During our trip to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama one of the things we were really impressed with is there is something for every member of the family to enjoy during a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! We could easily see doing a multi-generational trip to Gulf Shores and having so much fun! Today we are excited to share our top things to do in Gulf Shores Alabama!
We have been returning to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama as often as we possibly can! This area is so easy to fall in love with! We have even talked about buying a condo or vacation home at some point in the area so we can spend more time in Coastal Alabama. This area is so perfect for family trips and romantic getaways.
After multiple trips, we are still finding new things to do that we can't wait to explore. Let us know your favorite things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores that we have to check out during our next visit!
Things to do in Gulf Shores
Getting to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama
Flying to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
We tend to fly into New Orleans when we are heading to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We pick up a rental car, a few beignets and hit the road. It is an easy drive to Gulf Shores and we can grab a direct flight from Seattle.
You can also fly into nearby Mobile Regional and Pensacola International Airports.
Driving to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
The Baldwin Beach Express originates at I-10 (exit 49) and ends in the heart of Orange Beach at Canal Road. A toll bridge is located at the south end of the Beach Express.
Where to stay in Gulf Shores
We stayed in a condo managed by Harris Properties that could easily sleep 8-10 people comfortably. We had a giant master suite, a bedroom with 2 bunk beds, another bedroom with a queen-size bed, and a comfortable couch.
There were two bathrooms in the condo including a walk-in shower that would be easy for anyone with knee or hip problems to maneuver in and out of. You can see a video of our condo here on Facebook.
Our condo was in the Avalon building condo #1603
We also stayed at the Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park during our last trip and fell in LOVE with them! You can check out our stay at Turquoise Place in Orange Beach for another fun vacation rental option.
Now that you have a place to rest your head at the end of the day what about all of the activities you can do as a family!
I am so excited to share these Top Things to Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama with all of you!!! We loved our time in Gulf Shores and can't wait to plan a return visit!
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Welcome Centers
There are two Gulf Shores and Orange Beach welcome centers run by Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. These welcome centers are the perfect place to start your beach vacation! You can get updates on beach conditions, what is happening in town, and find out any fun new things to do in town.
Gulf Shore Welcome Center: 3459 Gulf Shores Parkway
North of the Intracoastal Bridge on Highway 59
Orange Beach Welcome Center: 23685 Perdido Beach Boulevard
Approximately four miles east of the Highway 59 and 182 intersection on the beach road
Learn more here and make sure to visit the visitor centers for great info!
Gulf Shores Beaches
First and easily reachable from the condo or almost anywhere in Gulf Shores is the BEACH! Sugar white sand awaits your toes along with gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Dip your toes in the water, build a sandcastle, or watch the birds along the shoreline.
You might even spot an endangered dune mouse as you sit on the beach. One thing to know is most beaches have boardwalks that guide you out to the beach. This is to protect the dunes and the grasses.
These areas are so important to land health and hurricane safety.
Gulf Shores is really focused on making sure they are taking care of the environment and protecting important animal species. They do ask that you remove all of your beach items each night to help protect the sea turtles that come up on the beach to lay eggs.
One thing I love is Gulf Shores just rolled out an “Access Mat” at the West End of Gulf Place Public Beach. The Access Mat is described on its website as “an ADA Compliant beach accessibility surface.”
This pedestrian pathway will make the beach more accessible for beachgoers of all ability, elderly people, wheelchair users, and parents with strollers. I love that Gulf Shores is taking care of its visitors and making the beaches more accessible.
Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
If you want to learn more about the wildlife and nature in Gulf Shores head to Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge. This wildlife refuge includes both beach access, sand dunes, and a great trail system. You can go for a short walk or a couple of hour hike depending on your mood.
The Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge has a great visitor center with information on the flora and fauna from the area.
Brittany who works there is fantastic and gave us a tour and information on the park. She is a fountain of knowledge about the area and a total bird nerd which you know we love!
The Refuge Office and Visitor Center are located on State Highway 180 on the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
The refuge is open to visitors year-round, during daylight hours only. The Visitor Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Visitor Center is closed on federal holidays.
