Best Alabama Family Resorts


Alabama is a great place for fun, family-friendly travel! There are the white sand beaches of the gulf coast, relaxing lakeside retreats, and a vibrant city getaways. Alabama really does have something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Check out our guide to the Best Family Resorts in Alabama – now, where to first? 

Top 15 Best Alabama Family Resorts

1. Caribe Resort– Orange Beach, Alabama

Caribe Resort is a beachfront condo resort located along the Gulf Coast of Alabama in family-friendly Orange Beach, AL. This resort is the best of both worlds – spacious condos with full kitchens and separate living rooms for families that want to spread out but still with all the resort amenities you know and love. This resort has a lazy river, water slide, splash pad, multiple pools (heated indoor and outdoor), and hot tubs as well as mini golf, sport courts, a full service marina, and a sauna. Families can enjoy dining at Cobalt, a restaurant on-site serving a variety of fresh-caught costal menu items that pair perfectly with that Gulf sunset!

What we love most about it:

  • The lazy river, multiple pools, and splash pad – family fun in the sun!
  • Spacious condos with full kitchens and separate living rooms
  • Dining option onsite with fresh-caught coastal dishes

📍Caribe Resort – 28103 Perdido Beach Blvd #100, Orange Beach, AL 36561



2. Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort and Spa at Grand National – Opelika, Alabama

Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort and Spa at Grand National is a family-friendly golf resort located about 10 miles north of downtown Auburn, AL. Accommodations available include guest rooms and more spacious suites with either resort or golf course views. Families will enjoy playing golf at Grand National Golf Club with three 18-hole championship golf courses to choose from. Other resort amenities include a resort pool complete with zero-grade entry, a water slide, cascading waterfalls over rock formations, and a separate but connected splash pad area, as well as an indoor pool, adults-only pool, sport courts, and a full service spa. Dining options at the resort include Southern Oak Cafe for casual options throughout the day as well as Southern Oak for a more upscale steak and seafood evening option. There is also a pool bar with poolside service – you know where to find me!

What we love most about it:

  • Resort pool with a water slide
  • Three championship golf courses to choose from
  • Casual and upscale dining options on site… and a pool bar!

📍Auburn Marriott Opelika Reort and Spa at Grand National – 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, AL 36801



3. Perdido Beach Resort – Orange Beach, Alabama

Perdido Beach Resort is located along the white sand beaches of the gulf coast in Orange Beach, AL. Accommodations offered at the resort include both guest rooms and more spacious suites, both with balconies with views of either the gulf, beach, or pool area. There are several resort amenities for guests to enjoy during their beach getaway. There is an indoor and outdoor pool as well as hot tub, a fitness center, and beach access. There are 5 restaurants and 3 bars on the property that range from very casual to more upscale options with something that guests of all ages will enjoy!

What we love most about it:

  • Large balconies with gulf views
  • Variety of restaurants on site
  • Nice resort pool for sand-free family fun

📍Perdido Beach Resort – 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561



4. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection – Point Clear, Alabama

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is located in Point Clear, AL on the Mobile Bay. Although this resort is gulf coast adjacent, it still offers guests a scenic waterfront resort with plenty of great family-friendly amennities. A variety of accommodations are available for guests ranging from guest rooms to larger suites, views of the resort, marina, and bay are available. There are 9 restaurants and bars on the property ranging from upscale dining to a casual poolside grill, ensuring something for everyone in your crew. Resort amenities include a resort pool with water slide, splash pad, indoor pool, hot tub, sport courts (think: tennis and pickle ball), croquet lawns, a full-service spa, and of course, golf!

What we love most about it:

  • The variety of dining options available for guests of all ages
  • Resort pool with water slide
  • Not one, but two croquet lawns

📍The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection – One Grand Blvd, Point Clear, AL 36564



5. The Beach Club Resort and Spa  – Gulf Shores, Alabama

The Beach Club Resort & Spa in Gulf Shores, AL is a great choice for families looking for resort activities, plenty of amenities and dining options, and spacious condo rentals – check, check, check! The condos offer full kitchens, separate living rooms, and options for balcony views of the Gulf. Dining options on the property include a fancier and more casual dining restaurant, a beach bar and grill, a food truck, and (our favorite) an ice cream shop. What’s vacation without an ice cream cone, right? There are various amenities for families to enjoy like sport courts, both and indoor and outdoor pool, a playground, an arcade/game room, walking trails, the spa, and of course, the beach! There is a schedule of kid-friendly activities to keep guests of all ages entertained. Enjoy some time working on arts and crafts, playing family friendly games (think: candy bingo), and contests (belly flop contest, anyone?…. anyone?). Don’t forget to look out for a special appearance from the resident mascot, Toby the turtle!

