Which is better? Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Perdido Key?

The Gulf Coast of Alabama and western Florida Panhandle are some of the most beautiful beaches in the US. Think long stretches of white sugary-sand beaches. When trying to choose between Gulf Shores vs Orange Beach or Perdido Key the kind of beach vacation that you are looking for is important. Each city has plenty of activities on the water, beautiful beaches and things to do indoors when the weather is bad. The two main cities along the Alabama Gulf Coast are Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Both cities share the same island and are separated by by the Gulf State Park. Regardless of which one you choose, you can easily travel between the two and experience activities from both. Perdido Key is just east of Orange Beach on the most western side of Florida and offers another nearby town with a fabulous beach. All three of these cities have a slightly different vibe and each has its own benefits.

Where is the Best Place to Stay? – Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Perdido Key

The most common place to stay along the Gulf Coast is in a condo. There are several local companies that rent out condos as well as national websites like VRBO. There are a few hotels as well numerous houses (if your budget is a little larger).

Gulf Shores, Alabama Places to stay

Gulf Shores has the feeling a a typical, but a little bit older, beach town. The condo’s are not usually shiny and new but generally well maintained. West Beach is two lanes and you can get a cheaper condo across the street and walk across the Highway to several of the public beach access points. The smaller complexes with pool can make some fabulous family beach memories. Gulf Shores has more options for beach front house rentals as well as lagoon front rentals if you would like calmer water.

Orange Beach, Alabama Places to Stay

Orange Beach condos are generally newer than Gulf Shores and are usually much larger complexes. Condos beach side can range from more affordable and a little older to brand new super fancy places. Places like Pheonix West and Tourquose are super high end and have higher end amenities like a lazy river and slides. The Caribe also has a lazy river and is located overlooking Robinson Island but has beach access around the corner. There are several complexes on the back bay area like Pheonix on the Bay (which also has a great lazy river). There are quieter areas as well like the back bay complex of Walker Key. Stay beachside or backbay in Orange Beach. The main road is busy and not safe to cross. The Gulf State Park also has cabins, camping and a beach front hotel.

Perdido Key Florida Places to Stay

Perdido Key is generally a quieter area. There are town houses and condos available to rent through VRBO and Airbnb. Some are on canals and have ways to bring your boat. There are also higher end complexes along the beach front. The Purple Parrot is a complex that is a little way off of the beach but has a fabulous pool. There are also older and more quiet smaller complexes and town houses on the west side of town. If you want something a little different, you can also rent a boat (Seagull Boat Rental).

Who Wins? Depends on what you want. Classic Beach – Gulf Shores, Big Condo – Orange Beach, Quiet Break – Perdido Key

Which city has the best vibe and atmosphere – Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Perdido Key?

Gulf Shores has a little bit more of a classic beach town vibe. There is a great public beach with walk-able areas nearby that make is easier to explore souvenir shops and local restaurants. In the west beach area you will find smaller condo complexes and beach houses with may sun-seekers walking back and forth to the beach. There are several public beach accesses spaced along the road. Gulf Shores is more of a classic beach vacation.

In between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the Gulf State Park with many biking, hiking and other activities. The Gulf State Park also has a hotel. This area can still be pretty crowded but will get you closer to nature

Orange Beach has much larger condo’s that line the beach front. The road is bigger and hard to cross. Everything must be reached by car. The condos are usually newer with more amenities. If you’re looking to spend a lot of your time at the pool, you like bid complexes and you don’t mind driving everywhere then you will probably like Orange Beach more.

Perdido Key is usually a quieter and less crowded area (except for the Flora-Bama). The beach areas of Johnson Beach can be a great choice for a quieter experience especially if you walk a little way. Perdido Key has an “old Florida” feel that is really enjoyable. Perdido Key is also great for boaters that want to get out on the water.

Who wins? Also depends on what you are looking for. Classic Beach – Gulf Shores, Bigger and newer – Orange Beach, Quiet and relaxed – Perdido Key

Where are the beast Beaches on the Gulf Coast – Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Perdido Key?

Gulf Coast Beaches are beautiful – you won’t go wrong with any of these cities. The sand is white and the beaches are large in most places. The color of the water can be a sparkling green and blue when the waves are calm. When there are waves the water tends to be darker. There are many great choices for beautiful beaches in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key.

