Gulf Shores, AL

Travel Guide
Orange Beach
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 Beach 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 Pensacola, 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

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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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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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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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
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥19,468 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
¥19,468
per night
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,040 reviews)
"Comfortable and quiet. Room was clean. Everyone was friendly."

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2024

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores
Beachside Resort Hotel
Beachside Resort Hotel
2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
Fully refundable
The price is ¥26,774 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
¥26,774
per night
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,150 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay. Very convenient, clean, nice breakfast, not heavy. Just what you need for your beach vacay. Plan to visit again!"

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2024

Beachside Resort Hotel
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 May 4, 2024

Waterfront home with WiFi, sun deck, screened porch & private beach access
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
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (491 reviews)
"I loved the area and the access to the beach. We had to go down to the office several times because I never got the notification that the room was ready, never received my welcome packet with my wifi code in it. The office staff was not the friendliest. Other than that, I do recommend this facility. ..."

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
The Cabins at Gulf State Park
The Cabins at Gulf State Park
3 out of 5
20249a State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3-star 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! (7 reviews)
Would definitely stay here again!
"This was an excellent place to stay - quiet, close to shopping and restaurants, and very clean"

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2024

The Cabins at Gulf State Park
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 May 4, 2024

Waterfront home with WiFi, sun deck, screened porch & private beach access
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

Cities near Gulf Shores