Alabama Gulf Coast (Gulf Shores & Dauphin Island) 7-Day Trip Itinerary

Fly from Phoenix to Pensacola

Catch an early flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Pensacola International Airport (PNS).

Pick Up Rental Car & Drive to Gulf Shores

Pick up your pre-booked rental car at PNS and drive south to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

This drive offers scenic views as you approach the coast.

Check into Accommodation

Check into your budget-friendly accommodation in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.

Look for motels, vacation rentals slightly off the immediate beachfront for better value.

Booking an Airbnb or motel with a kitchenette can help save on food costs.

Relax at Gulf Shores Public Beach

Unwind on the white sands of Gulf Shores Public Beach.

Enjoy the ocean breeze and catch a beautiful Gulf Coast sunset.

Free activity. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and water. Public restrooms are available.

Affordable Seafood Dinner

Enjoy a casual, budget-friendly seafood dinner at a local favorite known for good value.

The Original Oyster House offers happy hour deals on oysters and drinks.

Look for early bird specials or happy hour menus for best value.

Local Breakfast Cafe

Start your day with an affordable breakfast at a local cafe known for its casual atmosphere and good value.

Explore Gulf State Park & Pier

Visit Gulf State Park.

Walk the scenic trails, enjoy the quiet beaches, and stroll along the Gulf State Park Pier, the longest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico (small fee for pier access).

Pier entry fee is minimal for walkers. The park also has free trails for biking or walking. Keep an eye out for local wildlife.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail Walk

Enjoy a free walk or bike ride on a segment of the Hugh S.

Branyon Backcountry Trail, offering a different perspective of the coastal ecosystem.

Free activity. Well-maintained trails, look for alligators and diverse birdlife.

Picnic Lunch on the Beach

Grab some affordable groceries from a local supermarket (e.

g., Publix, Walmart) and enjoy a picnic lunch directly on the beach.

A great way to save money and enjoy the scenery.

Relax on Orange Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, or reading on the less crowded stretches of Orange Beach.

Free activity. Enjoy the tranquility of the coastline.

Casual Dinner & Live Music

Find an affordable, casual dinner spot or a local food truck for dinner.

Many restaurants in the area offer live music in the evenings.

Check local listings for food truck locations or happy hour deals.

Breakfast at Accommodation

Prepare a simple breakfast at your accommodation to save money and enjoy a leisurely start to your day.

Visit a Local Seafood Market

Browse a local seafood market in Orange Beach (e.

g., Rouses Market, Blalock Seafood & Specialty Market) for fresh Gulf catch. Even if not cooking, it's a great local experience.

Great for seeing local fishermen's hauls and potentially picking up ingredients for a meal later in the trip.

Affordable Dolphin Cruise

Embark on an affordable dolphin-watching cruise.

Many local operators offer shorter, budget-friendly tours to see playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

Book online in advance for potential discounts. Wear sunscreen and a hat.

Budget-Friendly Tacos or Burger Lunch

Grab a quick and affordable lunch at a casual spot known for good tacos or burgers.

Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach

Visit the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach.

Explore the galleries and studios, watch artists at work, and enjoy the waterfront setting. Entry is free.

Free activity. Offers unique souvenirs if you're looking for gifts.

Happy Hour Dinner Deals

Take advantage of happy hour specials at a waterfront restaurant for an early and affordable dinner.

Many places offer discounted appetizers and drinks.

Research happy hour times and menus beforehand. Consider places like Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina for a nice setting at a lower price point during happy hour.

Quick Breakfast & Check Out

Grab a quick and inexpensive breakfast (e.

g., coffee and pastry) and check out of your Gulf Shores accommodation.

Scenic Drive to Dauphin Island

Embark on a scenic drive from Gulf Shores to Dauphin Island.

For affordability, drive around Mobile Bay instead of taking the Fort Morgan ferry. This route takes you through Mobile before heading south to Dauphin Island.