Gulf Shores Beaches: The newly remodeled Gulf Shores Public Beach is the best beach to explore and stroll. There is a playground for kids, usually some pretty intense volleyball games, and several nearby walk-able restaurants and souvenir shops. The main beach (at the T) has nice public changing areas as well. There are several access points along west beach with the Pass/Lagoon area offering a no wave sandy area for kids.

Orange Beach Beaches: The Gulf State Park is a nice public access beach area with full facilities. Otherwise most of the beach in Orange Beach is lined with condos. Cotton Bayou is a nice access point. The Pass is also a popular spot but be careful of the currents.

Perdido Key Beaches: Johnson’s Beach is part of the National Seashore. There is a larger fee because it is part of the national park system (around $20) but it is included in a national parks pass.

Who wins? Gulf Shores for more access points and the remodeled public beach. Although if you want seclusion and don’t mind a large fee – Perdido Key. The State Park, Cotton Bayou and Perdido Bridge area are also good beaches in Orange Beach so it’s close.

Lifeguard stand Gulf Shores Public Beach

Which has better food and restaurants – Orange Beach, Gulf Shores or Perdido Key?

The Gulf Coast has amazing food including fabulous fresh seafood but also other great choices. Gulf Coast food has its own unique style and flavors, it’s really good.

Gulf Shores: Gulf Shores restaurants tend to have been around awhile. There is not much turn-over and most are classic seafood. The Waterway District has newer and larger choices along the canal. Places can be very busy in the summer. Some restaurants are very family friendly, some cater to tourists, and some are local favorites that stay busy throughout the year.

Orange Beach: Orange Beach has a smaller amount of restaurants that have been around a long time. Orange Beach restaurants tend to be newer and have more updated twists on local seafood options. Restaurants change more frequently and several locations seem to change every 5 years or so but generally, it’s all very good.

Perdido Key: Perdido Key does not have as many options, it’s a smaller area. However, there are enough yummy choices to keep any belly happy.

Which is better for a Families – Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Perdido Key?

All 3 cities are very family friendly and the cities advertise more toward family travel and try to limit party travel.

Gulf Shores: Gulf Shores wins points for family travel with its new playground area at the public beach as well as being walkable and having compact complexes. Most restaurants are also family friendly but can have long waits. The west beach pass on the lagoon is a wonderful beach without waves that is fun to explore with young kids.

Orange Beach: Many of the newer Orange Beach complexes are specifically adding more features for families including lazy rivers and slides. The Waterfront Park area is also really nice for a playground and to watch glass blowing. The Warf generally plans fun family friendly events as well. Restaurant waits can be long during the busy season and kids may get grumpy long before food is ordered.

Perdido Key: Being in a quieter area is nice for families and helps keep the stress lower when the kids are super active. If you have access to a boat then staying in a house with a dock is a wonderful choice for a family vacation. Fishing, crabbing and boating is a blast for active families.

Which has better things to do – Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Perdido Key?

All 3 cities have plenty of activities and fun things to do in good weather and things to do in bad weather in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are very similar in what they offer. It’s pretty easy to drive between the cities if you want to do something that’s in the other city. Perdido Key has different options. There are also many activities that are short drives from the beach that can make great day trips from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

Both cities have several mini-golf options, escape rooms, and adventure complexes with arcades and go-carts. Gulf Shores has the Track with bungee jumping and the Skycoaster. Gulf Shores also has Waterville (a waterpark and adventure park). In between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the Gulf State Park with hiking, biking, and a nature center. Orange Beach has the Warf with ferris wheel, movie theater and shopping. Orange Beach also has Waterfront Park. They both have several options for getting on the water including parasailing and jet ski rentals. Orange Beach has more charter rentals and sailing options.

Things to in Perdido Key

Perdido Key has the National Aviation Museum, Ft. Barrancus, and the lighthouse (but now you can only access them with an escort or DOD ID). There are also a couple of state parks in the area for biking and hiking. There are not as many tourist oriented activities but you can find plenty of charters and boat rentals as well. Perdido Key’s Kids Park playground is really nice.

Who wins? Gulf Shores and Orange Beach tie this one.

