School’s out, the sun’s up, and the Gulf Coast is coming in hot with brand-new places to eat, sip, shop, and soak it all in. Whether you’re all about cocktails by the marina, glamping under the stars, or scoring a picture-perfect beach picnic, this summer is full of fresh reasons to fall in love with our stretch of paradise all over again.

If you’re a longtime Beachballer or visiting our sandy shores for the first time, here’s your guide to what’s new, fun, and worth discovering on the coast this summer.

Good Eats & Sips Worth the Drive

Shipp’s Dockside Grill – Orange Beach
After a stretch away, Shipp’s Dockside Grill is back and better than ever- now in the former Fisher’s location at the Orange Beach Marina. Downstairs offers a casual, come-as-you-are vibe with sushi, sandwiches, and waterfront views. Upstairs you’ll find a more refined experience with an elevated coastal menu, craft cocktails, and the kind of ambiance that’ll have you lingering long past dessert. Locals are already raving about their weekend brunch, so go ahead and add it to your must-do list!

Barometer Waterfront Grille – Orange Beach
Brand new and already making waves, Barometer is your next go-to for cocktails and coastal eats. Located at Sportsman’s Marina, the menu is packed with fresh Gulf seafood, hearty sandwiches, and brunch plates worth waking up early for (even on vacation!). The vibe? Laid-back but polished– a sweet spot for date night or group hangs.

Fruitful – Gulf Shores
Healthy never looked so good. Fruitful is a bright new smoothie and juice bar located right next door to A Specialty Bakery in Gulf Shores- but thanks to a connecting interior door, you can easily hop between the two. Fun fact: Fruitful was opened by the granddaughter of the bakery’s owner, making it a true family-run gem. They’re serving up colorful açaí bowls, fresh-squeezed juices, and smoothies that’ll make you feel downright virtuous. Whether you’re cooling off post-beach or looking for a quick, energizing breakfast before your kayak tour, this spot is sweet, sunny, and oh-so-sippable.

New Ways to Shop, Swing, and Unwind

Gulf Babe Wine Boutique – Orange Beach
Located at The Wharf, Gulf Babe is part wine bar, part boutique, and completely fabulous. Sip on curated wines by the glass or bottle while browsing beach-chic finds like glassware, hostess gifts, and cheeky merch. It’s classy with just the right amount of sass– perfect for a girls’ night or a post-dinner wind-down.

Timberline Glamping – Orange Beach
For those who love nature but also love a good air mattress and soft fairy lights, Timberline Glamping is your happy place. Located within Gulf State Park, this new glamping experience offers luxury tents with cozy beds, A/C, fire pits, and stylish rustic charm. It’s camping… but make it cute.

Tee Off at The Wharf – Orange Beach
Fore-get everything you thought you knew about family fun. Tee Off brings Topgolf Swing Suite action to the coast with indoor golf simulators, virtual sports games, a full bar, and tasty bites. Whether it’s date night, Dad vs. the teens, or just a break from the heat, this place is a hole-in-one.

Beachside Blankets – Serving Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
This is Southern hospitality on a blanket. Beachside Blankets sets up the dreamiest beach picnics you ever did see- complete with coastal décor, twinkle lights, plush seating, and even charcuterie boards. Whether it’s a surprise proposal or just a Tuesday night with your besties, they’ll make you feel like coastal royalty.

Stay With Beachball Properties

There you have it- a fresh crop of fun spots and tasty treats that are making the Gulf Coast even sweeter this summer. Whether you’re picnicking under the stars, glamping in Gulf State Park, or sipping wine at The Wharf, you’re gonna want a cozy place to hang your sunhat.

That’s where BEACHBALL PROPERTIES comes in. We’ve got the condos, cottages, and coastal homes to make your summer vacation feel just right- no matter if you’re traveling solo, with the whole fam, or your favorite gal pals.

Come see what’s new, stay a while, and soak up all that sweet Southern sunshine. We’ll have your beach chair waiting and the breeze rollin’ in.

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson