Gulf Shores, AL

Travel Guide

Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
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

Find the best Gulf Shores areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Gulf Shores
Learn more about Gulf Shores

Gulf Highlands

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

Surf Side Shores

While Surf Side Shores isn't home to many top sights, Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Cabana Beach

When in Cabana Beach, you can plan a visit to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Kiva Dunes Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Plash Island

Though Plash Island might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf Shores Golf Club.

Morgantown

While Morgantown might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach.

Beachside Resort Hotel

Beachside Resort Hotel

2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
$145 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Jun 21 to Jun 22
$168 total
Jun 21 - Jun 22
Total with taxes and fees
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! (1,647 reviews)
"Reception was one of the worst I have experienced, but maybe they did their best. Felt unwelcome which doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it matters. Ice cream on the property was 2 dips for 15.96! Each side of our two doubles was caved in. The tub didn’t drain. This became gross. Nice fridge, maids ..."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2026

Beachside Resort Hotel
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
21196 E. Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
$164 nightly
The price is $191 total per night from Jun 28 to Jun 29
$191 total
Jun 28 - Jun 29
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"The ease of checking in and out was great. The view from the room to the ocean was breathtaking."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2026

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort

Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
112 West Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores AL
$252 nightly
The price is $292 total per night from Jun 28 to Jun 29
$292 total
Jun 28 - Jun 29
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this resort in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (395 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at this property. The room was spacious with a great view of the beach. The beds were comfortable and the everyone we encountered was helpful & friendly even by the poolside bar that was always busy. The only two things I would have wished for was a bigger pool deck area. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2026

Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort
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
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (849 reviews)
"Loved that the property was on the beach, price point was good. It was clean. Would return!"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2026

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites

Phoenix All Suites

3.5 out of 5
201 East Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (549 reviews)
"Location was great. It was big enough for my family. Clean."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2026

Phoenix All Suites
The Cabins at Gulf State Park

The Cabins at Gulf State Park

3 out of 5
20111 State Park Road Gulf Shores AL
Book a stay at this business-friendly cabin in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free beach shuttle. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"Master bed was not comfortable"

Reviewed on May 26, 2026

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.

Getting around Gulf Shores

The area around Gulf Shores lends itself well to biking, with miles of cycling trails to explore in beautiful wilderness areas like the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. A car is also a good option for exploring the surrounding countryside; both car and bike rental companies can be found in town. On the water, a boat tour can help you spot dolphins. Many hotels are within walking distance of the beach. Visit the Alabama Department of TransportationOpens in a new window website.Browse Gulf Shores rental cars.

Best time to visit

Gulf Shores’ greatest attribute is its stretch of sandy beach, and if you’re looking to make the most of it then the weather will play a major part in when you visit. Summers are very hot, so fall is probably the best time to visit, when the weather is balmy but not too hot, and the sea is lovely after months soaking up the heat of high summer. Winter is pleasant and the town has a large snowbird population.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Gulf Shores

Other places like Gulf Shores

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