Gulf Shores, AL

Travel Guide

Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
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

Gulf Highlands

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
Beachside Resort Hotel

Beachside Resort Hotel

2 out of 5
610 W Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
The price is ¥26,804 per night from Jun 25 to Jun 26
¥26,804
¥31,093 total
Jun 25 - Jun 26
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! (1,637 reviews)
"The world was clean, but it was infested by bugs that looked like termites, flying termites."

Reviewed on May 31, 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 ¥37,771 per night from Jun 21 to Jun 22
¥37,771
¥43,815 total
Jun 21 - Jun 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Wonderful stay for two nights. Loved the room and the view and the breakfast. The only thing we didn’t like was the water was brown. Normally we would never take a bath in a hotel but my wife needed to soak her leg. The tub filled up with brown water. Couldn’t tell when we took showers. We will stay ..."

Reviewed on May 31, 2026

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 ¥23,094 per night from Jun 8 to Jun 9
¥23,094
¥26,789 total
Jun 8 - Jun 9
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"All good … lobby area was very dated and not super clean … room was very clean"

Reviewed on May 30, 2026

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
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (843 reviews)
"Great view and value. Comfortable. Only negative was staff not replacing towels or toilet paper and leaving the door not closed completely."

Reviewed on May 27, 2026

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites

Phoenix All Suites

3.5 out of 5
201 East Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
Book a stay at this 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! (540 reviews)
"Staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. Condo was very small and needed updating. Balcony view and patio furniture were nice. Bathroom had no counter space and the tub had mold/mildew under the stationary mat that was coming up and unglued. Shower head was rusted. Mirror in the half bathroom ..."

Reviewed on May 29, 2026

Phoenix All Suites
Landing Apartments Gulf Shores

Landing Apartments Gulf Shores

3.5 out of 5
20050 Oak Road East Gulf Shores AL
Book a stay at this golf apartment in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a golf course. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and The Wharf ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"We loved all the amenities. The pool was very nice and the area was convenient and easy to get to the things we wanted to see. The apartment was clean and inviting. Would stay again."

Reviewed on May 30, 2026

Landing Apartments 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.

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