Christmas Shopping on the Gulf Coast ~ Southern Vacation Rentals
For those who love to shop, there is no experience like shopping at the beach. And, with so many great options for shopping during your Gulf Coast beach vacation, you’re likely to be leaving with more than you packed! Be sure to leave room in your suitcase when you come visit us, since these beach boutiques, malls, and outdoor shopping areas will show you the meaning of “shop till you drop.” Don’t forget your Christmas list! Read on for some of the best options for Christmas shopping on the Gulf Coast. Not to mention, you don’t have to be traveling here to come shop. Even if you live in Gulf Shores, some exquisite shopping in Destin is just a couple of hours away!
Orange Beach
For a day full of shopping in Orange Beach, visit The Wharf! Everything you need for a full day out is right at your fingertips. Shop at the extensive list of boutiques with items on everyone’s list, with beach gear for dad and beautiful hand-crafted jewelry for mom. Then, when you’re done, sit down for a bite to eat at the expansive list of restaurants. The Southern Grind Coffee House is a family favorite, with fresh salads, sandwiches, and coffee. Head to The Sugar Shack afterward fo a sweet treat!
Destin
Destin’s shopping malls know no bounds – in fact, there are three large outdoor shopping centers to choose from. Spend a day at Destin Commons, an award-winning open-air shoping and dining destination. Popular chain retailers, small boutiques, and department stores are found here. Destin Commons is also touted as “foodie destination,” with quick eats like Chipotle and Zoe’s Kitchen, or full service restaurants like Gulf Coast Burgers. A Whole Foods is even located on-site in addition to a number of options for happy hour and sweet treats!
Just a few minutes away from Destin Commons, Silver Sands Outlets is the nation’s largest premium outlet center. It will take you several hours to peruse the whole center, but the time spent there is well worth it. Shop large-scale stores like Coach, Nike, and J.Crew all at low prices with the quality you love. There is even a Saks Off Fifth for discounted designer wear and home goods. After a full day of Christmas shopping, grab a treat from Auntie Anne’s Pretzels or the Great American Cookie Company.
Meanwhile, for an upscale shopping experience unlike any other, Grand Boulevard is the place to be. Shop high-end retailers like Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, and Tommy Bahama. The variety of shops at Grand Boulevard will certainly cross off everyone’s list! Or, if you’re simply window-shopping, take in the sights of the winter wonderland at Grand Boulevard during the holiday season. Horse-drawn carriages, a festive light show, and so much more make Grand Boulevard a true sight to see during the holidays!
Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola has grown as a shopping destination in the last decade, quickly becoming a favorite of visitors and locals alike. Local shops like Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique, Don Alans, and The South Outfitters all line Palafox Street, inviting you in with their enticing storefronts and latest in fashion trends. Or, if you’re looking for handmade gifts, stop into Rusted Arrow Mercantile, The Mole Hole, or even The Bodacious Shops for a unique gift even the hardest person to shop for will love! Meanwhile, spend a Saturday morning at Palafox Market perusing more handmade goods and foods all from local merchants.
30A
Searching for a new kind of experience for Christmas shopping on the Gulf Coast? Head down to 30A, where you’ll find beach communities bursting with local flair and open-air markets that visitors flock to. If you’re vacationing in Grayton Beach, the independent retailers here are perfect for the art lover on your Christmas list. Shops like the Andy Saczynski Studio Gallery, Allison Craft Designs, and Mary Hong Art Studio offer unique works of art created by some incredibly talented artists.
Over in Gulf Place, you’ll find a number of boutiques to spend all day perusing in addition to restaurants that offer a welcome respite from a day of shopping. Jewel Toffier offers casual clothing with a stylish twist, while Soho Beach offers designer garb to help you look your best at the beach. After you’ve shopped all day, pull up a chair at Sunrise Coffee to enjoy a well-deserved cocktail or sweet treat.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach’s premier shopping center, Pier Park, also offers some of the best Christmas shopping on the Gulf Coast. This is a destination you’ll want to bring the whole family to, since it comes with over 120 stores and endless options for entertainment and dining. If you come shop during Christmastime, kids can get their photo taken with Santa! You can even bring your pet to have their photo taken with Santa on December 8th! In addition to great shopping and dining, there is also an outdoor play area with a bungee jump, bumper boats, passenger train, and more.
Still need to book your Gulf Coast vacation home for the holidays? Come stay at Arena Blanca, a beautiful 30A vacation home perfectly designed for your holiday vacation at the beach! With stunning architecture, a luxe interior, and private beach access offered at this six-bedroom home, Arena Blanca is a dream come true. Make your Christmas plans today!
