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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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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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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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
Fully refundable
The price is P5,283 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
P5,283
P6,128 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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! (1,379 reviews)
"Very close to the beach."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Beachside Resort Hotel
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
4 out of 5
21196 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is P7,703 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
P7,703
P8,935 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Would stay there again"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
3.5 out of 5
533 W. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL
The price is P7,559 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P7,559
P9,435 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (622 reviews)
"Great location,clean room,just needs more furniture in bedroom there was nowhere to put clothes up and bathroom no counter space"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (622 reviews)
"Great location,clean room,just needs more furniture in bedroom there was nowhere to put clothes up and bathroom no counter space"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
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. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (335 reviews)
"Great location! The Hangout is right next door and you can enjoy the live music from your room. Easy beach access! Great communication from all staff for parking, check-in, check-out. We will stay there again! The only con would be during housekeeping hours, bins and carts were crowding the elevator ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

Phoenix All Suites
Lighthouse Condominiums
Lighthouse Condominiums
4 out of 5
455 East Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 4-star condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a meeting room, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
7.4/10 Good! (6 reviews)
Golf Shores
"We loved our condominium and the property. The beach was absolutely beautiful. We didnt like that they charged for parking and it was more than what we were told on Hotels.com"

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2024

Lighthouse Condominiums
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