Gulf Shores, AL

Travel Guide

Orange Beach
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
Adventure Island

Beautiful beaches, championship golf courses, great seafood and unusual nature experiences attract carefree vacationers 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

While Surf Side Shores isn't home to many top sights, Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Surf Side Shores
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Morgantown

5/5(1 area review)

While Morgantown might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Kiva Dunes Golf Course and Fort Morgan Beach.

Morgantown
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Cabana Beach

When in Cabana Beach, you can plan a visit to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Kiva Dunes Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Cabana Beach
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Brigadoon Trail

While Brigadoon Trail isn't home to many top sights, West Beach and Gulf Shores Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Brigadoon Trail
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Fort Morgan Pines

While Fort Morgan Pines might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like 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
The price is ₩111,632 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
₩111,632
₩129,493 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,532 reviews)
3rd Floor Pool - Nothing else needed.
"I was there for the pool and it was Amazing! It was big enough for everyone. Enjoyed the quietness between 10 pm and 7 am. Older hotel, so not spotless but Lysol wipes worked. Great views. Fresh coffee and ice in the lobby."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2025

Beachside Resort Hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East Beach near Gulf State Park

Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East Beach near Gulf State Park

2.5 out of 5
536 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
The price is ₩152,076 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
₩152,076
₩176,409 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Well mantained, close to the beach, friendly staff and good view"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East Beach near Gulf State Park
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 ₩239,361 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
₩239,361
₩277,659 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"This location had everything you need. The hotel is very clean, staff is friendly. We take advantage of the onsite food and drinks. You don’t even have to leave the hotel, it has all you need. My favorite is the back porch area off the main lobby with the amazing ocean view."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2025

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton 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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (784 reviews)
"It was a wonderful place had everything you need and the view was amazing. We hope to come back to this same room soon."

Reviewed on Aug 27, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (495 reviews)
"We stay here every year and love it!"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

Phoenix All Suites
Lighthouse Condominiums

Lighthouse Condominiums

4 out of 5
455 East Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy a beach locale, parking (surcharge), and a meeting room. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf ...
9/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
"Lighthouse was fun! It was our family first stay for a week on the beach. Condo was a good size and our family was comfortable (important). We came down for softball tournament. We felt safe and relaxed at all times. I would go back without hesitation!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Lighthouse Condominiums
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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