A beach vacation does not mean you have to miss the big game. Gulf Shores and nearby Orange Beach have plenty of casual spots where you can order a cold drink, grab a burger or wings, and keep up with your favorite teams. College football is especially popular along the Alabama Gulf Coast, making fall Saturdays a great time to visit a local sports bar.
Guests staying in our Gulf Shores vacation rentals can find everything from neighborhood hangouts to lively bars with TVs, pool tables, live music, and classic game-day food. Here are four spots worth checking out during your stay.
The Cove Bar and Grill
The Cove Bar and Grill is a casual Gulf Shores hangout with food, drinks, live entertainment, and pool tables. The menu includes burgers, wings, Philly cheesesteaks, tuna nachos, fish tacos, wraps, and other easy choices for lunch or dinner.
The relaxed atmosphere makes The Cove a good addition to your list of bars in Gulf Shores when you want to catch a game without giving up the beach-town experience. After the final whistle, stick around for a game of pool or check out the live music lineup.
The Sloop
For a true sports-bar atmosphere, The Sloop is one of the strongest options in Gulf Shores. The locally owned restaurant describes itself as a sports bar and offers major sports packages, making it a natural stop during football season. It is also an official Philadelphia Eagles landing for NFL fans.
College football fans can settle in for an afternoon of games while ordering one of The Sloop’s signature Philly cheesesteaks. The casual, local feel also makes it a good choice for visitors looking to explore Gulf Shores dining beyond the larger beachfront restaurants.
Old Salt Tavern
A short drive away in Orange Beach, Old Salt Tavern gives vacationers another place to watch sports along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The restaurant is a neighborhood gathering spot centered around made-from-scratch food, cold drinks, sports, and a welcoming social atmosphere.
This can be a convenient option when your vacation plans take you toward Orange Beach for the day. Grab lunch or dinner, watch the game, and then continue exploring the eastern side of Alabama’s beach communities.
The Undertow
The Undertow is another Orange Beach option for travelers who prefer a laid-back local bar. Guests can play pool, take part in trivia and poker games, and order familiar bar fare such as burgers and wings.
Its casual setup makes it an easy place to spend part of an afternoon or evening. If you are staying in our Gulf Shores beachfront rentals, consider pairing a visit with other Orange Beach activities before heading back to the coast for the evening.
Final Thoughts
Football season and beach season can go hand in hand in Gulf Shores. The Cove and The Sloop provide convenient choices right in Gulf Shores, while Old Salt Tavern and The Undertow expand your options into nearby Orange Beach.
For college football Saturdays, arrive early when possible. Alabama and Auburn games can draw plenty of attention locally, and major SEC matchups can turn an ordinary afternoon into a lively game-day experience.
Book Your Gulf Shores Rental with Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals
Make your next game-day getaway a beach vacation with Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals. Our Gulf Shores properties give you a comfortable home base for enjoying the beach, local restaurants, attractions, and sports bars. Since 2006, our team has focused on creating proactive, stress-free stays through high standards of cleanliness, professional-grade linens and towels, and service designed around our “Have a Great Vacation” philosophy. Browse our Gulf Shores rentals and find the right place for your next Alabama Gulf Coast trip.