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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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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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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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.

Plash Island
Beachside Resort Hotel

Beachside Resort Hotel

2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
The price is AU$110 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
AU$110
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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! (1,562 reviews)
The staff was amazing. Very friendly and helpful

Reviewed on 26 Nov 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 AU$189 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
AU$189
14 Dec - 15 Dec
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! (1,002 reviews)
Good room nice staff

Reviewed on 26 Nov 2025

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores by IHG

2.5 out of 5
160 W Commerce Avenue Gulf Shores AL
The price is AU$140 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
AU$140
3 Dec - 4 Dec
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
The first room the TV did not work so we had to switch rooms. No maintenance person available to fix the TV. The first room was a handicapped room which is what we requested, the second was not. But we managed.

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores by IHG
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 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! (7 reviews)
The host is very easy to work with! The location is great and the condo is amazing!

Reviewed on 28 Nov 2025

Lighthouse 603, Aqua Vista - Beautiful Beachfront Gulf Shores Condo.
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! (505 reviews)
Excellent location! Stunning view!

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

Phoenix All Suites
 Direct Gulfront Family friendly Modern Home!

Direct Gulfront Family friendly Modern Home!

Gulf Shores AL
Stay at this beach holiday home in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fort Morgan and Fort Morgan Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews)
We had a wonderful stay in Big Blue on our family girl's trip! The house was very spacious and well-stocked. It was very convenient with access to the beach right out the back door. Nice decks to enjoy coffee in the mornings and watch sunrises and sunsets as well. It's a great location for a beach ...

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025

Direct Gulfront Family friendly Modern Home!
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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