Gulf Shores Travel Guide

Tourist 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.

Our guide on where to stay in Gulf Shores

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

Gulf Highlands

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

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 AU$105 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
AU$105
27 Sept - 28 Sept
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! (1,747 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and helpful. Great location just walk across the street for beach access."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 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 AU$223 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
AU$223
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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 ...
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$153 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
AU$153
4 Oct - 5 Oct
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 ...
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.
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 Gulf State Park are ...
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 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 ...
Phoenix All Suites
 Crystal Tower Condos

Crystal Tower Condos

3 out of 5
1010 W Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
Stay at this condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"Great location, very clean, across the street from the beach, great view of the ocean. Restaurants and shops within walking distance."

Reviewed on 10 July 2026

Crystal Tower Condos
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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