Which City has the Best Water and Boating Activities – Orange Beach, Perdido Key or Gulf Shores?

The beaches of the Gulf Coast are very similar Gulf Shores to Perdido Key but the back bay water areas are different. If you’re into boating and exploring by water then Orange Beach and Perdido Key are likely better choices. Gulf Shores has the lagoon which is a lot of fun for shallow boats like wave runners, jet skies, kayaks or paddle boards but it only works for smaller boats. Orange Beach has larger bays with many options to explore including several restaurants and bars with docks. Orange Beach also has the popular Robinson Island. Perdido Key has some of my favorite areas to drop anchor but it can take some time getting from place to place, it’s more of a destination and not a drive by.

The winner? Quick trips – Orange Beach. Got some time – Perdido Key.

Which has the best nightlife – Perdido Key, Orange Beach vs Gulf Shores

All 3 cities focus more on family travel but there are still fun options for nightlife. Most nightlife options tend to be restaurants that bring out some music and open a bar at the end of the night.

Gulf Shores: Most of the nightlife in Gulf Shores is a combination of restaurants turned bars. The Hang-out is a popular choice for tourists. It leans more family friendly but can have music until 11pm. Lulu’s is similar. Pink Pony is open later and there are several other smaller places that stay open later.

Orange Beach: Besides a small portion of the Flora-Bama being on Orange Beach soil there are a few other places to go for a late night. Live Bait can be a lot of fun or it can be too loud rap music. There are a few smaller bars that keep live music until later at night as well.

Perdido Key: The Flora-Bama straddles the border so Orange Beach and Perdido Key both get to claim the world famous bar. The Flora-Bama is definitely a must stop for anyone that would like to try out deep south nightlife. Perdido Key also has Hub Stacy’s at the point for a more low key experience for late dinner and drinks.

Who Wins? Orange Beach wins this one just for having more choices all 3 cities have some choices.

…. After some very odd restrictions about ride sharing, both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach now allow Uber and Lyft services

Who has the worst traffic – Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Perdido Key?

Traffic may not seem like that big of a deal when planning a vacation but traffic along the Gulf Coast can be awful especially during the summer. The cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are not very pedestrian friendly or bike friendly getting from condos to restaurants so expect to drive most places. There is not a good public transportation system so everyone tends to be on the road at the same time.

The worst traffic is at check-in and check-out time. Locals commonly will plan their week to avoid being on the road at these times. Going south Friday night or Saturday before and around noon is awful. Leaving town Sunday is bad too. Traffic will collect on highway 59 and the Beach Express. The worst traffic spot is south of the Beach Express Toll Bridge and turning East on the Canal Road. Just plan to sit.

Gulf Shores has walkable areas and Perdido Key has much less traffic. Traffic patterns in these 2 cities make sense.

Orange Beach has confusing traffic patterns and is awful for pedestrians. The state recently spent a lot of money “upgrading” the beach road to increase traffic flow. Now what happens is all traffic must drive past the intended turning points then everyone does a U-turn and starts going back the other way to get to the places that were passed. Larger trucks and people towing boats have a hard time with the turn. Locals tend to know ways to avoid these intersections but tourists just get very confused. They tend to be looking out the window wondering why they are passing the store they want to go to and either just hit the car in front when traffic stops or get really panicked at the group U-turn.

Being a pedestrian in Orange Beach can be really dangerous. Do not plan to cross the beach road. It is not safe. There is one safe pedestrian overpass at the state park but that’s it. There are crosswalks integrated with the crazy U-turn system but I wouldn’t cross there. Generally tourists end up in a dangerous game of frogger. The most dangerous spot seems to be from Live Bait to the condos across the street. It’s not well lit. It would be safer to get a cab or hitchhike across. There seems to be a fatal accident in the area about every other year with injuries being even more common. Even in back bay areas of Orange Beach it can be dangerous to cross the road – especially crossing 161.

The bike and pedestrian lanes in Orange Beach are also a problem. They are very near the road without a divider to keep the lost tourist in the huge SUV from drifting over. Running on the beach or biking in the state park areas is a much better option – but you’ll probably have to drive to get there. We’ve personally witnessed people getting clipped (even during a planned triathalon)

Who loses? Definitely Orange Beach