Gulf Shores Travel Guide

Tourist 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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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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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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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
Beachside Resort Hotel

Beachside Resort Hotel

2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
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. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,515 reviews)
"The beds were comfy. My son thought it was nest having the pool on the third floor."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

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 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is Rp2.631.527 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
Rp2.631.527
Rp3.052.572 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

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 Rp1.225.379 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp1.225.379
Rp1.421.440 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,125 reviews)
"Great price for area"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (768 reviews)
"I would definitely stay here again! The room and amenities were perfect! Oir family had a great time and especially loved thay we were so close to the beach!"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (480 reviews)
"Very close to all the restaurants."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Phoenix All Suites
Lighthouse Condos by Hosteeva

Lighthouse Condos by Hosteeva

3.5 out of 5
455 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
9/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
"The property was great and we would come back. My only complaint was that the kitchen pots and pans were toxic and peeling and unsafe touse in my opinion. They need to be updated.th ki equ"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Lighthouse Condos by Hosteeva
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

Cities near Gulf Shores