White sand beaches, stellar sunsets, and sensational seafood await on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Nestled on a long narrow strip of land between Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, this beachside town is perfect for everything from snowbirding to entertaining grandkids on a multi-generational trip. It’s also home to some of the best shrimp, crab, oysters, flounder, and grouper you’ll ever eat.
We know what makes a good beach vacation rental: cleanliness, new construction or a recent remodel, a fully stocked kitchen, a washer/dryer, beach views, and a pool. So, we went ahead and scouted the beach house and condo offerings in the area for you. Here are our top picks for places to stay on your next trip to Gulf Shores.
Surf Song Beach Townhouse
Located on the beach in Fort Morgan, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhome sleeps six. Hidden away behind a dune, this peaceful oasis is a great place for those who want to get away from Gulf Shore crowds. Historic Fort Morgan State Park is within walking distance.
Four balconies all offer views of the Gulf. This unit has a washer/dryer and is close to plenty of restaurants, like Tacky Jack’s, a local favorite that is right across the street next to the marina.
Do be aware that this is a non-smoking unit — including on porches and balconies. Also, the listing notes that while internet service is provided, it is not guaranteed. Feel free to bring Fido — one dog up to 35 pounds is welcome for a fee. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent from Fort Morgan Beach Rentals.
Conch House With Pool
This three-bedroom two-and-a-half-bath house is situated just yards from the Gulf Shore’s beach and the little lagoon in a private cul-de-sac. It doesn’t have its own pool, but it does share one with the rest of the home association.
Everything you need for the beach — coolers, chairs, toys, and boogie boards — is provided. There’s also a washer/dryer and an outdoor shower. Just a short drive to shopping, restaurants, golfing, and parks, this vacation rental’s location is perfect for enjoying everything Gulf Shores has to offer.
Gulf Front Condo
Right on the beach, this two-bedroom, two-bath condo is on the seventh floor of a low-density building. Although only 920 square-foot, the condo can sleep six between the king-sized bed in the main bedroom, a queen bed in the second bedroom, and a queen sleeper sofa. Wake up to impressive ocean views. The spacious 8×20-foot balcony wraps from the main bedroom to the living room area, overlooking beautiful sandy beaches and gorgeous water. The unit also comes with a washer/dryer.
In addition to the largest heated zero-entry pool in West Beach, amenities include two kiddie pools, pergolas for shade, and charcoal grills. Onsite parking passes are available for purchase. This is a non-smoking unit.
Relax on the beach, play golf, eat at a wonderful restaurant, or enjoy water activities on the ocean at this Gulf Shores getaway. Quite a few restaurants are within walking distance, while The Hangout, a popular seafood restaurant, is just a mile away.
Seacrest Beachfront Condo
Enjoy spectacular views of the white sandy beaches from the balcony of this sixth-floor condo within the Seacrest complex. With a queen-size bed in the main bedroom, bunk bed, and a sleeper sofa in the living room, this one-bedroom unit can sleep up to four folks. Do keep in mind that this beautifully remodeled unit rents by the week (Saturday to Saturday) only.
The beachfront condo has its own washer/dryer and the complex has plenty of parking. Amenities include a Gulf-side pool with a spa, a BBQ area, and a boardwalk leading out to the beach.
Fort Morgan Beach House
Located in Fort Morgan this four-bedroom, three-bath beach house is great for a crowd. Two king-sized beds, one queen, and a bunk room can accommodate nine guests. Enjoy the sunset from one of the many decks. There is a washer and dryer as well as an outdoor shower.
Part of the Morgantown subdivision, this vacation rental includes access to two neighborhood pools and tennis courts. The boardwalk to the quiet beach is just a short walk away. There are also two golf courses nearby, Kiva Dunes and Peninsula. Snowbirds should contact the host for a discounted rate on this non-smoking property.
Sanibel Condo With Gulf View
This large condo in the popular Sanibel building on West Beach boasts awesome views of the Gulf as well as a beautiful view of the Lagoon. The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath sleeps six. The main bedroom has a king-sized bed, while the guest room has a queen-sized bed as well as a set of bunk beds for small children.
Enjoy panoramic views from the 11th floor through the 30-foot wall of glass. The unit comes with a washer/dryer and also has a rolling cooler, rolling cart, and beach toys. Amenities include a pool and kiddie pool, workout room, sauna, and fishing pier. Lagoon pass is within walking distance and there are several restaurants nearby, including The Hangout, which is just a couple of miles away. Do note that a three-night minimum stay is required in June and July.