Taking the Mobile Bay Ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island is faster and scenic, but costs about USD 20-30 for a car and driver. Driving around is free but adds time.

Check into Dauphin Island Accommodation

Arrive on Dauphin Island and check into your budget-friendly accommodation.

Dauphin Island typically offers more modest, older motels and vacation rentals, which can be very affordable.

Accommodation here can be more rustic and laid-back than in Gulf Shores, fitting the authentic island vibe.

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local Dauphin Island eatery, savoring fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Lighthouse Bakery is a great option for sandwiches and pastries.

Relax at West End Public Beach

Head to the West End Public Beach, known for its quieter, more natural feel.

It's a fantastic spot for beachcombing, swimming, or simply unwinding.

Free activity. Offers beautiful views, especially at sunset. Be aware of tidal pools and shell collecting opportunities.

Dinner at a Casual Island Spot

Dine at a no-frills local restaurant, experiencing the authentic culinary charm of Dauphin Island.

Grab-and-Go Breakfast

Pick up an affordable breakfast at a local deli or grocery store to enjoy on the go.

Explore Historic Fort Gaines

Visit Historic Fort Gaines, a well-preserved Civil War-era fort at the eastern tip of the island.

Explore its grounds, cannons, and enjoy panoramic views of Mobile Bay and the Gulf.

Entry fee is reasonable. A fascinating historical site with great photo opportunities.

Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary

Walk through the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary, a haven for migratory birds.

This free activity offers beautiful trails and excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Free activity. Bring binoculars if you enjoy birding. It's a globally important bird area.

Picnic Lunch on the Beach

Prepare a packed lunch (bought from a local grocery store) and enjoy it at one of Dauphin Island's quiet, unspoiled beaches.

Saves money and offers unparalleled views. Ideal for a relaxed meal.

Beachcombing and Relaxation

Spend the afternoon beachcombing for shells and sea glass, swimming, or simply relaxing on the less crowded shores of Dauphin Island.

Free activity. The island's beaches are known for great shelling after storms.

Cook Dinner at Accommodation

Utilize your accommodation's kitchenette (if available) to prepare a simple, fresh seafood dinner using ingredients from a local market or grocery store.

This is a great way to enjoy fresh local seafood economically.

Breakfast at an Island Diner

Enjoy a hearty, affordable breakfast at a classic Dauphin Island diner.

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium

Visit the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium to learn about the diverse marine life and ecosystems of the Mobile Bay estuary and the Gulf of Mexico.

It's an educational and engaging experience.

Admission fee is moderate and supports marine research and education.

View the Dauphin Island Lighthouse Replica

Drive or walk to the historic site where the original Dauphin Island Lighthouse once stood.

A replica offers scenic views of the bay and provides a great photo opportunity.

Free activity. Offers a glimpse into maritime history.

Casual Lunch on the Island

Grab a light and affordable lunch at a casual eatery or sandwich shop on Dauphin Island.

Last Beach Time or Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy a final afternoon relaxing on the beach, or spend some time browsing the small, local shops for unique Dauphin Island souvenirs.

Consider picking up some local crafts or art from island shops.

Farewell Dauphin Island Dinner

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a beloved local Dauphin Island restaurant, focusing on fresh, regional cuisine.

Leisurely Breakfast & Check Out

Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast on Dauphin Island, perhaps at your accommodation, and then check out.

Last Beach Stroll or Souvenir Stop

Take one last stroll on the beach, soak in the island atmosphere, or make a final stop at a souvenir shop.

A perfect way to say goodbye to the Gulf Coast.

Drive to Pensacola International Airport (PNS)

Begin your drive from Dauphin Island back to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to return your rental car.

Return Rental Car

Return your rental car at Pensacola International Airport.

Depart from Pensacola to Phoenix

Check in for your flight from Pensacola (PNS) back to Phoenix (PHX), concluding your affordable Gulf Coast adventure.