Scenic view of the Alabama Gulf Coast at sunset

Things to do in  Gulf Shores

There’s a new beach in town

When most Americans think of long stretches of white sand, they probably think of Florida or Hawaii—when they could be thinking of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Set along the Gulf of Mexico, this small resort town has enormous visitor appeal and many things to do. With 32 miles of beaches—technically 15 public-access beaches—there’s more than enough room to spread out and beach bum. Visitors will also find inland adventures at spots like Gulf State Park and endless fresh seafood to boot.

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Top 2 attractions in Gulf Shores

#1

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

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With over 7,000 acres of undeveloped coastline and hundreds of species of birds, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is arguably the most scenic and relaxing spot on the entire Alabama coastline. Much of this refuge looks is completely unchanged since man first arrived on the coast, and sea turtles still lay their eggs in the sand as they have for thousands of years. Because there are limited roads in the area, one of the best ways to search for wildlife is exploring the refuge by kayak, where you silently paddle amidst the reeds and network of coastal dunes. Keep an eye out for the endangered and skittish Alabama beach mouse, which makes its home on this isolated shoreline away from the Gulf Shores development. You can also find ospreys, kingfishers, and herons that cruise down the white sand shoreline, and there’s also a network of hiking trails for exploring the refuge on foot.More
Tours & Tickets
#2
Brandon Styles Showroom

Brandon Styles Showroom

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For a variety show on the Gulf Coast, head to the Brandon Styles Showroom and catch performances that mix magic, impressions, ventriloquism, and audience participation. The showroom is located at Downtown OWA in Foley, where you can find dinner, arcade games, and even shopping—all steps from this Vegas-style performance.More

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Top activities in Gulf Shores

Dolphins and Wildlife Kayak Experience from Gulf Shores

Dolphins and Wildlife Kayak Experience from Gulf Shores

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36
From
$73.34
Mobile Area Multi-Attraction Pass

Mobile Area Multi-Attraction Pass

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22
From
$25.00
Gulf Shores Shuffle Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Gulf Shores Shuffle Scavenger Hunt

From
$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
Gulf Shores, Orange Beach Area Multi-Attraction Pass

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach Area Multi-Attraction Pass

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$37.00
Dizzy Dauphin Island Scavenger Hunt

Dizzy Dauphin Island Scavenger Hunt

From
$27.00
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All about Gulf Shores

When to visit

When to visit Gulf Shores depends on what you’re looking for. Many will say March–May is the time to visit, with warming temps and quieter, shoulder-season crowds. Fall, aka September–November, is popular, too, but that’s the tail end of hurricane season, which begins in June. Despite the possibility of hurricanes and toasty temps, summer is also a popular time.

Getting around

Most visitors will arrive at Gulf Shores with a personal vehicle—the nearest major airport is Pensacola, Florida, about an hour away (the Gulf Shores Airport primarily serves charters and private jets). If you don’t have a car, you can utilize various shuttle companies, taxis, and rideshare services, or you can stick to the waterfront, where hotels, restaurants, and great views all congregate for easy on-foot access.

Traveler tips

If you’re just looking to spend your days noshing on seafood boils and lounging on the beach, we get it. But to mix it up, don’t miss the area’s inland gems: Spots like Gulf State Park and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge have beautiful trails, fascinating ecosystems, and incredible wildlife, like sea turtles. Day trips to spots like Dauphin Island, well-loved for its birding, are also worth your time.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
CDT (UTC -6)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
2
Tours
5
Reviews
49
EN
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People Also Ask

What not to miss on the Gulf Shores?

First, get your fill of Gulf Shores Main Public Beach, the big kahuna of Gulf Shores beaches. From here, you can walk to downtown and all its attractions—and fresh seafood restaurants. You’ll also want to explore Gulf State Park, which evolves from wildlife-rich inland estuaries to the open, sandy shore.

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What do locals do at Gulf Shores?

Locals go about their daily lives like most Gulf-side beach towns: getting on the water (fishing, swimming, the works), chowing down on plentiful seafood, and enjoying the sand. Plenty of waterfront restaurants and beach bars, like the famous Flora-Bama, keep locals and visitors on the water well after the sun goes down.

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What is the best month to go to Gulf Shores?

Come in summer if you want warm water and all the buzz Gulf Shores can offer. That’s the most popular season—and the most expensive. The shoulder seasons of March–May and September–November are great options for those looking for still-temperate waters and a better deal. That being said, hurricane season is June–November; if you travel in that window, always keep the weather in mind.

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Why is Gulf Shores so popular?

Gulf Shores is a unique mix of locales: It’s got the beautiful white-sand beaches and blue waves of the Caribbean but with the American South's hospitality, comfort food, and laid-back spirit. For those looking for a tropical getaway that feels low-key and chill, Gulf Shores is hard to beat.

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Is Gulf Shores nicer than Orange Beach?

Many say that Gulf Shores is nicer for families than Orange Beach—which is to say, Orange Beach is nicer for couples and groups of traveling friends. Gulf Shores is more accessible and laid-back; Orange Beach is more modern and upscale. Of course, both will give you access to the coast’s spectacular shoreline.

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What is the prettiest beach in Alabama?

Choosing Alabama’s prettiest beach is challenging, partly because their separations are arbitrary—we’ve decided where one beach turns into the next. That being said, you can’t go wrong in the Gulf Shores area; whether you’re at the beaches at Gulf State Park or Lagoon Pass, Fort Morgan, or West Beach, you’ll find the white sand and blue waves you’re looking for.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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