Correction 2/22/24: A previous version of this article stated that Perdido Beach Resort was in Gulf Shores. The resort is in Orange Beach, approximately six miles from Gulf Shores.
The secret’s out that one of the best underrated, budget-friendly beach towns in the USA is Gulf Shores, Alabama. Boasting picturesque white sands and turquoise blue waters, more and more travelers are adding Gulf Shores to their beach bucket list. While the city is fairly small, with a population of under 20,000 people, there are still a number of resorts to choose from. For those who want the best of the best, they should seek out the luxurious Perdido Beach Resort, just a few miles away from the iconic Gulf Shores.
Perdido Beach Resort is one of the most sought-after resorts in the area for good reason. Not only is the location ideal, but the rooms are spacious, and the views of the idyllic shore simply can’t be beat. Not to mention, the resort is home to the only fine-dining restaurant in town, offering some of the best bites on the island. The team at Perdido is also constantly praised for their top-notch service.
A step above the rest
With a total of 344 rooms and suites to choose from, the accommodation at Perdido Beach Resort is comfortable with options for varying party sizes. Whether you choose a room on the smaller or larger side, one thing is for sure: you’ll have your own private furnished balcony to take in the stunning views overlooking the beach and the vibrant Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy your morning coffee as you watch the sunrise, and pour yourself a libation to watch the sunset from the quiet intimacy of your own space.
All rooms also come with a USB bluetooth speaker so you can jam out to your favorite tunes (or even listen to your favorite podcast) while taking in the views. There’s in-room coffee, a refrigerator, a 37-inch flat-screen TV, and premium bedding and toiletries to help you stay pampered and fresh, especially after long, sandy days on the beach.
Not to mention, onsite at the resort are six restaurants to choose from. Options range from casual pizza at Perdido Beach Pizza Co. to coffee and pastries at Coastal Coffee to poolside snacks at Splash Bar & Grille. But, most notably, Perdido Beach Resort is home to Voyagers, a fine-dining establishment serving up elevated dishes like wagyu carpaccio and honey miso broiled lobster.
What else to do in Gulf Shores
It might be difficult to leave the resort when you stay at Perdido Beach Resort because it’s a vacation in itself with everything you need right at your fingertips. However, should you choose to venture out, Gulf Shores — just on the other side of Gulf State Park — offers plenty to do to keep you entertained. This beach town is well-known for its beautiful sunsets, so take a sunset sailing cruise to catch the best of the best. If you’d rather enjoy your sunset from your private balcony at your resort, take a boat out during the day to try to spot dolphins.
The views from your balcony are some of the best in town, but in an attempt to top them, try a helicopter ride over the shores with Lost Bay Helicopters. Their services are offered year-round and provide quite a thrilling way to experience one of the USA’s best beach towns.
