Gulf Shores

Travel Guide

Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
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

Gulf Highlands

Gulf Highlands

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

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

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 P7,887 per night from May 26 to May 27
P7,887
P9,150 total
May 26 - May 27
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! (1,624 reviews)
"Check in was top notch, staff very friendly and helpful. Hotel itself is dated. The floor in our room was very slippery and dirty, I know this because bottom of our socks were black. Bed was not firm. Could have used a small table in the room so we could have eaten our leftovers. The pool needs to ..."

Reviewed on May 21, 2026

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 E. Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
The price is P15,842 per night from Jun 21 to Jun 22
P15,842
P18,376 total
Jun 21 - Jun 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"The room was clean and hotel was nice. We had to walk 5-7 minutes to park and to the hotel. The fridge/lock box was broken and they never fixed it. It’s a good for families because everything is on site"

Reviewed on May 20, 2026

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton 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 P17,346 per night from May 27 to May 28
P17,346
P22,985 total
May 27 - May 28
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! (340 reviews)
"A great place to stay in Gulf Shores. The location is convenient and the property is modern and clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. Great breakfast buffet! We plan to return to this hotel."

Reviewed on May 21, 2026

Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort
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! (839 reviews)
"I expected the unit to have a washer & dryer but it did not."

Reviewed on May 16, 2026

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! (536 reviews)
"vIew was awesome, parking garage a little scary on 2nd floor"

Reviewed on May 20, 2026

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
Book a stay at this business-friendly cabin in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"Friendly staff all around, well kept property and beautiful view. Great options for family activities all around. Cottage had everything we needed, and then some."

Reviewed on Apr 8, 2026

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

Things to do