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

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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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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Morgantown

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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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
Beachside Resort Hotel
Beachside Resort Hotel
2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is P3,752 per night from 29 Dec to 30 Dec
P3,752
P4,353 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 29 - Dec 30
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! (1,322 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 Dec 15, 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 P5,219 per night from 7 Jan to 8 Jan
P5,219
P6,054 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 7 - Jan 8, 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 Dec 5, 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 P3,099 per night from 1 Jan to 2 Jan
P3,099
P3,594 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 1 - Jan 2, 2025
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Good motel with nice people"

Reviewed on Dec 20, 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.
Phoenix All Suites
Phoenix All Suites
3.5 out of 5
201 East 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. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (289 reviews)
"Very pleased with everything. Views from balcony is wonderful."

Reviewed on Dec 14, 2024

Phoenix All Suites
Sugar Sands RV Resort
Sugar Sands RV Resort
2 out of 5
5343 Roscoe Rd, Gulf Shores, AL
Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and The Wharf are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"Quiet and the people were super friendly! The tiny house had the bet atmosphere and provided the perfect home away from home for our trip."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Sugar Sands RV Resort
Phoenix All Suites West by Brett Robinson
Phoenix All Suites West by Brett Robinson
3 out of 5
533 West Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3-star condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
7.8/10 Good! (36 reviews)
"Quiet and away from the touristy area. We loved it. Nice amenities- wished we could have stayed longer!"

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2024

Phoenix All Suites West by Brett Robinson
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