We pulled into Gulf Shores, Alabama planning to stay a month—and quickly learned why so many travelers never want to leave. From iconic beach stops and jaw-dropping Gulf Coast sunsets to an unexpected day as a featured extra in the movie Deadly Destination Wedding, this stop was full of surprises.

Thanksgiving turned into a true RV-life experience with beachside potlucks, new friends, bike rides through town (including a few very real gator sightings), pickleball, oyster nights, and Bushwackers at Flora-Bama. We explored Orange Beach, Pensacola’s emerald waters, festive lights at The Wharf, drone shows, local food favorites, and cozy evenings under Christmas lights back at the park.

If you’re traveling the Gulf Coast by RV—or dreaming about it—Gulf Shores offers the perfect mix of coastal beauty, great food, and welcoming community. Sometimes the best travel moments aren’t planned… they find you when you slow down and say yes to the journey.

Check out previous episodes for travel inspiration!

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Our journey was filled with scenic drives, quiet moments, and memories of our sweet fur baby, Khan — always with us, always missed.

We soaked up lake views and starry skies at Eagle Lake RV Park in Susanville, then rolled into Minden, Nevada, where mountain towns, great food, and a drive to Truckee reminded us why the open road never gets old. Reno surprised us with incredible meals, lively energy, and a standout dinner at Duke’s Steakhouse — a perfect place to celebrate life’s moments.

Virginia City took us straight back to the Wild West, complete with wooden boardwalks, live music, and golden sunsets over winding mountain roads. Along the way, we discovered unforgettable food — from Detroit-style pizza in Reno to ice cream by Lake Tahoe after one of the most scenic drives in the country, especially Emerald Bay.

Petaluma became our cozy home base as we explored rugged Bodega Bay, quiet Dillon Beach, and the dreamy vineyards of Napa Valley, where even the air smells like grapes. Towering redwoods at Armstrong Reserve left us in awe, and the fog-wrapped Golden Gate Bridge felt like pure magic.

Some places tugged at the heart — especially returning to Coarsegold to reunite with the angels who saved my life. Yosemite humbled us once again among giant sequoias thousands of years old, reminding us just how small — and lucky — we are.

We wrapped this chapter in Southern California, soaking up sunshine, time with loved ones, and peaceful moments before turning east again — grateful, inspired, and ready for whatever adventure the road brings next.

Our hearts are heavy today as we said goodbye to our sweet boy, Khan. He crossed over to doggie heaven, and we already miss him more than words can say.

Khan wasn’t just our dog — he was family. He was our travel buddy, our heart , our joy. He loved rides in the Jeep, new adventures in the RV, and just being by our side no matter where the road took us.

We were so blessed to share this life with him and will carry his spirit with us wherever we go. Rest easy, our precious boy. You’ll always be part of every journey.