Refuge Phone: (251) 540-7720
Address: 12295 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Entrance to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is fee-free.
Gulf State Park Pier
Speaking of birds if you want to see pelicans up close and personal head to Gulf State Park Pier and you can’t miss them hanging out waiting for a fish or two. We also saw Great Blue Herons walking along the pier with everyone looking for fish.
The pier only costs $3 for a one-time visit per person and is a great way to look for dolphins in the bay, get a great view of Gulf Shores and hear a fish tale or two from a local fisherman. They also offer yoga on the pier and other great programs through Gulf State Park. The 1,540-foot fishing pier was added to the beach recently as part of the repairs after Hurricane Ivan.
Gulf State Park Pier is one of the best sunset spots in Gulf Shores! You can get amazing photos with the water and city in the background.
Address: 20800 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Gulf State Park
Looking to take a walk on the wild side? Head to Gulf State Park and walk/hike one of their 25 miles of trails including a gorgeous boardwalk over the water. Gulf State Park also offers Segway tours of the park which looked like so much fun!
They also offer RV camping and tent camping along with cabins in the park. Check out Park Ranger John's Gulf State Park Camping guide to learn more!
Need a break from the kids? Don’t worry we won’t judge… check out the day camps that are offered at Gulf State Park. You can sign the kids up for day camp and have an adult day in Gulf Shores! Woohoo!
If you want to head out on the water you have so many choices in Gulf Shores! From Charter fishing to an eco boat ride.
Both of these options we sadly did not get to do due to weather and the wind during our trip but they sound absolutely amazing! The photos and stories we heard from these tours sounded amazing! A must-do on our next visit!
Check out the Eagle Cottage at Gulf State Park for an amazing lodging option within the park.
Address: 20115 AL-135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail
The Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail includes more than 25 miles of paved trails perfect for spending the day biking or exploring.
The trail connects Gulf Shores and Orange Beach so you can peddler from one great part of town to another.
This is a great way to get away from the crowds and enjoy nature! Keep an eye out for birds and local wildlife along the trail.
Grab a photo with the Souvenir City Shark
You can also head out to one of the putt-putt golf courses, go-kart tracks, or get a photo with a giant shark at souvenir city!
We had to stop and get a pic of the shark! John remembers getting family photos under the shark when he was a kid. Now I am on a hunt to find those photos and compare them to our photos. LOL!
This is also a great place to pick up a souvenir of your trip to Coastal Alabama! They have a little bit of everything and more!
Address: 217 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
LuLu's
LuLu's is a Gulf Shores tradition that has to happen during every trip at least once if not multiple times. A beach vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is not complete without a slice of LuLu's key lime pie!
Kids will love the Mountain of Youth ropes course next to the restaurant! There is even Munchkin Mountain a ropes course for kids under 48 inches tall! LuLu's truly has something for the entire family!
Make sure and try a delicious Bama Breeze Cocktail during your visit!
Address: 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL US
Fort Morgan
Fort MorganWant to learn a bit of history during your trip to Gulf Shores? Head over to Fort Morgan to learn more about how this fort played a part in US history.
This is a great place for stretching your legs, having the kids wander about on the lawn, and learning about history. Fort Morgan played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864. The fort was also sporadically used during the Spanish American War, World War I, and World War II.
Fort Morgan offers a ton of programs including re-enactments, a museum, and walking tours.
Address: 110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Enjoy a Sweet Treat
After all of this activity if you have worked up a sweet tooth check out our list of Sweet treats you need to try in Gulf Shores, Alabama! Trust me these sweet treats will make any sweet tooth happy.
From huge milkshakes at The Yard to bread pudding and key lime pie you can't go wrong indulging in a sweet dessert or three during your vacation to Gulf Shores.
I am going to admit that I am deeply madly in love with the key lime pie at LuLu's.
