Hey Beachballers! Ready to squeeze in one last splash or trade the classroom bell for the sound of the waves? This week on the blog, we’re serving up your easy-breezy 3-day beach trip itinerary- perfect for a quick weekend escape now that the backpacks are packed, lunches are labeled, and the school routine is back in gear. School may have just started, but whether you’re catching sunsets after homework or hitting pause for a weekend reset, this Gulf Coast getaway keeps things easy, breezy, and blissfully stress-free.

From sugar-white beaches and shrimp that’ll make you swoon, to trails, treats, and sunset strolls, we’ve got your weekend mapped out like a local. So toss your beach bag in the backseat and let’s hit the coast!

Day 1: Roll In & Relax

Morning:
Arrive, exhale, and let the salt air do its thing. No matter which stretch of sand you land on- Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, or Perdido Key- your weekend of sun and slow-down starts now.

If you roll in before check-in, grab a late breakfast or brunch at Brick & Spoon in Orange Beach. Their Banana’s in Pajamas French toast and build-your-own Bloody Mary bar are how you say “we’ve arrived” without saying a word.

Afternoon:
Time to get those toes in the sand. Head to Gulf Shores Public Beach for easy access and people-watching or slip away to the quiet stretches of Fort Morgan if you’re craving a slower pace. Perdido Key’s Johnson Beach is another hidden gem- less crowded, more relaxing, and every bit as stunning.

Bring the boogie boards, beach reads, and plenty of SPF. This afternoon is all about floating, napping, and not checking your email.

Evening:
Ease into the evening with dinner at The Gulf in Orange Beach- an open-air, waterfront spot made from shipping containers that somehow feels both fancy and flip-flop friendly. Treat yourself to some tacos, sip a local craft brew, and enjoy the breeze as the sun sinks into the horizon.

After dinner, wander over to The Wharf. Let the kids ride the Ferris wheel or pop into shops for souvenirs (hellooo, fudge samples!). If you’re lucky, there may be live music or a light show to end the night just right.

Day 2: Explore Like a Local

Morning:
Start the day with a jolt of java and a biscuit that tastes like home at Foam Coffee in Gulf Shores. Next, lace up for a dose of nature at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge– a peaceful haven with shaded trails, birdwatching, and the kind of quiet that makes you whisper even when you don’t need to.

Looking for something stroller or scooter friendly? Head to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Orange Beach. You might spot a gator, armadillo, or even a friendly deer or two.

Afternoon:

Refuel with a no-fuss, all-flavor lunch at Doc’s Seafood. The shrimp po’boys are legendary, and the gumbo is the kind of good that speaks for itself.

Let the next adventure drift in- literally. Book a dolphin cruise or rent kayaks for a scenic float. Want something totally unique? Try a Cruisin’ Tikis tour- a floating tiki bar that lets you sip and sightsee all at once.

Evening:
If you’re in the mood for something casual but crave-worthy, head to The Angry Crab Shack in Orange Beach for a laid-back seafood boil experience that’s messy in all the best ways. Prefer something a little more polished, but without the fuss? Try CoastAL Orange Beach, a breezy waterfront spot with a full Gulf view, fresh oysters, and vacation-worthy cocktails that pair perfectly with a sunset.

End the night with a moonlit beach walk, some flashlight crab-spotting with the kids, or a cozy nightcap on the porch of your BEACHBALL rental.

Day 3: One Last Hurrah

Morning:
Sleep in just a little, then treat yourself to donuts from Lickin’ Good Donuts in Gulf Shores (pro tip: get extra for the ride home and don’t skip the maple bacon one). Pick up a coffee and take one last sunrise stroll, collect seashells, snap a few pics, and let the breeze sink in.

Midday:
Before you head out, squeeze in one last memory with a quick local adventure.
If you’re traveling with kids (or just love animals), the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great stop. It’s small enough to explore in an hour or two but full of charm- think giraffes, sloths, kangaroos, and even the chance to book an up-close animal encounter if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

Prefer a quiet, nature-filled moment before the drive? Take a peaceful walk along the Jeff Friend Trail at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. This one-mile loop is easy, stroller-friendly, and offers beautiful views of Little Lagoon. It’s a perfect way to soak in the stillness before jumping back into the real world.

Need lunch before the ride home?
Stop by Lambert’s Café in Foley- the home of the “throwed rolls.” It’s a fun, family-friendly spot with hearty portions, Southern classics, and a little entertainment on the side (yes, they really do toss the rolls to your table).

Growing up, we never left a beach trip without a stop at Lambert’s (it was practically a family tradition). I still remember trying to catch a roll without it hitting the floor (or your face). It’s the kind of place that makes a meal feel more like a memory- one that sticks with you in the best way.

Seas the Memories

Whether you’re sneaking in one last summer hurrah or planning a chill weekend to break up the back-to-school bustle, the Gulf Coast knows how to serve up sunshine, seafood, and Southern charm in just the right doses.

No stress. No rushing. Just waves, wonder, and a whole lot of sunshine tucked into every hour.

And when you’re ready to book the perfect place to rest your sandy feet, BEACHBALL PROPERTIES has you covered. From cozy condos in Gulf Shores to beachfront retreats in Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and Perdido Key, there’s a dreamy coastal spot waiting just for you.

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson