Gulf Shores, AL

Travel Guide

Orange Beach
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
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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
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. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,497 reviews)
"You can walk acr"

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Beachside Resort Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores by IHG

2.5 out of 5
160 W Commerce Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is NT$2,906 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
NT$2,906
NT$3,371 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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 helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"No hot water Sunday morning for our showers"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores by IHG
Motel 6 Gulf Shores, AL

Motel 6 Gulf Shores, AL

2 out of 5
3025 W 1st ST, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is NT$2,094 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
NT$2,094
NT$2,430 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"perfect for a last minute trip. had issues with the air conditioning but it wasn’t a deal breaker. would stay again. front desk worker nikki was so nice and informative"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

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 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! (761 reviews)
Wonderful visit!
"Sonja at check-in was awesome! Professional and personable. All staff just great! Unit was dated but clean and comfortable and great view. Great location."

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

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! (469 reviews)
"The only thing I didn’t like was the internet service was not good."

Reviewed on 2025/8/1

Phoenix All Suites
The Cabins at Gulf State Park

The Cabins at Gulf State Park

3 out of 5
20111 State Park Road, 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
"Perfect for families, lots to do"

Reviewed on 2025/7/20

The Cabins at 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Gulf Shores