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 holiday makers 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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Surf Side Shores

When in Surf Side Shores, you can plan a visit to Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Surf Side Shores
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Morgantown

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Morgantown and surrounding area, you can visit Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach.

Morgantown
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Brigadoon Trail

Brigadoon Trail might not have many top sights, but West Beach and Gulf Shores Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Brigadoon Trail
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Cabana Beach

Cabana Beach might not have many top sights, but Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Kiva Dunes Golf Course are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Cabana Beach
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Fort Morgan Pines

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Fort Morgan Pines and surrounding area, you can visit Fort Morgan Beach and Fort Morgan.

Fort Morgan Pines
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 S$153 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
S$153
12 Jun - 13 Jun
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,119 reviews)
"the property was good"

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores
Beachside Resort Hotel
Beachside Resort Hotel
2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is S$276 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
S$276
30 Jun - 1 Jul
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! (1,436 reviews)
"Great location with a nice pool for the kids. Two of the three beds were comfortable, but one mattress was terribly worn out. The shower area needs a few corner shelves or some place to put a bar of soap or bottles of shampoo and conditioner."

Reviewed on 7 Jun, 2025

Beachside Resort Hotel
Motel 6 Gulf Shores, AL
Motel 6 Gulf Shores, AL
2 out of 5
3025 W 1st ST, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is S$124 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
S$124
12 Jun - 13 Jun
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! (1,010 reviews)
"I loved the gotten staff was very friendly but the dog kept me up all night from the other room."

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (706 reviews)
"Overall experience was good."

Reviewed on 7 Jun, 2025

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! (433 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay. Great location, staff was great. We would definitely stay there again"

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

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! (45 reviews)
"Very nice cabin on the lake with a wonderful view. There is alot to do at the park. Free bike rentals and lots of trails. It was just too hot and humid for us to enjoy most of it."

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

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