Grab a local Beer
Craving a good beer? Head over to Big Beach Brewing for a great atmosphere and a wide selection of beers including Rod's Reel Cream Ale, Small Town Brown Ale, Dixie's Heart Red Ale, Better Watch Out Stout, Kiss Me I'm Irish Stout, and Hundred Daze IPA to name a few. We loved the relaxed atmosphere of the brewery during our visit.
Big Beach Brewing Address: 300 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Enjoy an amazing Gulf Shores Restaurant!
There are so many great Gulf Shores Restaurants to explore and check out! From fine dining to down-home cooking you can find the perfect restaurant for your family!
Check out what it is like to judge the World Food Championships held in Gulf Shores!
We have been to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach multiple times and every time we have to leave I feel like we have an even longer list of restaurants we want to check out on our next trip.
Just driving down the street I find amazing places I can't wait to try out. There are truly so many good restaurants in the area it can be hard to decide where to go and how to fit it all in.
Sail Wild Hearts Dolphin Cruise
We enjoyed an amazing dolphin cruise in Orange Beach with Sail Wild Hearts! There is something so magical about being out on the water and looking for bottlenose dolphins! So peaceful and relaxing. Plus you get another view of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach from the water!
They even have dolphin cruises that include seeing the Blue Angels practicing over the water. Talk about the perfect day out on the water!
Check out our full article on Sail Wild Hearts!
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
We have not had a chance to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo yet but have heard so many great things about the work they are doing to protect animals. I am also in love with the fact that you can get up close and learn more about sloths, lemurs, and anteaters. They have animal encounter programs that get you up close and personal with amazing animals.
Address: 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy. Gulf Shores, AL 36542
The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last guest allowed entry at 4:30 p.m.).
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Ferris Wheel at the Wharf
Take a ride 112 feet up in one of the 24 gondolas on the Ferris Wheel at the Wharf. This is the perfect way to relax after wandering around the Wharf checking out the amazing stores and great restaurants. Don't miss coffee at Southern Grind!
Address: 23101 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL 36561
Flora Bama
Flora-Bama is world-famous for being open 365 days a year! Located on the Orange Beach, Alabama, and Perdido Key, Florida state line this restaurant/bar/club/must-see attraction is a place you will not soon forget.
I am going to admit I was actually a bit nervous the first time we drove to Flora Bama. I had this crazy image in my head of an over the top roadhouse bar that I would not feel comfortable in.
This stopped me from visiting the first time and I hated that I let fear stop me from going.
During our next trip to Gulf Shores, I made sure that we visited Flora Bama! You guys it is a fun, large bar with five stages and a ton of fun character. I never felt uncomfortable or worried while I was there.
They even hold church services on Sundays at Flora Bama.
This was a reminder to not always let fear and anxiety stop you from checking out a new place while traveling!
Address: 17401 Perdido Key Dr. Perdido Key, FL 32507
The Hangout
The Hangout is a great beach bar extravaganza! They have amazing photo opps, great food, fun live music, foam parties and so much more. In the morning they have pirate and princess parties perfect for the entire family.
This is one of those beach bars everyone will love. Great for all ages.
Deep-Sea Fishing
There are over 100 fishing charters available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! You can book a charter and head out into the gulf to catch your next epic fishing story!
You can sign up for the quarterly Gulf Shores Fishing Newsletter - Sign up here to get updates on what is biting and what fish are in season.
Jet Skiing, Parasailing, and Beach Rentals
Want a thrill while soaking up the sun in Gulf Shore and Orange Beach? Why not go jet skiing, parasailing or kayaking from the beach!
Gulf Shores has a great list of all of the places you can rent a Jet Ski's, book parasailing, and other fun beach activities!
Additional Gulf Shores Travel Articles
Check out a few of my favorite travel bloggers articles about Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!!!
The amazing Cory Lee shared wheelchair accessible attractions in Gulf Shores!
Check out the amazing flight Sara from Travels with Sara took with Beach Flight Aviation!
What are your favorite things to do in Gulf Shores?
We were invited to Gulf Shores on a press trip. All opinions expressed are our own.
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