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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Gulf Highlands

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

Gulf Highlands
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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
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 P4,971 per night from Jan 13 to Jan 14
P4,971
P5,767 total
Jan 13 - Jan 14
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
The staff and amenities were all great.

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2025

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 P6,226 per night from Jan 9 to Jan 10
P6,226
P9,954 total
Jan 9 - Jan 10
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! (144 reviews)
Had a partial ocean view facing west. We could see the gulf beach and Bon Secour Bay along with the lagoon. Sunset was nice. Room is very spacious for 3 + dog. Bathroom good size w plenty of space on vanity. Parking at hotel is third party valet service that is organized w text messaging for car ...

Reviewed on Dec 31, 2025

Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores

2.5 out of 5
3600 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores AL
The price is P3,303 per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
P3,303
P3,831 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,122 reviews)
Haven't had breakfast yet but the parking was excellent well lit area very pleased with this hotel stay had 2 rooms joined 😀

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores
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.
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! (22 reviews)
Our one bedroom 6th floor beachfront condo had fantastic views. King bedroom, full kitchen, separate alcove with two bunk beds, two bathrooms with two full showers, living room, and huge balcony. The furniture, countertops, and decorations in our unit were a bit dated but everything was very clean. ...

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025

Lighthouse Condominiums
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 cabin in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Hands down one of the most relaxing and activity filled places to visit! Our cabin was more than we expected…it had everything we needed and it was squeaky clean. The only issue I had was the bed wasn’t as comfortable as I would have liked (I love my bed at home). Last but not least, it is close ...

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2025

The Cabins at Gulf State Park
Plantation East

Plantation East

3.5 out of 5
400 Plantation Rd Gulf Shores AL
Book a stay at this beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Edith Hammock ...
9/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
Nice quiet get away with direct access to the beach.

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2025

Plantation East
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