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 holiday makers 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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Gulf Highlands

While visiting Gulf Highlands, you might make a stop by sights like Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach.

Gulf Highlands
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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
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
21196 East Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
The price is AU$147 per night from 20 Dec to 21 Dec
AU$147
20 Dec - 21 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 6 Dec 2025

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores by IHG

2.5 out of 5
160 W Commerce Avenue Gulf Shores AL
The price is AU$146 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
AU$146
16 Dec - 17 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Clean room. Friendly staff

Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores by IHG
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$111 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
AU$111
15 Dec - 16 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,121 reviews)
Was clean and comfortable

Reviewed on 6 Dec 2025

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.
Lighthouse 603, Aqua Vista - Beautiful Beachfront Gulf Shores Condo.

Lighthouse 603, Aqua Vista - Beautiful Beachfront Gulf Shores Condo.

Gulf Shores AL
Stay at this beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Mr. Nix was very helpful with my tech ineptness. The accommodations were comfortable. The view of the beach and Gulf were outstanding. One nit, the commode in the hall bathroom must be stablized, it's uncomfortably wobbly. Over all we enjoyed our stay, the condo served us well.

Reviewed on 6 Dec 2025

Lighthouse 603, Aqua Vista - Beautiful Beachfront Gulf Shores Condo.
Lighthouse Condominiums

Lighthouse Condominiums

4 out of 5
455 East Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores AL
Stay at this beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy a beach locale, parking (surcharge) and a meeting room. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (22 reviews)
Our one bedroom 6th floor beachfront condo had fantastic views. King bedroom, full kitchen, separate alcove with two bunk beds, two bathrooms with two full showers, living room, and huge balcony. The furniture, countertops, and decorations in our unit were a bit dated but everything was very clean. ...

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025

Lighthouse Condominiums
The Cabins at Gulf State Park

The Cabins at Gulf State Park

3 out of 5
20111 State Park Road Gulf Shores AL
Stay at this cabin in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Hands down one of the most relaxing and activity filled places to visit! Our cabin was more than we expected…it had everything we needed and it was squeaky clean. The only issue I had was the bed wasn’t as comfortable as I would have liked (I love my bed at home). Last but not least, it is close ...

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025

The Cabins at Gulf State Park
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.

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