Gulf Shores Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Gulf Shores
Photo provided by Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism
Photo provided by Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism
Photo provided by Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism
Gulf Shores
Beautiful beaches, championship golf courses, great seafood and unusual nature experiences attract carefree vacationers to this pleasant Alabama resort area.

White-sand beaches and emerald-green water are the popular attractions of Gulf Shores and the Alabama Gulf Coast. Find some of the state’s best golf, good shopping and many natural attractions.

Orange BeachOpens in a new window and Alabama Point East are among Alabama Gulf Coast’s most popular beaches, great places to start exploring the area. Sandy shores stretching for miles feature sand dunes, boardwalks and several picnic areas. For a bit more action, try Gulf Shores Public Beach where you’ll find volleyball courts and numerous lively beach bars. Go shopping here and eat fresh seafood.

The Gulf Shores region is also home to some of Alabama’s best golf courses. Test your skills at the three designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer: Cotton Creek and Cyprus Bend at Craft Farms and Lost Key Golf Club on the way to PensacolaOpens in a new window, Florida.

Other nearby courses to investigate include the affordable Glenlakes Golf Club and Gulf State Park Refuge Golf Course. If you’re here mostly for golf, consider a “stay and play” package offered by the various hotels and resorts.

For outdoor adventure off the course, hike along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a collaborative effort between the city of Orange Beach and property owners along the trail. Try to catch a glimpse of the “Catman,” a part-man, part-wildcat creature that has allegedly lurked along the paths and swamps for decades. If you’d prefer not to walk, join an eco-tour, which provides a trip through the natural habitats in a covered electric cart.

Enjoy the many water-based activities in Gulf Shores and along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Rent a kayak and explore the back bays of the area or join a dolphin tour. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail is a must-see for bird lovers, offering more than 50 birding sites. The trail is designed in a series of loops and provides information about the birds you might expect to see at each place.

Come to the Alabama Gulf Coast for adventure, fun and relaxation.

Where to stay in Gulf Shores

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Surf Side Shores

When in Surf Side Shores, you can plan a visit to Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Surf Side Shores
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Morgantown

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Morgantown and surrounding area, you can visit Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach.

Morgantown
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Brigadoon Trail

Brigadoon Trail might not have many top sights, but West Beach and Gulf Shores Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Brigadoon Trail
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Cabana Beach

Cabana Beach might not have many top sights, but Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Kiva Dunes Golf Course are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Cabana Beach
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Fort Morgan Pines

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Fort Morgan Pines and surrounding area, you can visit Fort Morgan Beach and Fort Morgan.

Fort Morgan Pines
Beachside Resort Hotel
Beachside Resort Hotel
2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is AU$114 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
AU$114
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,318 reviews)
"Centralized location"

Reviewed on 15 Nov. 2024

Beachside Resort Hotel
Hilton The Lodge at Gulf State Park, AL
Hilton The Lodge at Gulf State Park, AL
3.5 out of 5
21196 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is AU$158 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
AU$158
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Very nice room and views. Loved being next to park and bikes available. Wished there was free breakfast, hot tub and microwave."

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Hilton The Lodge at Gulf State Park, AL
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores
2.5 out of 5
3600 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is AU$104 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
AU$104
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,111 reviews)
Rick and Bev Foley visit.
"Room was clean and roomy. Was upgraded to handicap room. Was supposed to have walk in tub but didn’t. A little disappointed but okay. For a handicap room the bed shouldn’t be so high for the person with the handicap to get into. The doors to the entrance should open automatically. Also the chair ..."

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
3.5 out of 5
533 W. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (561 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Waterfront home with WiFi, sun deck, screened porch & private beach access
Waterfront home with WiFi, sun deck, screened porch & private beach access
Gulf Shores
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Gulf Shores. Enjoy a beach locale, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Leon
"Private; quiet; great location"

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Waterfront home with WiFi, sun deck, screened porch & private beach access
The BEACHFRONT CONDO. On The Beach. Perfect Location for uncrowded beach lovers!
The BEACHFRONT CONDO. On The Beach. Perfect Location for uncrowded beach lovers!
Gulf Shores
Book a stay at this beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (260 reviews)
Very short walk to the beach
"Everything we needed and very close to the beach"

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

The BEACHFRONT CONDO. On The Beach. Perfect Location for uncrowded beach lovers!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Gulf Shores