As a family, we absolutely love Alabama’s Beaches, and one of the biggest reasons is how easy it is to get there from Northwest Arkansas. Instead of spending an entire day in the car, we can hop on the short nonstop flight (usually about 1 hour 20 minutes) from Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) to Gulf Shores International Airport and be at the beach SO quickly! Depending on where you’re staying, you’re only about 10–15 minutes from putting your toes in the sand.
If you’re looking for a beach destination that combines beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, great food, and easy travel, Alabama’s Beaches should be at the top of your list.
Where We Stayed:
Gulf Place with Lucky Bird Vacay
If you’re traveling with extended family or another family, Gulf Place is an excellent option. The property features spacious four-bedroom condos located directly on the beach, making it easy to spread out while still staying together.
One thing we especially appreciated was the rooftop pool and gathering areas. Because the building is smaller than many of the large resort complexes nearby, the common spaces never felt crowded. The location is also incredibly walkable, making it easy to access nearby restaurants, shops, and beach activities without constantly getting back in the car.
Family-Friendly Restaurants We Loved
This place is pure fun. Between the hourly foam parties, live entertainment, and even opportunities to dance on the tables, I don’t think I’ve ever laughed or smiled so much during dinner. The energy here is unmatched and it’s an experience as much as a meal.
I have been telling everyone about the Asian Ahi Tuna Nachos. They were easily one of my favorite dishes of the trip. Add in waterfront views, live music, and a constant coastal breeze, and it’s easy to see why this spot is so popular.
This was a huge hit with our kids. Enjoy watching boats go by as you eat your dinner, and definitely order the Key West Bowl with blackened fish! My oldest tackled the outdoor adventure course (must be 48 inches) and my younger two spent their time playing in the sand. They have lots of sand toys already there, as well as corn hole, volleyball, and more.
Order their huge Garbage Nachos and grab a table overlooking the water. It’s casual, fun, and exactly the kind of beach dining experience we love.
For breakfast and sweet treats, here’s a few more options:
A classic Gulf Shores experience. The retro diner atmosphere, vintage cars and all-day breakfast menu make this a great spot! I love my Eggs Benedict and you can add strawberries and cream to the kids menu waffle!
Located right on the beach, this was one of our favorite brunch spots. The views are beautiful, and they’re also open for lunch and dinner if you want to return later in the day. All the food was so good! The Giant Cinnamon Roll is very memorable!
From creative donut flavors to iced coffee, boba tea, kolaches, and croissant sandwiches, there is something for everyone here.
Be prepared for a line, but trust me—it’s worth it. We tried the Space Cowboy Banana and the Southern Nights Cheesecake, and both were incredible.
Shaved ice was the perfect way to cool off. My kids never turn down Bahama Buck’s. Of course my kids wanted the ones with gummy bears on it!
Family Activities:
Beach & Pool Days:
Some of our favorite memories were simply spending time together at the beach and pool. It’s always smart to book somewhere with a pool since the beach can be unpredictable weather wise! Before heading out each day, you can receive current beach flag conditions by texting ALBEACHES to 888777, which is a great resource for families. When you’re done with your trip, simply text “STOP”
This ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the trip. I wasn’t sure whether my younger kids would enjoy it, but even my three-year-old had a blast. We learned techniques that helped us build some pretty impressive sandcastles, and it was a fun way to spend time together on the beach. I also loved that we can now go back and do that on our own. Our instructor, Tammy, let us know that any Ace Hardware around there will sell you a 5 gallon bucket and cut the bottom out for you, which is the key!
Known as “The Little Zoo That Could,” this is a fantastic option for a rainy day or a break from the beach. For an extra $5.00, kids can even feed the giraffes, which was a highlight for ours.
Flora-Bama “BAMA BREEZE” Dolphin Cruise:
It’s always SO fun going out on the water! It’s not just the dolphins – it’s the salty air, seeing all the beautiful homes, seeing other marine life like sting rays, big fish, pelicans, and more. The dolphins are pretty great, too! ) It’s right next Flora-Bama Yacht Club too if you want to grab food after!
Why We Keep Coming Back
There are plenty of beach destinations to choose from, but Alabama’s Beaches consistently stand out for families. Everything feels thoughtfully designed with families in mind—from the attractions and restaurants to the ease of getting around.
For Northwest Arkansas families, the nonstop flight makes the trip feel surprisingly accessible, and once you’re there, you’ll find beautiful beaches, incredible food, and countless opportunities to make memories together.
If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly beach vacation, Alabama’s Beaches continue to be one of our favorite destinations.
Have you visited Gulf Shores or Orange Beach? I’d love to hear your favorite family-friendly spots in the comments!