Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores, Alabama

A trip to the Gulf Shores in Alabama will give you a great chance at relaxation.

GULF SHORES, AL WEATHER

A trip to the Gulf Shores in Alabama will give you a great chance at relaxation. Known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, travelers who consider themselves beach bums will get a lot of use out of a vacation here. Shoppers, Anglers and Golfers will literally have a number of options at their disposal. Whether it is a family vacation, couples getaway or fishing trip with buddies, this destination provides outlets for each group to peruse their interests. A number of museums, historical attractions, a zoo and many other attractions will keep you and your companions busy beyond the beach.

Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • Gulf State Park-
    Gulf State Park’s two miles of beaches greet you with plenty of white sun-kissed sand, surging surf, seagulls and sea shells, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into.  Inside Gulf State Park there is a championship golf course, beach pavilion, tennis courts,  hiking trails, zipline and a fishing pier that is 20-feet wide and extends 1,512 feet into the Gulf.
  • Zipline and Aerial Adventure Parks-
    Sail high in the air, experiencing breathtaking views over land and water.  Zipline courses take you as high as 90 feet off the ground!  The height provides a great vantage point for taking in spectacular views of the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters found only at Gulf State Park. Check out a video from Hummingbird Zipline.
  • Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo-
    Wide pathways throughout the park offer close-up views of over 500 exotic animals including: lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), primates, leopards, wolves and more!  Visit the reptile house, petting zoo and aviary as well!  The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
  • Fort Morgan Historical Site-
    Fort Morgan was built between 1819 and 1833.  Standing guard where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, the fort played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864.  Used intermittently through the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II, the site showcases the evolution of seacoast fortifications and adaptations made by the United States Armed Forces for the defense of the country.
  • Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge-
    The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama Beach Mouse.
  • Pink Pony Pub-
    This is must-visit spot if you're hitting the main drag of the Gulf Shores. As the name implies, it's a shocking shade of bubble-gum pink and offers great seafood and burgers amid the sugary sands of the coast.
  • Waterville USA- A 20-acre water and amusement park located a quarter-mile from the Gulf of Mexico in the city of Gulf Shores!  There are rides, water slides, go karts and even miniature golf!  For more information check out their website: "Waterville USA"
  • Pirate's Island Adventure Golf-
    Extraordinary landscapes, waterfalls, streams and bridges await, as you stroll through this Pirate themed miniature golf course.  Head to their website for coupons and other offers! "Pirate's Island Adventure Golf"
  • Parasailing-
    Parasailing is so relaxing it can place you in what is often called a "parasail state of mind," meaning all your cares and concerns have melted away and all you see is the life going on beneath your feet.
What to Pack

If you are heading for the beach be sure to bring along sunscreen and after-sun aloe balm, a beach bag that can withstand sand, plastic bags for wet clothes and shoes, zip lock bags for food and money, an old bed sheet to put towels on for quick cleanup and even a flashlight to watch crabs or for jellyfish at night.  Also, don't forget the obvious things like swimsuits, swim shoes, sandals, shorts and T-shirts.  A few sweatshirts and long pants could come in handy as it can get chilly at night.  As this is a mainly beach destination, be sure to bring plenty of things to keep you occupied while there.  Items like: books, body boards, footballs, music players, etc.

Transport

The nearest major airport is Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport —PNS.  This airport has domestic flights from Pensacola, Florida and is 40 miles from the center of Gulf Shores, Alabama.  Another nearby airport is Mobile Regional Airport — MOB — which has domestic flights from Mobile, Alabama and is 71 miles from Gulf Shores.  You will need a vehicle to get around the area, however Gulf Shores and Orange Beach taxis and shuttle companies are on call and ready to serve.  If you are looking to rent a car, check out these tips from the Sundance Vacations Travel Blog to help you save a few bucks, "10 Tips for Saving Money on Rental Cars"

Fun Facts
  1. The recorded population of Gulf Shores in 1956 was only 120!
  2. Skeletons were discovered in an ancient burial ground that were over eight feet tall. Read more @TravelSundance
  3. Some Indian Mounds found in Baldwin County have been said to be older than the Egyptian Pyramids.
  4. Baldwin County is larger than the state of Rhode Island with a size of 1600 square miles.
  5. The soil in Baldwin County around the Gulf Shores area became so fertile after the 1906 hurricane that vegetables grew to huge proportions. Sweet Potatoes were the size of water buckets and cabbages weighed up to 20 pounds a piece!