Gulf Shores

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a coastal fort with surrounding grassy fields and a beach in the background.
An aerial view of a coastal fort with surrounding green fields and a beach.
A coastal beach with clear blue waters, a sandy shore, and a highway running parallel to the beach.
A coastal cityscape with a prominent highway, beachfront hotels, and a marina.
A wooden boardwalk leading to Gulf State Park Pier with a signboard.

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.

Where to stay in Gulf Shores

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

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 HK$508 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
HK$508
HK$590 total
15 Nov - 16 Nov
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. ...
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 HK$894 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
HK$894
HK$1,037 total
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,107 reviews)
"Very nice, clean hotel. Very nice beach and great location."

Reviewed on 11 Nov 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 HK$683 per night from 10 Dec to 11 Dec
HK$683
HK$792 total
10 Dec - 11 Dec
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Excelent"

Reviewed on 11 Nov 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

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
San Carlos Condos

San Carlos Condos

3.5 out of 5
365 E Beach Blvd Gulf Shores AL
Stay at this beach condo in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"Beautiful condo. Can’t eait to come back and stay in this exact same unit. We loved it!!! Thank you for a great week!!"

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2026

San Carlos Condos
 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 ...
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.

Stay near popular Gulf Shores attractions

Things to do