Travel Tips for Flying to Orange Beach

I’m a land-locked beach lover stuck in Ohio – so every chance I get – I run to the airport and make the quick flight path to Pensacola, Florida. All to get to my favorite destination: Orange Beach, Alabama. Why? Because I’m two steps from the beach at my favorite spot – Turquoise Place!

Here are a few travel tips:

Turquoise Place in Orange Beach

Why Turquoise Place?

I’m currently planning my next trip – this time with my BFF – and we looked at other destinations – but I knew – I wanted to come back to Orange Beach and Turquoise Place!

Everything I love is in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! The food, the drinks, the fun – I have all my favorite places I can’t wait to go back to!

There’s always something new!

Every visit, I’ve found someplace new to visit! I discovered the Pink Pony Pub on my last visit – um – yes please! #beachdrinks

Outdoor Pools at Turquoise Place Orange Beach Alabama

Turquoise Place is perfection!

These condos are really a destination in themselves. The beach is right there. There are great places to eat, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, gym, and more – plus the condos are incredible. The view – the hot tub – it’s just amazing! A quick trip to the grocery and you’re set for the week! And, if you use The Beach Moms exclusive concierge package for Spectrum Resorts guests, then you don’t even have to go to the store.

Another plus? If you do feel the need to venture out – you’re a quick Uber ride from all the best restaurants and attractions.

How do I Get to Orange Beach?

For me – It’s all about “de plane de plane!” I’m not a fan of driving more than 3-4 hours and, unfortunately, that will not get me to a beach! So, I fly! For me, it’s easiest to fly into Pensacola. They have a good selection of affordable flights and they’re always on-time (knock on wood). There’s no direct flights from Cincinnati – but other cities are lucky enough to have direct flights.

While I can’t go direct – it’s typically a quick layover and if I leave in the morning – I’m toes in the sand that afternoon! THAT is a vacation win!

How do I get around Orange Beach?

Rental Car
When I’m going on my own or like this upcoming BFF trip – I’ll rent a car. I have so many favorite restaurants and activities I want to do – a rental car makes it super easy. Plus – my BFF is flying in from Iowa – so we’re timing the flights so we can meet up in Pensacola and jump in the rental car together! GIRLS TRIP!

Uber
Other visits, I meet up with my friend that lives a few hours away – so she drives in. For those trips, I grab an Uber from the Pensacola International Airport to Turquoise Place. It’s a relaxing ride and I chat up with my driver to find a new place that is a must-stop place!

Plus, if you’re mainly just hanging at out at the resort you can always find an Uber to head to the fun can’t-miss adventures like the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or one of the dolphin cruises.

All in all, traveling to Orange Beach by air is easy and Turquoise Place always helps me make sure that I have sand between my toes as quickly as possible! (Don’t forget to reserve those beach chairs!)

Heather Johnson

Heather Johnson is the voice behind Food Hussy, a food and travel blog since 2008. Heather shares about her travels, great eats and copycat recipes from the destinations she visits on her website. Follow Heather’s travels on her website and social media.

9 Best Orange Beach Memorial Day Weekend Events

Memorial Day weekend kicks off the unofficial summer season, and Orange Beach is packed with great, family activities. Read on for Orange Beach Memorial Day weekend events and activities that offer something for everyone in the family.

 

Orange Beach Memorial Day Weekend Events

 

42nd 2019 MBGFC Memorial Day Tournament

May 23-27

J&M Tackle, 25125 Canal Road, Orange Beach

Boats will vie for $1 million in prizes during the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s annual Orange Beach Memorial Day weekend tournament. The J&M Tackle Weigh Dock at Perdido Pass is open from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Head down to see the big fish these anglers reel in.

 

The Wharf Ferris Wheel

Pepsi Beach Ball Drop

May 24

The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach

251-224-1000

This family-friendly celebration boasts face painting, a bouncy house, surf rides, rock climbing wall and more. At 6:45 p.m., watch 5,000 beach balls fall from the sky, some marked and redeemable for prizes. Stick around for fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Admission is free, though some activities have a fee.

 

Thomas Rhett in Concert

May 25-26

The Wharf Amphitheatre, Orange Beach

800-745-3000

Thomas Rhett’s Very Hot Summer Tour is coming to The Wharf Amphitheater for two nights, May 25-26. Special guests are Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson and Rhett Akins. This Orange Beach Memorial Day weekend concert is part of the 2019 C Spire Concert Series. Purchase tickets here.

 

Living History Memorial Day-Wreath Laying Tribute

May 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fort Morgan, 110 Highway 180, Gulf Shores

251-540-7202

Fort Morgan hosts its annual Memorial Day commemoration May 25 with a wreath-laying ceremony planned for the crew of the Tecumseh, which sank in waters just off the Fort. Re-enactors show activity at the Fort from the War of 1812 to World War II, remembering those who gave their lives in service. There will be weapons demonstrations and artillery firing, as well as guided tours. Regular admission will be charged.

 

LuLuPalooza

May 25

LuLu’s Gulf Shores, 200 East 25th Ave.

The annual LuLuPalooza Summer 2019 Kick Off Party is a family-day filled with fun, fun and back-to-back live music on the Crazy Sista Boat Stage.

 

USSSA Baseball

USSSA Global Sports Baseball 300 Point Battle at the Beach

May 25-26, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Orange Beach Sportsplex, 4385 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach

More than 50 teams expected to compete in this annual USSSA baseball showdown held in Orange Beach Memorial Day weekend.

 

NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championship

May 23-25

Gulf Shores Sportsplex, 19025 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores

Watch elite men and women college athletes compete in the 2019 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championship at the Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. Tickets are $10 per day.

 

Paradise Island 5K Run

May 26, 6-7 a.m.

Orange Beach Sportsplex, 4385 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach

Register now to participate in the 3rd Paradise Island 5K walk/run at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. The 5K certified course is on the paved natural trail and takes participants through several of the Backcountry Trails.

 

Bikini Girls at the Beach

Miss Memorial Day Bikini Contest

May 26, 3-4 p.m.

Flora-Bama Lounge

17401 Perdido Key Dr.

251-980-5118

The Flora-Bama’s Miss Memorial Day Bikini Contest may not be as family-friendly as other events, but it’s just as much of a holiday, beach tradition. Compete to win cash and prizes and to be Miss Flora-Bama. Sign-ups begin at 1 p.m. in the tent. Top three finalists come back to compete for Miss Flora-Bama on Labor Day weekend.

 

Memorial Day Activities at Turquoise Place

Tie Dye T-shirts

The activities team at Turquoise Place has a jam-packed Orange Beach Memorial Day weekend planned for guests. For a full listing of holiday weekend fun, visit the Activities page.

 

An Orange Beach Memorial Day weekend stay at Turquoise Place puts you within close distance to all these fun events. But, with so many great activities at the resort, you may choose to never leave!