Gulf Shores Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Orange Beach
Orange Beach
Gulf Shores which includes mist or fog, a sunset and a river or creek
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores showing a beach, a sunset and general coastal views

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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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

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
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 AU$169 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
AU$169
9 Feb - 10 Feb
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Clean rooms, nice staff

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

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 AU$253 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
AU$253
22 Jan - 23 Jan
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! (159 reviews)
Rooms were nice and the employees were friendly. Walking distance to the beach was very nice. Walking distance to the gift shops and restaurants was also excellent. The restaurant in the hotel was excellent.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort
Beachside Resort Hotel

Beachside Resort Hotel

2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
The price is AU$91 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
AU$91
16 Jan - 17 Jan
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! (1,566 reviews)
Clean and convenient

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026

Beachside Resort Hotel
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
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 State Park ...
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 11 Nov 2025

Lighthouse Condominiums
Lighthouse 603, Aqua Vista - Beautiful Beachfront Gulf Shores Condo.

Lighthouse 603, Aqua Vista - Beautiful Beachfront Gulf Shores Condo.

Gulf Shores AL
Stay at this beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Had everything we needed and was very clean.

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Lighthouse 603, Aqua Vista - Beautiful Beachfront Gulf Shores Condo.
Best bargain on the beach!  Traditional beach house with ocean views.

Best bargain on the beach! Traditional beach house with ocean views.

Gulf Shores AL
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a water park. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
We had a great time.The location and house were perfect for our needs.

Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026

Best bargain on the beach! Traditional beach house with ocean views.
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.

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