The Alabama Gulf Coast is a favorite tradition of many families when it comes time to plan their vacation. But did you know that Alabama’s beaches also serve as the ultimate girlfriend getaway destination?
It’s true! We’ve got gal pal activities galore and endless ways to create cherished memories with your friends. To help you plan your trip, we’ve enlisted our local girls’ getaway aficionado, Charlie Googe, to help you coordinate all the details for an unforgettable retreat with your best friends.
Charlie is a current Gulf Shores resident and fellow writer here at Coast360. Perhaps you’ve seen her articles on our website, read her work in our publications, or liked her photos that are featured on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. When she’s not decorating your feed with her dynamic content or curating the perfect girls’ weekend itinerary, you can find Charlie spending her day on a boat, taking local fitness classes, and tanning on the beach.
Photo Credit: Sarah Hutchinson
Prior to moving to the Alabama Gulf Coast, Charlie traveled to the area many times throughout her life and knew she wanted to be a part of this tropical community. Since becoming a local, Charlie continues to host her friends when they come to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
You can always count on her to have the best recommendations for stylish shops, the tastiest cocktails and dinner spots with golden-hour views. We’ve asked her to share her tips on planning an exciting, yet relaxing, girlfriend getaway.
So Charlie, how many girls’ trips have you taken to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?
Oh my gosh! I would say 15–20 trips hanging out with my girlfriends.
Can you walk us through a typical girls’ weekend for you and your friends?
On the first day, we definitely have to start out strong with bottomless mimosas, then we’ll grab our chairs and spend some time on the beach. It’s always good to find a beach lunch spot—like The Beli beach deli! For dinner, we’ll head to CoastAL and then the Flora-Bama for drinks.
The second day will be for boating! We’ll wake up and have our coffee and immediately head to the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill to get Solar Energies. You have to have a nice frosty drink to start the day. Next, we’re bebopping over to hang out at Robinson Island for a bit before grabbing bushwackers at Pirates Cove. Next, we’ll go to Cobalt for a sunset dinner.
On the third day, we’ll head to High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas in Gulf Shores for a breakfast bagel board and go for a ride on their pink flamingo pedal boats!
What a fun trip! When the girlfriend trip gets a little too large for your home, where do you and your friends stay?
I would say Caribe, because it has the cutest Tiki bar, a lazy river and bungalows that make you feel like you’re at a resort! Also, The Beach Club in Fort Morgan has a beautiful beach view with a spa and restaurants on the property.
What are your go-to breakfast or brunch destinations?
OSO at Bear Point, Ruby Slipper, Another Broken Egg Cafe, The Southern Grind at The Wharf, Foodcraft at Gulf State Park, or even Provision in Fairhope.
Yum! After your meal, what are some outdoor activities you and your friends enjoy?
We love riding our bikes through Gulf State Park and taking paddleboard yoga classes from Pure Aloha Adventures. Relaxing on the beach is a must, and we may end the day with a sunset cruise.
That sounds like so much fun! What about any indoor activities?
Definitely get your nails done at MA Beauty at The Wharf, go shopping at Seaside Shoes & Swim to grab new bikinis, and take a group class at Glow Yoga!
Wow! That’s a full itinerary. To end your day, where do you and your girls go to get the best cocktails?
8 Reale in Orange Beach. It’s the speakeasy hidden behind Frank & Co. Jewelers. Here, I get the Bubblegum Champagne Cocktail. It’s a pretty pink drink garnished with hot pink bubble gum! The Tiki bar has a cute island vibe and a delicious caramel bushwacker. For something fruity, GTs on the Bay has a Tropic Thunder drink that comes in a pineapple with a colorful straw. It’s the perfect island refresher!
They sound delicious! Speaking of mouthwatering menu items, what are your go-to dinner destinations?
Perch is located on the beach and is super nice! You can even sit outside by the fire pit with your group. Zeke’s Marina for sure because it has a beautiful bay view. Louisiana Lagniappe is another one of my favorites. We also enjoy going to The Jellyfish in Perdido. The Jellyfish is a sushi bar with seafood tacos, hamburgers and lots more—they just have everything. That way everyone on the girls’ trip can get what they want!
For the girls who choose to document their trip on Instagram, where are the most Instagram-worthy spots to snap a photo?
High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas in Gulf Shores is a cute place for a photo op! You could also go to the Coastal Arts Center on the bay for a more classic vibe. And anywhere in downtown Fairhope is picture perfect.
Tell us one must-do thing to include on every girls’ trip here on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Get. A. Tan.
Now we’re going to ask you some rapid-fire questions:
Cutest coffee spot that all the girls will love?
Foam Coffee (Duh!)
A lesser-known activity you recommend?
Go to Fort Morgan Marina and get ice cream from Pelican Scoops as you watch the sunset from the swings.
Best beach spot to relax with your friends?
Gulf Place! It’s close to the Pink Pony and The Hangout if you want to grab a drink. The pass at Alabama Point is also always gorgeous.
Best group souvenir to remember the trip by?
A coastal cowgirl hat! There’s a really cute set of them in the boutique of The Southern Grind at The Wharf.
Top three favorite places to listen to live music with your gals?
The Flora-Bama, Big Beach Brewing Company and any concert going on at The Wharf!
Charlie, thank you so much for helping us plan the ultimate girls’ trip! We have one final question: What planning tips can you give to the gals planning their best friend trips right now?
Soak in the sun and memories. Sometimes nothing beats just a good ole beach day with your girls.