Ah, Memorial Day – a perfect excuse to get together with friends and act like you’re back in college. Gulf Shores makes for a great escape over that holiday weekend with a nice, clean beach and relaxed atmosphere. We recommend it for anyone looking to get away from the city.
Where to Eat
- Janino’s Pizza: Despite what The Good Place may say, we love Hawaiian pizza. After looking at the Janino’s menu, we convinced our group that fruit on pizza is a perfectly nutritious post-beach meal. Expectations weren’t the highest for Alabama pizza in a touristy spot, but Janino’s was a pleasant surprise. It is conveniently located on the main strip, and the pies were large enough to supply leftovers for the rest of our weekend.
- Flip Flop Deli Shop: After searching for an ice cream shop that didn’t have a line running 50 people deep, we stumbled upon Flip Flop Deli Shop. The service was…iffy. They did not appreciate us asking if they had unadvertised flavors, but we maintain it was worth a shot since chocolate chip cookie dough wasn’t on the menu. In general, Flip Flop is a cute little family-owned shop that offers a reprieve from the beach crowds and heat in the middle of the day.
Things to Do
- The Hangout: We flubbed and went to The Hangout later in the evening. It didn’t take long to realize the spot is more of a day bar, but they do have some live music and entertainment at night. Be warned that the majority of the crowd is younger, and the place can get deserted after 11 PM when everyone under 21 gets kicked out. Save yourself the trouble of ordering cocktails here – it’s not worth it unless you really enjoy the taste of cough syrup. Instead, stick to beer or stop by during the day in between drinks to enjoy the atmosphere.
- The Beach: The entire reason to go to Gulf Shores (excluding Hangout Music Festival). Does the beach offer plenty of room for activities? Yes. Does your hand disappear once it’s six inches underwater? Yes. This is the Gulf of Mexico. Align your expectations accordingly. The water is great for cooling off, but the big draw is the long, wide stretch of soft sand that is perfect for drinking, sports, and relaxing.
Where to Stay
- Downtown Gulf Shores: The place to be. With a variety of restaurants and bars within walking distance, the many condos and rental homes along the main strip of beach are prime real estate. It can be a bit more expensive to stay in this area, but if you want to take advantage of the local offerings, then it is well worth the price.
- On a Resort: Our first Memorial Day in Gulf Shores, we stayed at a resort that was a 10-15 minute drive outside of downtown. The facilities were nice enough, and it is always good having a pool. We were a bit surprised to find that the beach was just as crowded as the main strip, though. You may be able to save a bit by sacrificing location and staying further from the action, but be prepared to pay the difference in ride shares if you want to go out at night.
Happy traveling!
Kitrina & Jordan
