A short trips to Alabama's Gulf Coast is within easy reach of anyone who has access to major airline flights, thanks to the nearby Mobile airport. Tourist attractions in and around the resort community provides days of entertainment. Lodging is plentiful and priced appealingly, thanks to the many beach houses in Gulf Shores. If you want to reserve your travel dollars for the best vacation stay, vacation rental houses offer an economical alternative to luxury hotels.

You should plan to pick the right lodging before going to the community for the first time. By searching online, you will find many properties that are suitable for a weekend stay or for longer periods. The properties will have detailed descriptions, including prices, locations, included amenities and available dates. The advertisements may even include pictures. You should plan to telephone ahead to make your reservations. This is a good idea, especially if you plan to visit on a holiday weekend.

If you arrive on Friday afternoon rather than waiting until further into the weekend, you will maximize your time spent in enjoying the activities. Looking ahead, you get a sense of anticipation before you even arrive at your lodgings. The resort is physically attractive so you are sure to find appropriate and appealing housing near the beach.

Advance reservations for the better restaurants are suggested so that you aren't subject to long waits at the more popular eating establishments. Space at dinner theaters may be limited during certain times, so plan ahead for this activity too. There are many food choices, as well as activities related to foods. Schedule your visit to coincide with a shrimp festival, sausage fest or seafood feast.

Attractions to be found in the area include those associated with nature, such as the fishing charters on the waters of the Gulf. Helicopter trips take you out over the Gulf of Mexico. Walking on the miles of beaches is good exercise and relaxing to the spirit as well. The beaches are gently sloping and composed of snow-white quartz sand. If you prefer, you can just enjoy the sunshine and the sound of waves against the sand.

Many family visits to the area include some time spent at the local zoo. Children will enjoy a petting zoo as well as animal educational shows and features. The private zoo is popular with the community and with visitors alike. Around three hundred creatures call the zoo home, including some that are on the endangered species lists.

If you can identify your preferred entertainment mode, chances are good you will find it available in or near the Gulf community. Eat at the food festivals, take a ride in a hot air balloon. Browse paintings at the art festivals. Sway along with country music stars at a local festival. Spend the day with special event activities and dance the night away.

Major attractions in Alabama have great appeal for vacationers. By choosing beach houses in Gulf Shores, you have a larger travel budget to spend on entertainment during your stay. Active and passive entertainment venues give you variety and a guarantee of a change of pace while you visit here. Even though a vacation is never long enough, you can make the most of every moment along the Gulf