Gulf Shores

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 Fort Morgan Beach and Kiva Dunes Golf Course.

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

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 CA $128 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
CA $128
CA $148 total
Apr 29 - Apr 30
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! (1,608 reviews)
The motel is pretty dated. You sure can’t beat the location though. Ac worked good. Parking was good. Beds were comfy. Semi cleaned daily. Overall good location if the trip is to be at the beach. Good central location.

Reviewed on Apr 25, 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 East Beach Blvd Orange Beach AL
The price is CA $254 per night from May 10 to May 11
CA $254
CA $295 total
May 10 - May 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Orange Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Returned for our second spring break trip, hotel was as good as we’d remembered. Additional pool and pool lounging area was great. Very relaxing stay.

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2026

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
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
The price is CA $278 per night from May 10 to May 11
CA $278
CA $386 total
May 10 - May 11
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (302 reviews)
This is a great hotel and is close to everything!

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2026

Embassy Suites By Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort
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! (829 reviews)
Beautiful view of gulf from balcony. Full kitchen and clean.

Reviewed on Apr 24, 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! (527 reviews)
Front desk was very informative about the amenities and services.

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2026

Phoenix All Suites
Avocet- Beachfront, Private Pool

Avocet- Beachfront, Private Pool

Gulf Shores AL
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Fort Morgan Beach and Kiva Dunes ...
10/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
The house had everything we needed and was perfect for a large group. LOVED being right on the beach. One of our group caught a hammerhead shark! Highly recommend.

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2026

Avocet- Beachfront, Private Pool
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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