By Fred Altvater
If you haven’t been to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lately, you are missing one of the premier vacation destinations in the country. Beautiful white sandy beaches, a fantastic collection of affordable golf and the best dining experiences you will ever sink your teeth into.
We have made several trips to the Gulf Coast area of Alabama and every time we find something new and exciting about the area. Just driving along the beach is uplifting and one can feel the tension easing out of your tense muscles.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to 32 miles of white sandy beaches that line the pristine turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With several premier golf courses added to the mix of other activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking and biking, and you’ll find there’s more to this small beach town than meets the eye.
Golf
Gulf Shores Country Club was the first golf course in the area and in some ways, it is still the best. This is a golfer friendly course, but with wonderful green surrounds and putting challenges. If you are visiting from the north and escaping cold weather, Gulf Shores Country Club should be the first course on your golf itinerary. It is forgiving off the tee and always a joy to play.
Craft Farms has the only two 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed courses in the state of Alabama. When Arnold agreed to build the first course here, he was the catalyst to brining thousands of golfers to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. 
Learn more about the Craft Family’s important role in bringing golf and tourism to Gulf Shores in the November 2016 issue of Ohio Golf Journal.
(insert pic of Robert Craft and Arnold Palmer)
Both Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend at Craft Farms are a challenging to golfers of every level. While searching for birdies they provide a peaceful, serene environment of the natural Southern Alabama landscape. Massive live oaks dripping with Spanish Moss, plus numerous lakes, creeks and native wildlife give the courses a distinctive coastal feel.
Kiva Dunes Resort sits near the western-most point of the Fort Morgan peninsula at the entrance to Mobile Bay. An extensive renovation helped keep Kiva Dunes one of the highest rated public golf courses in the state.
Water is in play on several holes, but a variety of tee box choices assures everyone can experience an enjoyable round of golf.
Kiva Dunes offers more than just great golf. With vacation rentals ranging from coastal homes to fully appointed condos every traveler can find something to suit their needs.
The Kiva Dunes Beach Club is nestled among the natural sand dunes with full restaurant service and food and drink delivery service.
Kiva Dunes makes the perfect Beach and Golf experience on the Gulf Coast.
Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club provides the perfect blend of southern hospitality and championship golf. Golf Digest rated it 4 ½ stars, plus selected it as one of the “most memorable and enjoyable” courses in the southeast.
The Peninsula Golf Course was designed by Earl Stone and plays 7,026 from the tips. The 27-hole configuration delivers a playable and enjoyable layout for golfers of all skill levels.
In addition to championship golf, Peninsula is a full-service club complete with an array of social activities and events designed for the entire family. The recently remodeled clubhouse features a restaurant and bar offering meals ranging from fine cuisine to the simplest of fare. The club also includes an 8,000 square foot fitness center, eight tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, as well as other amenities.
Dining & Entertainment
After a full day of fun in the sun at Coastal Alabama there is a variety of entertainment options, plus memorable dining establishments that offer fresh seafood, or tasty Alabama BBQ to satisfy every appetite.
One of our favorite stops is The YARD Milk Shake Bar. It was featured on Shark Tank and their over-the-top ice cream creations will leave you dreaming of a return visit.
The legendary Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar is nearby in Orange Beach and always offers live entertainment.
Every type of accommodation is available in Gulf Shores, or Orange Beach. To plan your next visit to Alabama’s Gulf Coast visit: https://www.gulfshores.com/.
