8 Things I’d Tell a Des Moines Parent Before Their First Trip to Gulf Shores

** This post was sponsored by Alabama’s Beaches and Gulf Shores. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you’re a Des Moines parent thinking about a trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, you probably have some questions. How hard is it to get there? Is it worth renting bikes? Do we need to plan something every day? And, most importantly, is it really a good family vacation? After spending time exploring Alabama’s Beaches, there are definitely a few things I would tell another Iowa family before their first trip.

This isn’t another giant list of everything you can possibly do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. I’ve shared plenty of those ideas before. Instead, consider this the conversation we’d have over coffee before your trip—the little things I’d want you to know, what surprised me, and what I’d make time for again.

Check out these other great posts to help plan your trip to Gulf Shores:

1. Getting to Gulf Shores from Des Moines Is Easier Than You Think

This was probably one of my biggest surprises.

When we think “beach vacation” from Iowa, we often immediately think about a long travel day. But Allegiant offers nonstop flights from Des Moines to Gulf Shores International Airport, which makes getting to Alabama’s Beaches incredibly convenient.

You can leave Des Moines in the morning and potentially be soaking up that Gulf air by lunchtime. For families, that matters. Fewer connections, less airport time, and more vacation time. Gulf Shores suddenly feels much more doable for a long weekend or shorter getaway instead of a destination that requires an entire week.

Pro Tip: Check the flight schedule before choosing your vacation dates. Because nonstop routes may not operate every day, I would start with the flights and build the trip around them.

2. Don’t Schedule Every Minute

I love finding hidden gems and unique things to do when we travel. It is literally part of my job, but Gulf Shores reminded me that sometimes the best part of a family vacation is having nowhere you need to be.

Leave room for the beach. Leave room for the kids to swim longer than expected. Leave room for everyone to get hungry at a weird time, grab something to eat and decide what sounds good next.

There are plenty of things to see and do around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, but you don’t have to experience all of them on your first visit. Pick a few must-dos and give yourself permission to leave the rest for next time.

3. Make Time to Explore Away From the Beach

Yes, you’re going to Gulf Shores for those beautiful white-sand beaches. But one of my biggest pieces of advice is to actually leave the beach. There is another side to this destination that I think families can easily miss.

Explore the trails. Look for wildlife. Get out on the water. Visit local businesses. Wander somewhere you didn’t have on your original itinerary. Some of my favorite travel memories almost always happen when we get away from the obvious attraction, and Gulf Shores is no different.

4. Rent the Bikes

If your family enjoys biking, put this one high on your list.

Biking gives you a completely different perspective of the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. Instead of hopping in the car and driving from attraction to attraction, you can slow down and actually notice where you are.

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system is an especially fun way to explore the area’s natural side. You may spot wildlife (hello alligator!), discover places you would have driven right past, and give everyone a chance to burn off some energy.

Pro Tip: Don’t try to cover every mile. Choose a section, take your time, and make the ride part of the experience.

5. Don’t Treat the Beach Like an Activity You Have to Check Off

This one sounds silly, but hear me out.

When you are someone who likes to explore, it can be tempting to think, “Okay, we did the beach. What’s next?”

Don’t. Some mornings should start with absolutely no plan beyond walking down to the sand. Let the kids dig. Look for shells. Put your feet in the water. Take the pictures. Then put the phone away. Come back later for sunset.

The beach isn’t one item on your Gulf Shores itinerary. It is part of the rhythm of the entire trip.

6. Pack Less, but Bring a Few Things That Make Beach Days Easier

You probably don’t need as much as you think you do.

For the most part, Gulf Shores is a casual destination. Swimsuits, comfortable clothes, sandals, and something to throw on for dinner will get you pretty far. There are a few things I appreciate having on a beach trip: a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a small beach bag, sunglasses, a hat, something for wet swimsuits, and a lightweight layer for cooler evenings or aggressive air conditioning.

If you’re flying, check what your accommodations already provide before hauling a bunch of beach gear from Iowa. You may be able to rent or buy what you need when you arrive.

Use code DESMOINESPARENT for 10% off a stay with no blackout dates!

7. Eat the Seafood

I know. Groundbreaking advice for a trip to the Gulf.

But food is part of the experience here, so don’t fall into the trap of eating only at the quickest or most familiar places because you’re traveling with kids. Try the seafood. Find a waterfront patio. Order something you’ve never had. Let the kids try a bite. Get dessert.

One of my favorite ways to introduce kids to a destination is through food. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Sometimes the casual local place everyone talks about ends up being one of the most memorable stops of the entire trip.

Pro Tip (Parents): Find yourself a good drink, sit outside, and enjoy the fact that you’re not cooking dinner.

8. Let Your Kids Help Decide What You Do

You don’t need to hand over the entire itinerary, but give everyone a choice.

Maybe each family member picks one thing they really want to do. One person chooses the restaurant. Another chooses an adventure. Someone else declares that their only vacation goal is to spend an entire afternoon in the pool.

Travel gets a lot more fun when everyone feels like the trip belongs to them, too. Sometimes your kids will choose the thing you would have skipped, and it becomes everyone’s favorite memory.

Ready to Plan Your First Gulf Shores Family Vacation?

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer that combination I always look for when recommending a destination to Des Moines Parent families: it’s easy enough to get to, there’s plenty for families to experience, and you don’t need to have every minute scheduled to have a great trip.

Whether your perfect day includes bikes and trails, an adventure on the water, fresh seafood, or absolutely nothing beyond finding a spot in the sand, Alabama’s Beaches give you plenty of ways to create a trip that feels like your family.