Gulf Shores Fall 2026

Sand Dollar

 Tennessee to Gulf Shores

Cost

  • 6 Days (Sep 13 - Sep 19)
    • $5105.65 + $382.92 insurance = $5,488.57
    • $1,372.14/couple
    • $914.76/night

 About the house....from Spring 2024

  • House was very clean,  Great fans and lights.  Roku TV.  Two thermostats.  Bedrooms were large.  Shower doors were a little wobbly. 
  • There were 3 refrigerators. One on 1st floor, 2 on 2nd floor (kitchen and laundry room)
  • Pool a real plus.  Shallow (about 4' deep) and small but could get several people or 3 floats in it.  Water was warm. Screened in porch was a plus.
  • Wi-fi did not work the first day but got it working end of second day. Fast download but really slow upload.
  • Nice large kitchen.  Always need newer pots and pans but were adequate.  Bring counter wipes, aprons.  Small picnic table in kitchen - great to put our snacks on.  Probably need to bring less snacks.
  • Nice tall Adirondack chairs (2 tables, 8 tall chairs outside), 4 short chairs inside the screen porch. Need to bring chairs for those having trouble getting out of Adirondacks.

Weather

2026 Gulf Shores - Fall - Day 1 - Sun, 9.13.2026

Smyrna, TN to Gulf Shores, AL

  • Day 1
    • We ot up at 5:00. Patsy had her coffee and I showered and shaved and finished packing. We packed the truck and left at 7:00 am to pick up David and Gwen. We took 840 towards Franklin and then picked up I-65 South.  Our first stop was at Chick-fil-a in Athens, AL Exit 351. We drove through Birmingham and stopped at Loves at Exit 208. We later at Loves at Exit 93 in Evergreen to get gas. We got off at Exit 37 to head down to Gulf Shores. After going through Bay Minette we picked up I-10 East for a few miles and got off onto Baldwin Beach Express at Exit 49. When we got to Coastal Gateway Blvd we turned west to Highway 59 and then south to 1st Street where we had dinner at DeSotos Seafood Kitchen. After dinner we came to the Sand Dollar house at 3089 West Beach Blvd.


2026 Gulf Shores - Fall - Day 2 - Mon, 9.14.2026

Gulf Shores

  • Day 2
    • Everyone got up at their own pace.  


2026 Gulf Shores - Fall - Day 3 - Tue, 9.15.2026

 Gulf Shores

  • Day 3


2026 Gulf Shores - Fall - Day 4 - Wed, 9.16.2026

Gulf Shores

  • Day 4
    • 78 degrees with a high today of 85.


2026 Gulf Shores - Fall - Day 5 - Thu, 9.17.2026

Gulf Shores

  • Day 5

    2026 Gulf Shores - Fall - Day 6 - Fri, 9.18.2026

    Gulf Shores

    • Day 6

    2024 Gulf Shores - Fall - Day 7 - Sat, 9.19.2026

     Gulf Shores to Tennessee

    • Day 7

    Restaurants

    • Gulf Shores
      • *  Fish River Grill - A Funky Junky Redneck Joint • Home of Swamp Soup • Where the locals love to eat!
      • * Bahama Bob's Beachside Cafe - Top rated seafood and American cuisine 3 years in a row.
      • * Doc's Seafood -   Doc’s Seafood Shack and Oyster Bar prides itself in providing you the very best in Gulf Coast Seafood, including, Doc’s world famous fried shrimp
      • Gulf Shores Seafood - If you’re in a rush, looking to save time, and desiring a taste of Gulf Coast Seafood, then tryout one of our Meals To Go!
      • * Shrimp Basket - Informal chain outpost offering a variety of fried seafood dishes & an oyster bar.
      • * Tacky Jack's - Festive Gulf Coast fixture offers outside dining, live music & American eats in rustic digs.
      •  Cactus Cantina - Laid back Mexican cuisine by the beach.
      • * Original Oyster House - Considered the best family-friendly, waterfront seafood restaurant on the Gulf Coast
      • * The Hangout - Join us this winter for the best entertainment and Snowbird specials. Roaring Through the Decades Dance Night on Monday, Bingo Night on Wednesday and Paint Classes on Sunday.
      • DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen -  Alabama’s favorite family restaurants features fresh seafood, chicken, pasta, steak, home style sides, salads and sandwiches. 
      • LuLu's -  At LuLu’s, we serve scratch-made menu options with recipes created by Lucy Buffett herself. 
      • Acme Oyster House -  I turned non believers into oyster eaters!! Eat, laugh and love with us over an authentic New Orleans seafood meal.  


    • Orange Beach
      • * CoastAL Orange Beach - Great food, live music, and the best views of the Gulf of Mexico!
      • ​CoastAL​ - Orange Beach
      • The Flying Harpoon - Unique eats and laid back atmosphere.
      • Ruby Slipper - Cheery cafe serving signature omelets, Southern brunch fare & cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere in Orange Beach.
      • The Gulf - Outdoor venue made from old shipping containers offering seafood, American fare & a full bar.
      • Cobalt, the Restaurant - Seafood & happy hours on an expansive patio at a busy spot with boat slips for those coming by sea.
      • Brick & Spoon - Chain serving Cajun-Creole breakfast fare, sandwiches & cocktails in a stylish, contemporary space.
      •  Cactus Cantina - Laid back Mexican cuisine buy the beach.



    Sand Dollar