructure and economy.

Presently, a hurricane warning has been issued for Florida's west coast, spanning from the eastern part of the Panhandle down to Tampa Bay and the regions further south.

Note: Unless the track of Idalia shifts significantly west from its current forecast, the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach region should experience relatively good weather this week. This unqualified opinion is in no way intended to be taken as advice. 

Tropical Storm Alert

August 24, 2023 - 10:50am

The National Hurricane Center is tracking a tropical development in the western Caribbean and eastern Gulf of Mexico for the possibility of increased threat to the northern Gulf Coast in the coming days.

A cluster of thunderstorms on the Pacific side of Central America has the potential for gradual development as it crosses into the Caribbean over the weekend. A tropical depression could form as it moves slowly northward.

The NHC gives the disturbance a 50% chance of development over the next seven days. If further development occurs, any resulting storm could threaten the northern Gulf Coast as early as the first half of next week (Aug 28-30).

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