Gulf Shores, AL

Travel Guide

Orange Beach
Gulf Shores which includes mist or fog, a sunset and a river or creek
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores showing a beach, a sunset and general coastal views
Adventure Island

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

Turtle warning.

Gulf Highlands

While visiting Gulf Highlands, you might make a stop by sights like Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach.

Gulf Highlands
The beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama

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
Nature trails in Orange Beach Alabama Gulf State Park

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
Fort Morgan Pier

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 NT$2,981 per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
NT$2,981
NT$3,458 total
Apr 19 - Apr 20
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,568 reviews)
Parking was great! We were even allowed to park early in the day before our check in time and spend some extra time at the beach. All staff were very nice and accommodating.

Reviewed on 2026/3/16

Beachside Resort Hotel
Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort

Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
112 West Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores AL
The price is NT$5,603 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
NT$5,603
NT$7,978 total
Apr 14 - Apr 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (228 reviews)
Yes. 10/10

Reviewed on 2026/3/17

Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort
Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East Beach near Gulf State Park

Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East Beach near Gulf State Park

2.5 out of 5
536 East Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
The price is NT$4,316 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
NT$4,316
NT$5,006 total
Apr 12 - Apr 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Outdoor pool, the room was across from the beach and was so nice

Reviewed on 2026/3/17

Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East Beach near Gulf State Park
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
Book a stay at this 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! (806 reviews)
Great Location!!!

Reviewed on 2026/3/18

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites

Phoenix All Suites

3.5 out of 5
201 East Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (509 reviews)
Great location… walk straight into the beach and plenty of places to eat and hear live music within walking distance

Reviewed on 2026/3/13

Phoenix All Suites
Lighthouse Condominiums

Lighthouse Condominiums

4 out of 5
455 East Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores AL
Book a stay at this beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy a beach locale, parking (surcharge), and a meeting room. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (24 reviews)
The balcony overlooked the pool are and the beach & ocean. Beautiful views. The plumbing fixtures were clean, but old & outdated. The vent over the microwave was missing and the floors and baseboards were badly stained with a black substance. Just looked really dirty.

Reviewed on 2026/3/6

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.

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