Things to know before you visit Gulf Shores
Nestled along the shores of the Gulf is a magical place where the warm turquoise waters lap against white sugar sand beaches, where the salt spray and sea breeze are exhilarating, and where the hospitality is as warm as the sun.
Welcome to Gulf Shores, a seaside town among the country’s fastest-growing vacation destinations. If you are planning a vacation to our little stretch of heaven, here are a few tips to help make your visit memorable and stress-free!
There is something for everyone!
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are charming beach communities alive and vibrant, with a good mix of the young and old bringing excitement to the area. You’ll find unique attractions, incredible dining experiences, fantastic lodging options, and adventure on and off the water. Additionally, you can enjoy the many festivals and events that take place here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, including the Hangout Music Festival and the National Shrimp Festival.
It's more than just a beach!
There is more to this destination than its long stretch of white beaches, so much so that a single weekend won’t be enough time to take it all in. But here are a few good starting places: Take a ride on a dolphin cruise to see dolphins playing in the waves and other wildlife in the backwaters. Spend some time at The Nature Center or the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for a more intimate encounter with animals. The kids (and the kid in all of us) will want to check out the thrills at Waterville USA or The Track Family Fun Park. If you’re a golfer, bring your clubs to one of the 15 incredible golf courses in and around the area.
Indulge in Fresh Coastal Cuisine!
When you get hungry, try one of the many excellent local restaurants serving the freshest Gulf seafood. It’s dinner and a show—the beautiful sunset—as you dine outdoors at Tacky Jacks. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and drinks with your friends at The Gulf or savor delectable seafood while sipping on a beach-goer favorite, the bushwacker, at the world-famous Flora-Bama Lounge. You’ll find more than just fresh catches at the restaurants along the beach. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also boast finger-licking barbecue, mouthwatering burgers, and delectable desserts. If you visit during the spring and summer, try arriving at restaurants before 5 pm or after 8 pm to avoid longer wait times at dinner.
For the Nature and Adventure Lover in All of Us
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer adventure on both land and water. With countless waterways to explore, each beach town has fantastic places to paddle either by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Look up, and you’ll see birds like ospreys, eagles and great blue herons soaring overhead. And for some high-speed action, rent a Jet Ski and venture around the Gulf. Take a hike on the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge trails through maritime wetlands and forests, over sand dunes and to the nesting ground of loggerhead sea turtles on one of the most secluded beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Enjoy hiking and biking trails at the Graham Creek Nature Preserve, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and the Fort Morgan Road Trail—perfect for all ages. Gulf State Park is a great place to spot wildlife, kayak and paddleboard, and even ride through the trails on a Segway tour. Adrenaline seekers won’t want to pass up soaring over the blue water via parasail for a real adrenaline rush. After all that fun, wrap up your day with a fiery orange sunset aboard an evening cruise.
Gulf Shores offers an abundance of activities and attractions for travelers, and staying with us will allow you to experience firsthand why it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular vacation destinations.
Thank you to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism for the content of this blog post!