What we love most about it:

  • Family-friendly activities and games everyone can enjoy
  • Variety of dining options including several casual options… vacation, right?
  • Spotting Toby the turtle poolside

📍The Beach Club Resort and Spa- 925 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores, AL 36542



6. Pursell Farms – Sylacauga, Alabama

Pursell Farms is a relaxing retreat set on beautiful farmland in Sylacauga, AL, about half way between Montgomery and Birmingham. Guests can enjoy a variety of accommodations including standard guest rooms at The Inn, spacious suites in the Cottages and Cabins, or full home rentals at the Parker Lodge (8 bedrooms, up to 16 guests), Historic Hamilton House (2 bedrooms, up to 4 guests), or Orvis Farmhouse (3 bedrooms). Resort amenities include horseback riding, fishing, shooting sports, golf, the spa, fitness center, petting zoo, UTV rides, and an outdoor pool. There are three dining options serving farm-to-table fresh options with seasonal menus. Choose the casual Founder’s Pub, the upscale Arrington with a 4-course prix fixe menu, or opt for a grab-and-go selection at The Grille.

What we love most about it:

  • Horseback Riding around the beautiful resort grounds
  • Dining at Founder’s Pub with seasonal, farm-to-table fresh ingredients
  • A relaxing spa experience surrounded by the serene farm – a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life!

📍Pursell Farms – 386 Talladega Springs Rd, Sylacauga, AL 35151



7. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel – Gulf Shores, Alabama

The Lodge at Gulf State Park is a beachfront resort located within Gulf State Park on the east side of Gulf Shores, AL. The Lodge, managed by Hilton hotels, offers a variety of guest rooms or suites with family-friendly layouts including bunk beds. Amenities at the resort include beach access, lawn games, and an infinity pool with gulf views and poolside loungers and hammocks. There is a complimentary tram within Gulf State Park and bicycle rentals (first 3 hours free) for guests to be able to explore the park in its entirety. Dining options at The Lodge at Gulf State Park include a lobby coffee shop, a family-friendly coastal cuisine option, an upscale steak and seafood option, and a poolside bar and grill. Elsewhere in the state park, Woodside Restaurant is a fun, casual eatery with backyard games and live music that is accessible via the tram from The Lodge lobby.

What we love most about it:

  • Variety of tasty dining options with something for guests of all ages
  • Proximity to the miles of trails and educational activities at Gulf State Park
  • Relaxing infinity pool with stunning gulf views

📍The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel – 21196 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542



8. Island House Hotel Orange Beach – Orange Beach, Alabama

The Island House Hotel Orange Beach is a beachfront hotel located in Orange Beach, AL just under 2 miles from family-friendly attractions like The Wharf and Adventure Island. Most accommodations are standard guest rooms with an option for a Gulf front balcony. There are also two penthouse suites available for larger families looking to spread out a bit. Hotel amenities include direct beach access, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. There is an on-site restaurant, Beachside Bistro and Bar serving up American cuisine in a casual setting and a lobby coffee shop serving the Starbucks coffee we all know and love. We love The Island House Hotel for a more budget option for families looking for easy beach access without all the frills of a large resort.

What we love most about it:

  • Easy beach access from the beachfront hotel
  • Relaxing outdoor pool with Gulf views
  • Budget accommodations for families looking for a relaxing beach getaway

📍Island House Hotel Orange Beach – 26650 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561



9. Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa – Florence, Alabama

The Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa is located in Florence, AL in the northern part of the state. The resort boasts views of Wilson Lake and is just 3.5 miles from the University of Northern Alabama. Accommodations at the resort include guest rooms and more spacious suites, each with a balcony to take in the beautiful north Alabama scenery. Dining options on the property include the more casual Swampers Bar and Grille serving up southern comfort foods, the Rock and Roast coffee shop, and the elegant 360 Grille steakhouse that is a revolving dining room at the top of Renaissance tower. Resort amenities include an outdoor pool with zero-grade entry, a water slide, and water fountains, a fitness room, and a relaxing spa. Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa is a great option for a family-friendly in northern Alabama.

