We found our new favorite beach in Alabama

“I really love this place,” my husband, Chris said. “I had no idea there are so many things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama.”

Growing up in Atlanta, his family went to Atlantic Coast beaches like St. Simons. My family went to Florida beaches. Going to a beach in Alabama? Wouldn’t have entered our minds. But now we’ve added Gulf Shores to our list of best beach destinations.

It’s a family-friendly vacation spot with snow-white beaches, fabulous restaurants where he downed dozens of oysters, and outdoor activities that include catboat tours, sunset cruises, wildlife refuge, kayak trips and backcountry biking.

Here’s the full story and a photo of the world’s most decadent milkshake.

– Jan Schroder, The Travel 100