There are family vacations, and then there are family vacations where a beach house or a big condo is the show’s star. These are the getaways where cousins become co-conspirators, grandparents sneak extra dessert (for the kids, of course), and someone’s always yelling “Y’all come eat!” from the porch or balcony.
If you’re thinking of planning a multi-gen escape or a multi-family getaway with your best friends and their chaos crew, there’s no better place to do it than Alabama’s Beaches. With sprawling vacation rentals, white sand for days, and enough activities to please toddlers and teenagers, this amazing slice of the Gulf Coast is built for memory-making at scale.
Here’s how to plan a trip that’s equal parts epic and easy.
Step 1: Lock In Your Dream Place to Stay
Think more bedrooms than you need. Trust us. Someone’s kid will “suddenly need their own room,” Uncle Mike snores, and your sister’s dog (yes, some beach houses and condos are pet-friendly!) needs space to stretch. The good news? Plenty of vacation rentals fit the whole crew and still give you 5 minutes of morning peace with coffee and a Gulf view.
Look for features such as:
● A pool (a kid magnet)
● Grills and outdoor dining space
● Bunk rooms for the littles
● Elevators for guests who need them
● Proximity to the beach (short walks = less whining)
Step 2: Feed ’Em Without the Fuss
Feeding a group on vacation can feel like running a short-order kitchen, but it doesn’t have to. Here’s the strategy:
● One big grocery run: Stock up at a local market, then assign “theme nights” (Taco Tuesday, Shrimp Boil Sunday, Breakfast-for-Dinner Thursday).
● Takeout rotation: Let the local pros do the work with family-sized meals from places like Lartigue’s for fresh seafood or King Neptune’s for casual eats. And yes, pizza delivery is always an option, with several local choices.
● For bigger groups, try heading out for lunch or an early dinner to avoid the rush. Places like LuLu’s or Tacky Jack’s, which have locations in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan are great picks with plenty of space and flavor to spare.
● A night out: Book a group-friendly spot like The Hangout (bonus: they expect the chaos and cater to it beautifully).
Pro tip: Put the teens in charge of dessert—Sweet Cone Alabama or City Donut (get extra for tomorrow’s breakfast!) should do the trick.
If you’re thinking of planning a multi-gen escape or a multi-family getaway with your best friends and their chaos crew, there’s no better place to do it than Alabama’s Beaches.
Step 3: Plan (Just Enough) Fun
You don’t need a jam-packed schedule—the beach is the star. But a few planned group activities will help structure the day and keep boredom at bay (especially for the TikTok generation).
Here are a few all-ages crowd-pleasers:
● Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: Animal encounters that’ll win over toddlers and grandpa.
● Dolphin cruises: Everyone loves them. OK, maybe not if you easily get motion sickness.
● Mini golf & go-karts at The Track: You’ll find out quickly who’s competitive in your crew.
● Kayak or paddleboard rentals from local outfitters: Great for the active folks who “can’t sit still all week.” Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports has other aquatic options, too, for those who may not want that much physical exertion. Pontoon boat, perhaps?
● Sunset group pic: Bonus points for matching shirts.
And when in doubt? Start building a sandcastle. Seriously. Kids will spend hours building a masterpiece of a sandcastle on the beach. Free entertainment!
Step 4: Build in Chill Time
Not everyone runs on the same vacation speed. While half the group might be up at 6 a.m. ready to fish, the other half is still in PJs at noon. That’s the beauty of Alabama’s Beaches—there’s space for everyone to do their thing. /span>
Let the early risers head to the pier, the kids hit the waves, and grandma settle into a beach chair with a book. Then, all meet back for lunch and bragging rights. /span>
Final Tip: Don’t Overthink It
The perfect group beach trip isn’t about military-level planning or color-coded itineraries. It’s about slow mornings, loud dinners, and laughing until your sides hurt. And maybe someone gets buried in sand. That’s practically tradition. /span>
So if you’re ready to book a beach house or big condo and make even bigger memories, Alabama’s Beaches are waiting. /span>