What we love most about it:

  • Revolving restaurant with lake and forest views
  • The family-friendly outdoor pool with zero-grade entry and a water slide
  • Close proximity to hiking and fishing on Wilson Lake

📍Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa – 10 Hightower Pl, Florence, AL 35630



10. Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa – Birmingham, Alabama

The Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa is a relaxing getaway located in Hoover, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. Resort guests can choose from guest room or more spacious suite accommodations with options for either a resort or pool view. There are multiple dining and drink options on the property including a casual restaurant, a more upscale restaurant, a poolside bar and grille and a pub serving craft cocktails and local brews. There are a variety resort amenities including golf, an outdoor saltwater pool with zero-grade entry and a water slide, a cascading waterfall, a hot tub, an indoor saltwater pool, a fitness center, and a spa.

What we love most about it:

  • Outdoor saltwater pool with water slide and zero-grade entry
  • Golf course with nice grounds and scenic views
  • Variety of restaurants and bars on site

📍Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa  – 4000 Grand Ave, Birmingham, AL 35226



11. Best Western Premier The Tides – Orange beach – Orange Beach, Alabama

The Best Western Premier The Tides – Orange Beach is a beachfront property located along the Alabama gulf coast in Orange Beach, of course! The guest rooms offer a variety of family-friendly layouts including some with bunk beds and balconies on gulf and beach-facing rooms. There is a breakfast restaurant, grab-and-go deli, coffee shop, lobby bar, and poolside bar on the property. Various amenities available for families to enjoy include a beachfront pool, hot tub, and bicycle rentals. There are also beach chairs and water sports equipment available for rent.

What we love most about it:

  • Family suites complete with bunk beds
  • Beachfront pool with a view
  • Options for coffee and breakfast on the property to start your day off right

📍Best Western Premier, Tides Hotel – 26032 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561



12. Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook– Birmingham, Alabama

The Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook is an eclectic, art-inspired hotel located in Birmingham, Alabama. Guest rooms are comfortable with a unique interior design and updated bathrooms. Amenities guests can enjoy include an outdoor pool, a billiards room, an art gallery, cooking school, and a full-service spa. The on-site restaurant is Habitat Feed and Social with a seasonally-inspired menu with locally sourced ingredients with something that everyone in your family will enjoy!

What we love most about it:

  • Relaxing outdoor pool
  • Eclectic art-inspired aesthetic
  • Full-service spa – when on vacation, right?

📍Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook – 2655 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223



13. Turquoise Place – Orange Beach, Alabama

Turquoise Place is a high rise, beachfront condo resort located along the Alabama gulf coast in Orange Beach. Condos offer guests more spacious accommodations with full kitchens for a home-away-from-home feeling during your beach getaway. Resort amenities include multiple pools, splash pad, 450′ lazy river, 300′ water slide, playground, tennis and pickleball courts, putting green, yard games, fitness center, and sauna and steam rooms. Complimentary breakfast is served daily and there is a poolside bar and grill as well.

What we love most about it:

  • Spacious condos with resort amenities
  • Beachfront location with beach chair rentals
  • 450-foot lazy river and 300-foot water slide (longer than you think!) to enjoy with the family

📍Turquoise Palce –  26302 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561



14. Kiva Dunes Resort and Golf – Gulf Shores, Alabama

Kiva Dunes Resort and Golf is a condo and rental home resort community located along the Alabama gulf coast in Gulf Shores, AL. Amenities on the resort property include golf, multiple outdoor pools, 1/2 mile of private beach. There is the Kiva Grill open for dining throughout the day and the Kiva Beach Club Restaurant that is open seasonally.

What we love most about it:

  • Nice beachfront location with a half-mile of private beach area
  • Multiple resort pools
  • Spacious accommodations with resort amenities

📍Kiva Dunes Resort and Golf- 815 Plantation Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542



15. Chesnut Bay Resort – Leesburg, Alabama

Chesnut Bay Resort is a lake house rental resort located on Weiss Lake in Leesburg, Alabama about 1.5 hours from Birmingham, AL. Lake homes available for rent range from 2-6 bedrooms with lake views and shared resort amenities. Families will enjoy the multiple swimming pools, sport courts, walking trails, and access to a swimming beach on the lake, water sport rentals, a dock, and a boat ramp. Pirates Bay Waterpark is located less than half a mile away from the Chesnut Bay Resort.

What we love most about it:

  • Spacious lake house accommodations
  • Swimming beach on the lake
  • Proximity to Pirates Bay Waterpark

📍Chesnut Bay Resort –  4480 County Rd 44, Leesburg, AL 35983

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