Gulf Shores, AL

Travel Guide

Orange Beach
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
Adventure Island

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

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge showing a lake or waterhole

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

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.

Surf Side Shores
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Morgantown

5/5(1 area review)

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.

Morgantown
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Brigadoon Trail

While Brigadoon Trail isn't home to many top sights, West Beach and Gulf Shores Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Brigadoon Trail
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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.

Cabana Beach
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Fort Morgan Pines

While Fort Morgan Pines might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like 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
$84 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Jan 13 to Jan 14
$98 total
Jan 13 - Jan 14, 2026
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
There was no breakfast included in the stay at the hotel. There was a Resturaunt that was overpriced but we did not eat there. Parking was not free either. There was a fee for the parking of an extra 15/day self park or 22 for valet

Reviewed on Dec 24, 2025

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
$146 nightly
The price is $169 total per night from Jan 1 to Jan 2
$169 total
Jan 1 - Jan 2, 2026
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
Excellent stay and will stay there again. Great food, great service and great amenities.

Reviewed on Dec 17, 2025

Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort
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
$74 nightly
The price is $86 total per night from Jan 1 to Jan 2
$86 total
Jan 1 - Jan 2, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Clean room. Friendly staff

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores by IHG
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 Condominiums

Lighthouse Condominiums

4 out of 5
455 East Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores AL
Book a 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 ...
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 Nov 11, 2025

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

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

Gulf Shores AL
Book a stay at this beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Our stay was so restful. Just what we needed. Loved the amenities, pools, hot tubs, and the gym. The view from the balcony is stunning. The owners were very responsive and checkin/checkout was so easy! Loved it!

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2025

Lighthouse 603, Aqua Vista - Beautiful Beachfront Gulf Shores Condo.
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 WiFi, 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 Oct 29, 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.

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

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