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New Orleans, Louisiana Gulf Shores, Alabama A Gulf Coast Escape Within an Easy DriveTrade the city for white-sand beaches, open Gulf views, and a slower pace. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach make a practical long-weekend or full-week getaway for travelers driving east from New Orleans. I-10 East • Mississippi Gulf Coast • Baldwin County • Alabama Beaches |
Trip Snapshot
Drive times vary with traffic, construction, weather, and your exact starting point. |
| I-10 EastLeave New Orleans | Mississippi CoastPass Gulfport and Biloxi | Choose Your RouteExit 44 or Exit 49 | Alabama BeachesGulf Shores or Orange Beach |
Plan Your Stay
Choose your dates, destination, and group size to see available Brett/Robinson vacation rentals.
Gulf Shores Beachfront Orange Beach Beachfront Beach Houses Current Promotions
Why Make the Trip?
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a different kind of coastal getaway: wide beaches, vacation rentals with room to spread out, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly attractions—all within driving distance of New Orleans.
An Easy Road-Trip EscapeSkip airport logistics and travel on your own schedule. The I-10 corridor keeps the trip straightforward, with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach accessible from two primary Baldwin County routes. |
White-Sand BeachesSpend the day swimming, walking the shoreline, or relaxing near the water. Beach conditions change daily, so check the local flag-warning system before entering the Gulf. |
Space for the Whole GroupChoose from condos and beach houses with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, living areas, and property-specific amenities that make longer stays and group trips easier. |
Outdoor Time Beyond the BeachExplore Gulf State Park trails, book a fishing trip, take a dolphin cruise, or visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for a quieter look at the Alabama Gulf Coast. |
Fresh Gulf SeafoodLocal menus feature oysters, shrimp, crab, snapper, and other Gulf favorites. Pair a beach day with casual waterfront dining or bring fresh seafood back to your rental. |
Something in Every SeasonSummer beach trips, fall festivals, winter monthly stays, and spring getaways each offer a different experience. Match your travel window to the pace and activities you prefer. |
Getting Here
Most travelers follow I-10 East across Mississippi and into Baldwin County, Alabama. From there, choose the route that best matches your destination and current traffic conditions.
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Allow Extra TimeWeekend arrivals, holiday periods, construction, and summer traffic can extend the drive. Build flexibility into check-in day. Check Before You LeaveReview live navigation and official transportation updates on travel day. Route conditions can change after this page is published. Know Your PropertyConfirm whether your rental is in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach before selecting the final route into the destination. |
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Stay with Brett/Robinson Book Direct with a Local Alabama Gulf Coast TeamBrowse verified Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation rentals, compare property details, and plan your stay with support from a local team that knows the destination. |
Browse Vacation Rentals |
Continue Planning
Use these guides to choose where to stay and what to do once you arrive.
Common Questions
Gulf Shores is a few hours by car from New Orleans, depending on your starting point, chosen route, traffic, construction, weather, and stops. Check live navigation shortly before departure for the most accurate estimate.
Most travelers take I-10 East through Mississippi and Mobile. In Baldwin County, Exit 44 leads to AL-59 South toward central Gulf Shores, while Exit 49 connects to the Baldwin Beach Express for Orange Beach and an alternate approach to the island.
No. The Baldwin Beach Express no longer requires a toll. Travelers should still check current traffic information and follow posted signs, especially near the updated bridge and roundabout pattern serving Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Both destinations provide beach access, dining, attractions, and vacation rentals. Gulf Shores places travelers near the Highway 59 corridor and Gulf State Park’s western side, while Orange Beach extends east toward Perdido Pass and The Wharf. Choose based on your preferred property, activities, and arrival route.
Availability varies by season, property, and group size. Travelers planning around summer, school breaks, holidays, or major festivals generally have more choices when they begin comparing rentals earlier.