Bel Sole Lagoon Front Condo
This corner unit condo boasts two balconies overlooking little Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico. With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, it can accommodate up to 10 guests. Featuring beautiful Gulf views, the main bedroom has a king-sized bed and ensuite bath. Also boasting views of the Gulf, the second bedroom has a queen bed and private bath. With a twin bed and bunk beds, the third bedroom is great for kids. There’s also a pull-out sofa in the living room, which boasts beautiful floor-to-ceiling views of Little Lagoon.
Located on West Beach, the Bel Sole complex is surrounded by small beach homes away from highrises and tourist congestion. This low-density complex only has three units per floor. Amenities include heated indoor and outdoor pools, a deeded boat slip, and a workout room. A private boardwalk across the street provides access to the deeded beach. Two parking passes are included with this nonsmoking unit, but if you plan on towing your toys, do be aware that no trailers are allowed on the property.
Crystal Shores Gulf Front Condo
Located on the eighth floor, this two-bed, two-bath waterfront condo is a corner unit, so the large wrap-around balcony features beautiful bay views as well as views of the Gulf. Watch dolphins and stingrays swim from this lovely perch. Let the ocean waves lull you to sleep in the main bedroom, which has king-sized bed with an ensuite bath and features access to the balcony and its panoramic gulf views. The second bedroom has a queen bed and partial bay views. The unit also comes with a washer and dryer.
Crystal Shores, the condo complex, features an indoor/outdoor heated pool with a swim-through connection, plus a hot tub, gym, and sauna. There’s also a game room with foosball, a pool table, and air hockey. Two parking passes are included with your stay. Nearby, you can find area nightlife, restaurants, shopping, golf, and fishing.
The Lighthouse Beachfront Condo
Enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf’s sandy white beaches and blue-green waters from this one-bedroom condo. Four to six guests can stay here, thanks to its bonus room with built-in twin bunk beds and a queen-sized sofa bed. Features include a jacuzzi tub as well as an in-unit washer/dryer.
The condo is located in The Lighthouse, one of the newest complexes on the Gulf Coast. Take advantage of community amenities, including two Olympic-sized zero-entry pools (complete with fountains for kiddos), an indoor heated pool, two hot tubs, outdoor grills, a gym, and a sauna.
The Lighthouse is a smoke-free facility, parking passes are $30 per car, and guests must wear wristbands in common areas.
Bay Front Cottage
Located on a quiet, wooded lot on a private road, this tiny one-bedroom cottage comes with a private pier and some of the best bay views around. Between the queen-sized bed and a full-sized sofa bed in the living room, it can sleep up to four people.
Watch the sun set over the bay from the comfort of the covered porch. Bring your cast net or rod and tell to fish off the private pier. Access to the public beach is about a mile away. Nearby, you can find several popular restaurants as well as the Kiva Dunes Golf Course.
Morgan’s Breeze Lagoon Front House With Pool
Situated on Little Lagoon just across the street from the Gulf, this luxurious house features a private pool, views of the lagoon and beach, and a private boat dock. Great for groups, this six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath home can sleep up to 16 guests. The main bedroom on the first floor has a king-sized bed, an en-suite bathroom, and views of the lagoon. The rest of the bedrooms are on the second floor, each with its own bath. Three of the bedrooms have a king-sized bed, one of which has a built-in twin bed. The two other bedrooms have two queen-sized beds in each and one of them has a built-in twin bed.
Several expansive balconies overlook the beautiful lagoon. Fish or swim off the private boat dock. Other amenities include a washer/dryer, ample parking (including several covered parking spots), an outdoor shower, and a grill. There is a minimum stay of seven nights during peak season and certain holidays.
Surf Side Shores Luxury Home With Pool
Be right by the beach in this brand-new luxury home that makes for a gorgeous getaway for the whole family. Not only is it 150 feet from the white sandy beach, but it also has its own pool! Its five bedrooms have 10 beds that can sleep up to 13 people.
One recent reviewer said it was “by far the nicest and cleanest house that we had ever rented in the Gulf Shores area.” Another commented on its “great location that isn’t in all the traffic and away from the crowds.”
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