Orange Beach Getaway . . .
Our girls absolutely love the beach. Sand castles are their favorite, and the sound of crashing waves instantly makes them joyful. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that we feel our happiest when playing with sand between our toes. This is exactly why a weekend getaway to Orange Beach filled our cup to the fullest. The extra vitamin D may have helped a little bit, too. Keep reading for a few of our travel tips.
Where to stay
We booked a condo at the Phoenix West II. It was beautifully updated and packed with modern amenities. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony before breakfast, whipping up meals in the fully equipped kitchen and spreading out for afternoon naps (3 bedrooms, 3 baths came in handy!). You can make your own weekend reservation by finding a rental unit via VRBO. Each listing is a little bit different, so make sure to read through the details.
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What to Do
Most of our time was spent playing in the sand–the Pheonix West II is conveniently located on the beach. If that isn’t your thing, there’s a large pool + water slide with flanking lounge chairs. You can even spend an afternoon exploring the Gulf State Park (rent bikes!) or drive to neighboring cities like Gulf Shores or Pensacola, Florida.
What to Eat
If you’re staying at the Phoenix West II, I highly recommend stopping at Rouses Market when you arrive. We bought a few ready-made meals from their deli section. This made dinner prep a breeze. Don’t skip the fresh produce, sandwich fixings and beach side snacks (non-perishables + drinks for cooler). Lunch time is the perfect time to picnic on the beach.
In the mood for takeout? Pick up breakfast from City Donut. There’s something for everyone–I’m taking sprinkles, creative flavor pairings and specialty treats that please a whole crowd. You can also to utilize apps like Uber Eats (code ‘eats-aubryl’ for $20 off your first $25+ order). It’s an easy way to sample the local food scene without braving the crowds.
What to pack
My best advice is to stick with the basics: swimwear, sunscreen + aloe, beach chairs AND shade. For more details on what we bring, read the caption of this Instagram post. Orange Beach, like many other beaches, does have an ordinance that prohibits you from putting up oversized shade structures too close to the beach. Instead of a 10×10 tent canopy, we used a 2 person pop up shelter to provide shade for napping babies. I’ve linked a few similar styles below.
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Psst! We have and love our portable Joe Shade umbrella. I purchased it in 2016 and have enjoyed shade every summer since. Think backyard play, weekend tournaments and days by the pool or beach.
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