When you’re planning a family vacation, especially a beach trip for a big family, you want everything to line up perfectly: comfortable space, kid-friendly fun, gorgeous views, and absolutely no stress. This fall, our family found all that and more on Alabama’s beaches in Gulf Shores, staying at the brand-new, ultra-luxurious Phoenix Gulf Shores 2. We booked our condo through Prickett Properties, and from the moment we arrived, I knew we’d discovered the best place on the Gulf Coast. Not only was it beautiful, but there were so many things for kids to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Finding the Perfect Stay with Prickett Properties
Booking with Prickett Properties made the process effortless. They offer dozens of vacation rentals, everything from cozy one-bedroom escapes to sprawling beachfront condos big enough for multiple families. Pick your dates, group or family size, and what type of property you hope for (a beachfront view, a pool for the kids, and a little luxury for mom and dad), and they matched us with Phoenix Gulf Shores 2. It was exactly what we wanted: modern, sparkling new, and right on the sand.
We were hosted for parts of our Gulf Shores adventure, but no one had to twist our arms to tell you the truth about eating seafood by the beach or building sandcastles with the kids!
Prickett’s team handled every detail, from clear check-in instructions to a parking pass waiting in my inbox. They even have a super convenient app called Happy Stays that made everything super easy. If you’ve ever tried coordinating a family beach trip with kids of multiple ages, you know how valuable that kind of service is. No confusion, no stress, no wondering if you’ll find your room with tired kids and beach gear in tow. It was all smooth sailing.
First Impressions: Pure Coastal Luxury
Walking into our four-bedroom, four-bathroom condo felt like stepping into a dream. The wide-open living space welcomed us with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Gulf. I’m not exaggerating when I say the view took my breath away. The kids ran straight to the balcony, shouting, “We can see the whole world!” while I sank into one of the plush sofas and just exhaled.
The kitchen was a showstopper, featuring granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and everything we needed to cook up quick breakfasts before heading to the beach. Even if I didn’t plan to cook much (I mean, have you seen all of the kid-friendly restaurants in Gulf Shores?), it was nice knowing I could whip up snacks or late-night popcorn without missing a beat. Each bedroom had its own private bathroom (a gift when traveling with kids!) and enough space that everyone could spread out. The primary suite was my personal oasis with a king-sized bed, a soaking tub, and private balcony access for early-morning coffee with ocean breezes.
Beach Days and Starry Nights
Our days quickly fell into a happy rhythm. Mornings started with coffee and muffins on the balcony, watching the sun rise over the water. The kids were out the door in seconds, building sandcastles and chasing waves while I set up our umbrella right in front of the condo. The beach here is wide, soft, and clean, ideal for little feet and big beach fun.
One of our favorite experiences was having Sand Castle University meet us right on the beach for a private sandcastle-building lesson. Our instructor brought buckets, forms, and tools we’d never thought of, teaching the kids how to sculpt towers and arches that looked straight out of a fairy tale. It was creative, educational, and honestly one of the coolest beach activities we’ve ever done, and since our rental was right at the beach, we could just ride the elevator down in the morning and step out the door for our private class.
At night, after the crowds thinned and the stars came out, we’d grab flashlights and go crab “hunting” along the shore. The kids shrieked with delight every time a tiny sand crab scurried across their toes. It was simple, screen-free fun, exactly what family vacations should be. Don’t worry, we set the little guys back down after scooping them up to inspect them and learn more about them.
Poolside Fun and Lazy River Relaxation
When we weren’t on the sand, we were making the most of the Phoenix Gulf Shores 2 amenities. The outdoor pool became our late-night hangout, and the kids could not get enough of the lazy river. Evenings often ended with night swims under the red lights, a memory that still makes me smile. The indoor pool was perfect for cooling off after too much sun, and my husband appreciated sneaking off to the fitness center for a quick workout before dinner.
Every detail of the building felt new, clean, and designed with families in mind; plenty of elevators, easy beach access, and proximity to restaurants and shops when we wanted to venture out.
Exploring Gulf Shores: Family Adventures Everywhere
Of course, we couldn’t visit Gulf Shores without diving into some of its most popular attractions. Our first big outing was a dolphin cruise, and it was nothing short of magical. The kids’ faces lit up every time a dolphin surfaced beside the boat, and I loved seeing them experience that kind of wonder up close.
We also tried something completely new, a late afternoon ride on a Tiki Boat. Floating along the water under a grass roof with tropical music playing was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation for both kids and adults.
At Gulf State Park, just a short walk from our condo, there was so much to do and see, there were fishermen to watch, and nature trails full of coastal wildlife. The park is incredibly family-friendly, and it’s only about half a mile from Phoenix Gulf Shores 2, so convenient!
Our trip also included a morning at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, where the kids got to see monkeys, alligators, and giraffes up close. The zoo’s new location is beautifully designed and shaded, making it easy to spend hours there. For a little thrill, we hit up The Track Family Fun Park for go-karts, bumper boats, and mini golf. It’s one of those places where everyone—parents included—turns into a big kid again.
And because I love sneaking in a little history on our trips, we drove out to Historic Fort Morgan, where the kids peered over old walls and peeked through cannon windows overlooking the water. It’s such a cool way to connect them with Alabama’s past while enjoying those incredible coastal views.
Dining and Local Flavor
Food is always a highlight of any trip for our crew, and Gulf Shores delivered big-time. We ate fresh seafood nearly every day; fried shrimp baskets for the kids, grilled fish for me, and crab claws for everyone to share. One day, we joined the locals at Crab Fest, where live music, delicious food, and ocean breezes created the perfect combination.
Why Phoenix Gulf Shores 2 Was the Perfect Choice
I’ve stayed in a lot of vacation properties over the years, but Phoenix Gulf Shores 2 genuinely stands out. It combines resort-style luxury with the comfort of home, a true family paradise. Each of the four bedrooms felt like its own retreat, the living area gave us plenty of space to gather, and those panoramic windows made every moment feel special.
The location couldn’t have been better. We were close enough to walk to restaurants and shops, a short drive from all the major attractions, and literally steps from the sand. Plus, having Prickett Properties just a phone call away gave me so much peace of mind. They’ve been managing vacation rentals along the Gulf Coast for years, and it shows. Their listings include everything from affordable beachside condos to top-tier luxury stays, so no matter your family size or budget, they can help you find something perfect.
Phoenix Gulf Shores 2
On our last morning, I stood on the balcony watching the waves roll in, listening to the faint laughter of my kids packing up their beach toys. I felt that familiar tug of not wanting to leave, the sign of a truly great trip. Alabama’s Beaches gave us sunshine, adventure, and family memories that I know we’ll talk about for years.
If you’re planning your own family beach vacation, I can’t recommend Alabama’s Beaches enough. And when it comes to finding the right place to stay, Prickett Properties made all the difference for us. Their local expertise, friendly service, and incredible selection of rentals turned what could have been a stressful planning process into the easiest trip I’ve ever organized.
If you’re dreaming of white sand, gentle waves, and a vacation that’s equal parts relaxation and adventure, start your search with Prickett Properties. Pack the sunscreen, grab your flip-flops, and get ready for the Gulf Shores getaway your family will never forget.
Phoenix Gulf Shores 2
533 W. Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Book Through: Prickett Properties
Prickett Properties offers beachfront condos, family-sized rentals, and luxury vacation homes all along the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
