© Photos Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
Relaxing by the water, discovering outdoor adventures and indulging in delicious coastal cuisine. You can experience all this and more in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. With beautiful beaches, exciting attractions and activities and incredible restaurants, you and your family will find the perfect escape on the Alabama Gulf Coast with a beach vacation like no other.
There’s nothing quite like digging your toes in the sand and feeling the waves wash over you, and there are plenty of places here to do just that. Our area is home to 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, perfect for relaxing, playing, and exploring. You’ll enjoy playing beach volleyball or tossing a frisbee with the family. The kids will love building sandcastles and searching for shells along the shore while you unwind with a good book or refreshing cocktail. The possibilities are endless on Alabama’s beaches.
The lodging options are unbeatable on our beaches, with so many places to select from. Choose from condos, beach houses, resorts, hotels and campground sites. Wake up and enjoy breakfast on your balcony overlooking the water or fall asleep under the stars. Bringing your furry companion along? No worries, as you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly lodging available. Whatever amenities you need, you’ll find a place that best suits your family and your needs.
It’s no secret that the South is home to incredible cuisine, and on the Alabama Gulf Coast, you’ll discover a dining experience unlike any other. Fresh Gulf seafood, irresistible barbeque, and unique beach cocktails are just a few of the things you’ll find on the menu here. Not only is the food incredible, but so is the atmosphere of the area’s restaurants. You can’t beat enjoying a freshly caught meal and sipping a locally crafted beer while watching the waves and feeling the comfortable coastal breeze.
You won’t run out of things to do here as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to dozens of exciting family-friendly attractions and activities. Shop ‘til you drop at The Wharf, make a big splash at Waterville USA or go wild at The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. You’ll also want to check out the variety of mini-golf courses, museums, arcades and escape rooms in the area. No matter what you’re interested in, never-ending fun awaits.
Want to get outside? There are plenty of opportunities to hit the water and explore the area’s natural beauties while visiting. Traverse through the area on a boat or glide through the water on a paddleboard or kayak. You can also get your adrenaline pumping by parasailing over the shores or bounding over the waves on a Jet Ski. For a truly unforgettable experience, try a dolphin or helicopter tour and discover the uniqueness of Alabama’s beaches.
If you prefer to stay dry, explore Gulf State Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Inside this 6,150-acre park, you’ll find 28 miles of trails, nine distinct ecosystems, and lots of opportunities to admire its unbeatable beauty. The trails are perfect for biking, hiking and running and offer guests a chance to discover the native wildlife and plant life. Additionally, you can earn about the park’s history and culture with a guided Segway tour as you navigate through the trails.
If you’ve got an angler in the family, they’ll have a blast casting a line on the Alabama Gulf Coast as there are plenty of opportunities to fish in the area, including surf, on-shore, off-shore and pier fishing. Bring your boat or choose to rent one and cruise the waters, searching for impressive catches. If you want a memorable experience, opt for a fishing expedition on a charter boat and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Alabama’s beaches are also a golfer’s paradise. Fifteen outstanding courses can be found in and around the area. You can play a round or two while enjoying the coastal breeze and admiring the natural wonders surrounding you. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate after a successful round than a tasty seaside cocktail and an evening by the water.
In addition to all of the fantastic entertainment our area boasts, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also host a plethora of incredible events. There’s always something fun happening, from fishing tournaments and art festivals to concerts and sports events. If you’re looking for excitement, visit the legendary Flora-Bama on September 8-10 for Bulls on the Beach and watch the nation’s best bull riders compete at this high-energy rodeo. Head to the beach this fall for National Shrimp Fest on October 6-9 and get a taste of the mouth-watering fresh Gulf shrimp our area offers.
Whether you’re looking to unwind, explore or find adventure, Alabama’s beaches are the ideal vacation spot for you. We offer a family-friendly destination with something fun for everyone in your group. If you want an unforgettable family trip this year, start planning your escape to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and get ready for a vacation you’ll remember for years to come.
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Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have spectacular accommodations and rentals, award-winning restaurants, and amazing events. Our paradise is brimming with Southern hospitality, featuring one-of-a-kind attractions like championship golf, nature trails, water sports, and amusement parks (like the well known Waterville USA).
