{"id":27638,"date":"2019-06-21T19:00:29","date_gmt":"2019-06-21T19:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=27638"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:19:37","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:19:37","slug":"gulf-shores-vacation-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/gulf-shores-vacation-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Gulf Shores Vacation Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Planning a trip to Gulf Shores<\/a>? The resort area is not only one of the most popular family destinations on the Gulf Coast, it\u2019s also a great spot for history buffs, outdoors enthusiasts, food lovers, and sun worshippers. Check out this guide to living your best life on a Gulf Shores vacation.<\/p>\n

Getting to Gulf Shores<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re planning on driving to Gulf Shores, it\u2019s easily accessible from Atlanta, Nashville, Houston, and New Orleans. The highway is going to be the fastest and most direct route, but travelers with time to spare can get off the main strip, roll the windows down, and take a leisurely drive along the coast. Alabama\u2019s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway<\/a> cuts through some of the South\u2019s most picturesque stretches of land, and offers the opportunity to stop off at some bodacious BBQ restaurants, charming downtowns, and historic sites.<\/p>\n

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Gulf Shores’ Beaches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Flying to Gulf Shores is also possible, although not quite as convenient, as travelers can book a flight to Mobile Regional Airport, which is about 70 miles from Gulf Shores, or Pensacola International Airport, which is about 40 miles away. In either case, renting a car at the airport is highly recommended, although a shuttle service is available from Pensacola.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re in Gulf Shores, you\u2019ll find it much easier to explore the region if you have a car, especially if you want to get out and about on the golf courses, take a journey to Orange Beach, or step back in time at Fort Morgan.<\/p>\n

Where to Stay at Gulf Shores<\/h2>\n

As the Gulf Coast\u2019s most popular resort, Gulf Shores has a wide range of accommodations to suit your needs, although the vibe definitely trends towards casual and family-friendly. Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores<\/a>\u00a0is a great choice for visitors wanting to stretch out in the extra space, swim a few laps in the outdoor pool, and be within a stone\u2019s throw of shopping, dining, and the beach.<\/p>\n

\"gulf
Gulf Shores Boardwalk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re wondering where to stay at Gulf Shores, and want something with all the trimmings, check out the Perdido Beach Resort<\/a>, a breezy property with a private white-sand beach. Not only is it conveniently located near some of the area\u2019s more noteworthy attractions, it offers 4 on-site restaurants and bars, as well as tennis courts and an outdoor pool: perfect for a family looking to relax without having to do a lot of driving.<\/p>\n

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Gulf Shores, Alabama<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There\u2019s also a range of vacation houses and condos that can fit large groups or the whole extended family, from intimate 2-bedroom units in lively Orange Beach to spacious 6-bedroom homes, such as Laguna Sunrise<\/a> in picturesque Fort Morgan. If you want to be right on the Gulf you\u2019ll find plenty of properties with direct beach access, while others provide free beach shuttle service.<\/p>\n

What to do at Gulf Shores<\/h2>\n

Gulf Shores offers 32 miles of powdery white-quartz beaches lapped by turquoise waters, and there\u2019s a wide range of water-based activities for thrill-seekers, including jetskiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. Its Gulf of Mexico locale also provides some of the best fishing in the South, and anglers can cast a line from the Gulf State Park Pier, or head out to deep waters and hunt for giant grouper on a chartered fishing trip. Cyclists, meanwhile, can explore maritime forests and hardwood swamps with a biking trip around the Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail, a sprawling network of trails running through 6180-acre Gulf State Park.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not to say Gulf Shores only caters to sports enthusiasts or doesn\u2019t know how to relax \u2013 there\u2019s a Sandcastle University<\/a>, after all \u2013 and it\u2019s a great spot to spend easy-going days just dipping your toes in the warm waters, sunbathing on the sands, unwinding with sunrise yoga sessions, or snapping some wildlife pics on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. If you\u2019re interested in the area\u2019s history, make sure to stop by USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park on Mobile Bay, or if you want to get acquainted with the region\u2019s natural beauty, book a Segway tour in Gulf State Park or a whale-watching cruise around Orange Beach.<\/p>\n

\"gulf
Gulf Shores Wildlife<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dining in Gulf Shores<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re a lover of fresh seafood, then you\u2019ll be in nirvana at Gulf Shores. The area is peppered with a range of restaurants serving fresh-off-the-boat oysters and crab, as well as a collection of cantinas offering sizzling fajitas, breezy bars slinging shrimp po\u2019 boys and grits, and down-home diners dishing out \u2018bananas in pajamas\u2019 (fried bananas with fosters sauce).<\/p>\n

The eclectic selection of restaurants reflects the Gulf of Mexico\u2019s diverse influences, and you can dine on a different global dish daily. For a classic New Orleans meal, hit the Ruby Slipper<\/a>, a laid-back venue offering Chantilly cream pancakes, catfish and grits, and boozy brandy milk punch. Tacky Jacks, meanwhile, is a local landmark serving tasty lunches of blackened gator bites, mahi mahi tacos, and peanut butter pie. For dinner, pull up a chair at Luna\u2019s Eat and Drink<\/a>, an intimate restaurant that puts a unique coastal spin on classic Southern fare.<\/p>\n

With miles of white beaches, a diverse dining scene, and activities for the whole family, Gulf Shores promises an epic getaway. Book your Gulf Shores vacation on Expedia today<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With its stunning golden beaches, lively coastal culture, and delectable fresh seafood, Gulf Shores promises a vacation to remember.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":27643,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1782,2135],"tags":[],"authors":[2264],"class_list":["post-27638","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations","category-gulf-shores","authors-expedia","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nGulf Shores Vacation Guide | Expedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"With its stunning golden beaches, lively coastal culture, and delectable fresh seafood, this Gulf Shores vacation guide is indispensable for you.|With its stunning golden beaches, lively coastal culture, and delectable fresh seafood, this Gulf Shores vacation guide is indispensable for you.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" 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