Ah, Gulf Shores, Alabama—the land where winter is nothing but a vague rumor told by northerners in heavy parkas. For full-time RV travelers like us, it’s the ultimate winter escape. While our friends up north are shoveling snow and wondering why they still live there, we’re here basking in the sun and trying to figure out if it’s socially acceptable to eat seafood for every meal. (Spoiler: it is.)
The Great Migration South
Getting to Gulf Shores was no small feat. We joined the unofficial RV caravan of snowbirds making their way to warmer pastures. It’s like a National Geographic special but with fewer feathers and more bumper stickers. By the time we rolled into Gulf Shores, we were ready to shed layers faster than a snake in spring. Goodbye thermal underwear, hello flip-flops.
RV Park Life: Where Neighbors Become Family
Our RV park here feels like a microcosm of retired America. There’s always someone grilling something, and the weekly Bingo gatherings are like Vegas for the cheapskates. Conversations range from, “How many times have you been to Florida?” to, “What’s the best way to keep your sewer hose from freezing up north?” (A topic we no longer care about, thank you very much.)
The Beach: Winter, Who?
The Gulf Shores beaches are pure magic. White sand that feels like powdered sugar underfoot, waves gently lapping at the shore, and just enough people-watching to keep things interesting. Every time I dip my toes in the water, I whisper, “Take that, snow.” We’ve been collecting seashells like hoarders and sending photos to our northern friends with captions like, “Wish you were here… or do you?”
Adventures in Seafood Consumption
If there’s one thing we’ve mastered here, it’s eating our weight in shrimp and fish. Gulf Shores might just be the seafood capital of the world—or at least our stomachs think so. We’ve tried every restaurant that promises “the best shrimp,” and while they’re all delicious, we’ve concluded that the best shrimp is… all of them. Special props to CoastAl in Orange Beach for their excellent food with unmatched views!
Exploring the Area
Beyond the beach, Gulf Shores offers a smorgasbord of activities. From the scenic Gulf Shores State Park, to the historic Fort Morgan, there’s always something to do. Yesterday we headed north to Fairhope, AL, a super adorable downtown area with many shops, restaurants, boutiques, and art. We plan on spending more time there!
Forget Winter, Remember Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores has been everything we hoped for and more—a sunny refuge from the bitter reality of January, February, and (let’s face it) March. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget about snow shovels, frozen windshields, and whatever that thing called “frostbite” is.
As we soak up these weeks in Gulf Shores, we’re savoring every moment of warmth, every sunset over the water, and every shrimp po’boy. And for all you would-be RV travelers out there wondering if this lifestyle is for you, let me just say this: If Gulf Shores in winter doesn’t convince you, nothing will.