The Beach Club Resort, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is the biggest destination resort in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It’s on one of the prettiest and quietest, white sand beaches of all with a tranquility that’s hard to find in the busy summer season. People jokingly call Alabama’s 30-mile long Gulf Coast the Redneck Riviera. It really should be renamed the “Bargain Beachfront” since it’s a gorgeous stretch of sand where you really get your money’s worth.
Gulf Shores is actually a sophisticated area despite its nickname. It’s just as sandy and sunny as other Gulf Coast destinations — almost all year round — but it’s a better value. That’s what makes it such a perfect family vacation destination for beach, beach, beach.
What a Gulf Shores, Alabama Vacation offers Families
Go beyond the beach at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. It flanks one edge of the resort and is one reason why the resort feels so secluded. The refuge has 7,000 acres of beaches and sand dunes, scrub forest, fresh and saltwater marshes, fresh water swamps and uplands. All are important wildlife habitats for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles, red fox, armadillos and other animals.
If you’re not based in Gulf Shores, you can visit from Dauphin Island, connected by the Mobile Bay Ferry.
Why Choose the Beach Club Resort, Gulf Shores?
Bon Secour is open year-round during daylight hours for hiking, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and nature study. The less crowded winter months are the most beautiful time of year here.
Just down the road at the end of the peninsula is historic Fort Morgan State Historic Site. The area was first used in the 1500s by the Spanish and the current brick star-shaped fort was built in the early 1800s. It was active during the Civil War, Spanish-American War and both world wars. A daily living history program, weekly candlelight fort tours, and a Children’s Day Camp have been offered during the summer months. Currently, the Fort is undergoing repairs due to hurricane damage and programs are limited.
You can understand why the Beach Club Resort’s 86-acre beachfront location is so ideal. The Beach Club Resort property hosts highrise condos along the beach and individual cottages along the backside. A tall boardwalk leads guests out to the beach. Commercial facilities are clustered together in a village concept.
Since it’s secluded on a peninsula, even in summer there’s no fighting for a beach chair or a square of sand here. Spread out to enjoy crab hunting and sand castle construction, both daily pasttimes.
And as you’d expect in a large resort, you have more activities and amenities, such as multiple restaurants and a myriad of recreation facilities, with fishing and golf nearby.
The Beach Club’s Family Activities
Families make up a big part of the resort’s business, so there are plenty of activities organized to keep them busy and happy. The large pool has wonderful ocean views. Summer is the peak season for activity programming. Poolside crafts, family movie nights, banana boat rides and much more take place almost dailyl. Tennis clinics, scavenger hunts, yoga, photo play and other activities are on the schedule in cooler weather. Toby the Turtle is a virtual mascot who helps teach kids about marine life conservation and the environment in a fun way.
The newly renovated Clubhouse is the center of activities, some of which are open to non-Spectrum Club members for a fee. There are five outdoor swimming pools (with poolside cabanas complete with mini frigs), an indoor heated pool, hot tubs, lighted clay tennis courts, bike rentals, a full-service spa, beach and water sports, a large fitness center, a fun game room and a playground.
Of course, if you just want to lounge in the sun and swim in the warm, calm Gulf waters, you can while away your vacation on the soft sand at the water’s edge.
The Beach Club Resort Gulf Shores Accommodations & Dining Options
Beach Club Resort Gulf Shores condos are privately owned and rentals are common. There are four 17 or 20-story towers — the Avalon, Bristol, Catalina and Doral. Fully furnished units range in size from one to five bedrooms and have full kitchens and direct Gulf views. The Clubhouse is located between Britol and Catalina.
Lakeside Cottages are more spacious and have two to five bedrooms. While not beachfront, they are just across the street from the beach and are more private but lack the views. Some have hot tubs and/or swimming pools. Renters have access to all facilities as well as bikes and unlimited DVD rentals for their unit.
Most people stop at the market in town to pick up groceries for their visit. There are two Gulfside casual restaurants and a bar on the premises. Food trucks pull up to the Village Lawn where there’s an ice cream shop and a small market. Expect salads, hot sandwiches, pizza (and delivery) and a market with a nice selection of wine.
Trip Planning Details for a Beach Club Gulf Shores Family Vacation
We consider this lesser known, full service resort — with its great values and beachfront location — to be a real find. Other than during the height of the summer season, families do not have to plan very far ahead to book a wonderful beach vacation at The Beach Club.
The Beach Club is located at 925 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Reservations can be made by exploring the website of The Beach Club at Gulf Shores, a Spectrum Resorts property.
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