Gulf Shores, AL

Travel 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 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

Turtle warning.

Gulf Highlands

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

Gulf Highlands
The beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama

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
Nature trails in Orange Beach Alabama Gulf State Park

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
Fort Morgan Pier

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
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥21,768 per night from Mar 3 to Mar 4
¥21,768
¥32,485 total
Mar 3 - Mar 4
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (197 reviews)
The room was very clean and the staff was excellent. Only thing is the parking there is horrible but overall i still say 5 stars 🌟.

Reviewed on Feb 21, 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 ¥10,664 per night from Feb 26 to Feb 27
¥10,664
¥12,370 total
Feb 26 - Feb 27
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. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,581 reviews)
Room was awful had mold in it. Beds were dirty. It was horrible

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

Beachside Resort Hotel
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores

2.5 out of 5
3600 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores AL
The price is ¥9,542 per night from Feb 28 to Mar 1
¥9,542
¥11,068 total
Feb 28 - Mar 1
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 helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,121 reviews)
Very clean rooms. Maid service every day. Breakfast was better than expected. TV in room wasn't able to change channels, but we didn't use it much

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores
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
Book a 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (23 reviews)
Room was in kind of rough shape. Needs lots of improvement (floors, countertops, hole in the wall, microwave trim, key code “lock”). Had to use tv from bunk bed room because it was the only one with Smart capabilities. Great location though.

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2026

Lighthouse Condominiums
On The Beach. Perfect for offseason beach lovers! weekly/ monthly rates Nov.-Feb

On The Beach. Perfect for offseason beach lovers! weekly/ monthly rates Nov.-Feb

Gulf Shores AL
Book a stay at this beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (324 reviews)
Overall good place and good pricing

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

On The Beach. Perfect for offseason beach lovers! weekly/ monthly rates Nov.-Feb
EXCELLENT LOCATION!- Beachview 224 - GULF SHORES,ALABAMA

EXCELLENT LOCATION!- Beachview 224 - GULF SHORES,ALABAMA

Gulf Shores AL
Stay at this condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (142 reviews)
Good place to stay. Walking distance to eating and shopping.The bed was a little uncomfortable, other than that, all was nice and clean

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026

EXCELLENT LOCATION!- Beachview 224 - GULF SHORES,ALABAMA
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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