Gulf Shores

Travel Guide

A marina with several yachts docked at the pier.
A misty sunrise over a calm lake with a wooden bridge and trees.
A beach with a striped beach chair under a colorful umbrella, sea grass in the foreground, and the ocean in the background.
A beach with sand dunes and grasses at sunset.
A waterfront with a dock, a building with a blue roof, and a reflection in the water.

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

Find the best Gulf Shores areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Gulf Highlands

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

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.

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.

Plash Island

While Plash Island may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf Shores Golf Club.

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.

Beachside Resort Hotel

Beachside Resort Hotel

2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
The price is S$282 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
S$282
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very good! (1,663 reviews)
"We had a clean room. Staff were friendly. I would definitely book again."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 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 S$413 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
S$413
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The rooms were clean and had a beautiful view of the ocean. The bed was slightly hard which wasn’t the most comfortable."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2026

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
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$152 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
S$152
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (112 reviews)
"The staff was amazing and the pool was clean the rooms and property was clean the breakfast was great and nice and clean! The staff was excellent!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2026

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.
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 beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Waterville USA are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (855 reviews)
"This place was amazing. Each room is massive with a fully furnished kitchen and separate bedroom. The view of the beach was as good as it gets! Each time we go we will definitely be using them again!"

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 2026

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
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 business-friendly cabin in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free beach shuttle. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"Master bed was not comfortable"

Reviewed on 26 May, 2026

The Cabins at Gulf State Park
Phoenix All Suites

Phoenix All Suites

3.5 out of 5
201 East Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very good! (550 reviews)
"Great family vacation! Loved having a balcony. Beds were comfortable. Very quiet building. Very easy to walk to places to eat and shop."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2026

Phoenix All Suites
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.

Stay near popular Gulf Shores attractions

Things to do