6 family-friendly places to stay in Alabama

1. For seaside sunsets: Orange Beach

From the vinyl tile floors to the handheld showerhead perfect for hosing down children’s sandy feet, every detail of the guest rooms at the independently owned Perdido Beach Resort is calibrated for a terrific beachy getaway with the fam. Most rooms have an ocean view, several on-site restaurants boast kid-friendly fare, and complimentary parking makes unloading a breeze.

Plus, the hotel’s location on the far east end of the Alabama coast means minimal public foot traffic. An expansive pool fringed by plenty of loungers gives way to an uncrowded stretch of white sand. Rent a beach umbrella from in-house concessionaire Aquatic Adventures, or opt for something more daring, like a dolphin cruise, a parasailing excursion, or riding e-bikes. Rates start at $345; AAA discount available.

2. For action-packed days: Point Clear

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection is like the summer camp of your dreams. Within the luxury resort’s 550 acres, even the most ambitious family will find plenty to fill a weekend—or weeklong—stay. 

Brand-new pickleball courts (court reservations cost extra but include the use of rackets and balls) and pro-worthy croquet lawns join the hotel’s award-winning golf facilities. From a sandy private beach, set out on a kayak or hydro-bike. The zero-entry pool, complete with a waterslide, is also a hit: here, adults and kiddos enjoy sitting in shallow waters on the slope.

Don’t miss riding on the picturesque Eastern Shore Trail with guest bikes of all sizes (1 hour bike rental per person is included in the resort fee), and the family fishing pier. Rates start at $449, plus a resort fee; AAA discount available.

3. For a hassle-free campout: Scottsboro

Forget about a tent: When you stay at the ReTreet Resort, you can enjoy the great outdoors and ample air-conditioning. The 40-acre tree-house village is nestled in the woods near Lake Guntersville.

Family-friendly accommodations include tree-house cabins and glamping tents decorated in playful themes like “The Game Room”—complete with one arcade game and board games— and “Harry Potter.” Both options sleep 4 and feature decks, perfect for grilling and chilling. Bonus: The tent porches have private hot tubs.

The littles will enjoy riding (in the passenger seat!) around in complimentary golf carts to play horseshoes and disc golf, or to visit the on-site dog park. When the sun sets, roast marshmallows over the communal firepit under the stars. Tree-house rates start at $195; glamping tent rates start at $225; AAA discount available.

Memorable meal: In the heart of downtown Scottsboro, cheery red booths, a vintage lunch counter, and a classic jukebox greet diners at the oldest soda fountain in the state. 

4. For an urban escape: Mobile

School may be out, but that doesn’t mean class has to be. The historic Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa—with its spacious rooms and prime downtown location—makes an ideal home base for the intellectually curious family.

If you can tear yourself away from the property’s palatial swimming pool, the surrounding blocks offer museums, parks, and more. Don’t miss sending secret messages along the hotel lobby’s famed whispering arch, located on the second floor. Rates start at $219; AAA discount available.

Nearby, the Exploreum Science Center’s domed theater erupts with youthful squeals of delight as a crocodile seems to swim toward the audience. The film, part of a traveling exhibit on Cuba’s cultural and natural wonders, joins a slew of hands-on draws like scheduled live-animal demos, explorations of the human heart, and experiments in the science labs. Adult admission, $15.

On the waterfront, visitors can learn to tie clove hitches, explore shipping containers’ contents, and even pilot a simulated patrol boat into the state’s busiest port at the ship-shaped National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico. Adult admission, $14.

History comes to life at colonial Fort Condé, located near the museum, complete with a replica of the 1723 French settlement that first brought Europeans to Alabama and beyond. Included with adult admission to History Museum of Mobile, $14.

5. For something new: Birmingham

Families staying at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa this summer are sure to see something new, from the grass on the 8,191-yard golf course to the carpeting in the 257 guest rooms. An extensive 2-year renovation of the property also includes a brand-new adults-only pool and spa.

Named as a nod to the resort’s Scottish estate vibes, Summer at the Castle is a months-long schedule of programming that’s geared toward families. Events change weekly, and visitors might expect dive-in movie nights at the pool, fireworks on holidays, live music, or milkshake tastings. There’s also an expanded café that includes grab-and-go options for busy families. Rates start at $215; AAA discount available.

6. For nature: Gulf Shores

Families are clamoring for reservations at Gulf State Park’s beloved, recently restored Lakeside Cabins. Set on Shelby Lake with access to 9 coastal ecosystems, the 2-bedroom accommodations reopened in February after Hurricane Sally shuttered them for more than 3 years.

Bike or hike along 28 miles of trails for the chance to see more than 100 species of wildlife, including alligators, bobcats, otters, and coyotes. Gulf Shores beachfront is just moments away by car or bike, where kayaks, canoes, and more are available through park concessionaires. 

Most of the fully rebuilt cabins sleep 6 in 2 bedrooms plus a bunk room, and 3 units have accommodations for vacationers with disabilities. All lakeside cabins feature screened porches and private washers and dryers. Rates start at $420, plus a $180 cleaning fee; AAA discount available.