Gulf Shores

Travel 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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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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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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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
Fully refundable
The price is €71 per night from 24 Dec to 25 Dec
€71
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 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! (1,321 reviews)
Cheap and decent
"Check in was quick and easy. Only complaint is the attendant had ear buds in talking on phone. I hate that. Otherwise it would have been 5 stars."

Reviewed on 15 Dec 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 €99 per night from 6 Jan to 7 Jan
€99
includes taxes & fees
6 Jan - 7 Jan 2025
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! (1,000 reviews)
Would come back
"All the staff were friendly and very helpful. Our room was clean along with the fitness center."

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2024

Hilton The Lodge at Gulf State Park, AL
Motel 6 Gulf Shores, AL
Motel 6 Gulf Shores, AL
2 out of 5
3025 W 1st ST, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is €59 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
€59
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this motel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Good motel with nice people"

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2024

Motel 6 Gulf Shores, AL
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.
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! (261 reviews)
Very good experience
"The property is very close to beach. The neighborhood is nice. The condo is old but well maintained. Few things were broken like the front door lock so let the Owner know after checking inn. No complaints. Enjoyed our stay over all."

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2024

THE BEACHFRONT CONDO! On The Beach. Perfect Location for uncrowded beach lovers!
Affordable Vacation Home - Walk to the beach, restaurants, shops, etc!!!
Affordable Vacation Home - Walk to the beach, restaurants, shops, etc!!!
Gulf Shores
Stay at this vacation home in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (181 reviews)
"Great property close to everything."

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Affordable Vacation Home - Walk to the beach, restaurants, shops, etc!!!
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

Things to do