Alabama Gulf Shore
Warm water, salt air, sparkling white sand stretching to the horizon line, fabulous sunrises and sunsets: these are just a few guaranteed ingredients of the exceptional vacation that awaits visitors to aptly named Pleasure Island.
Gulf Shores, located on Pleasure Island, has grown since the bridge connecting the island to the mainland was constructed in 1933. Residents and visitors have been drawn to the area's beautiful sandy beaches, mild climate and numerous business opportunities. Traditionally regarded as a tourist resort community, Gulf Shores is now home to 5000 year round residents. Tourists raise the population during the busy summer months to over 40,000, yet it retains a delightful, small town atmosphere.
The warmth of the Gulf waters makes water sports possible year round. Other popular activities are deep sea fishing, bird watching and hiking. Off the beach, families enjoy the water slides, bungee towers, miniature golf, the zoo, and the go-cart tracks. The area also boasts some of the most attractive and most challenging golf courses in the country.
This is an ideal spot for family vacation fun on the Gulf Coast. Waterfront activities occupy the Spring and Summer months. Fireworks light up the beaches on summer evenings as the City of Gulf Shores sponsors 4th of July celebrations. The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is also held in July at nearby Dauphin Island. The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival in the fall is always well attended.
Historic Fort Morgan and the battleship USS. Alabama are in nearby Mobile, and Ft. Morgan hosts Civil War day camps and reenactments in the summer. There are also plays, concerts, sporting events, historic home tours, and of course, Mardi Gras. Restaurants in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & Perdido Key serve the freshest and finest of seafood in every season.
For those seeking nature-based travel opportunities, Gulf Shores has the adventure you're looking for! Hiking, biking, canoeing and sailing are all there within local parks and recreational facilities. Comprised mostly of quartz, Alabama's beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. It is easy to lose track of time in any season exploring these shores.
The Alabama coast has mild temperatures throughout the seasons. Not surprisingly, the first and foremost activity available at all times is pure relaxation in a fabulous setting. Indoors or out, from music to history, sports to festivals, parades to plays, there are activities for the entire family in Gulf Shores at any time of the year.
Adventure Island
24559 Perdido Beach Boulevard
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 974-1500
Mini-golf, laser tag, paddle and bumper boats, simulators (NASCAR/ roller coaster) super and kiddie go-kart tracks, 100 arcade games. The Volcano erupts nightly.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
1204 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-5731
Explore the natural habitats of more than 250 animals. Elevated viewing decks offer close-up viewing of everything from alligators to giraffes, plus Reptile House, Aviary, Petting Zoo, Gift Shop, Concessions, shaded picnic area.
American Dream Cycle
328 East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-8688
Toll Free: (877) DRM-RIDE
Located at 328 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores is dedicated to helping visitors realize their dream of riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Audubon Sanctuary on Dauphin Island
109 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-2120
The sanctuary consists of 164 acres of maritime forest. Multiple walking trails provide miles of habitat for neotropical migrants.
Baldwin County Heritage Museum
25521 Highway 98
Elberta, AL 36530
(251) 986-8375
Preserving the county's rural heritage in a rambling building that resembles a turn-of-the-century barn. Includes a working windmill and several outdoor agricultural exhibits.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
12401 Bellingrath Rd
Theodore, AL 36582
(251) 973-2217
Toll Free: (800) 247-8420
A 65 acre lushly landscaped garden and museum home displays the charm and beauty of the Old South. Located on tranquil Fowl River.
Bon Secour Nat'l Wildlife Refuge
12295 State Hwy. 180
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Office hours: 7:30am-4:00pm Monday-Friday.
(251) 540-7720
Refuge has 4-5 miles of hiking trails and beach access. Open from sunrise to sunset.
CJ Watersports, Inc.
328 East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-3599
Ride the waves on a Kawasaki Jet Ski, parasail or paddle the surf in an ocean kayak.
Claude Peteet Mariculture Center/Marine Resources Division
21055 Mildred Casey Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 968-7576
By appointment only. The center conducts studies that enhance understanding of the life history of red snapper and oysters.
The Estuarium at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab
101 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-7500
Open daily. Admission charged and group rates available. Handicapped accessible. Visual displays and interactive exhibits highlight Mobile's estuary system.
Fort Gaines Historic Site
51 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-6992
Open seven days a week.
Fort Morgan
51 State Highway 180 West
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 540-7125
Living history demonstrations and self-guided tours.
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
65 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36633
(251) 208-6883
Toll Free: (877) 625-4FUN
Hands-on, interactive science adventure for all ages! With permanent exhibits, traveling exhibits from major science centers and the IMAX Dome experience.
Gulf Shores Amusement Park
104 West Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 948-6511
Rides, go-carts, and arcade games.
Gulf Shores Museum
244 West 19th Avenue
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 967-4733
See different Gulf Coast objects used to shrimp and fish. Learn how hurricanes form, and the devastation they cause. Special exhibits are Fishing the Lagoon & Pilot Town and the Hurricane of 1906.
Gulf State Park
20115 State Hwy 135
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-7275
Toll Free: (800) ALA-PARK
This Gulf Coast gem boasts 6,000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beach, fresh water lake, nature trails, and beach pavilion.
Historic Blakeley State Park
33707 State Hwy. 225
Spanish Fort, AL 36577-7279
(251) 626-0798
Visit the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. Enjoy 10 1/2 miles of hiking and bike trails, camping and a serene boardwalk next to the Tensaw River.
LA Watersports
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 948-7433
Pontoon boats, waverunners, kayaks, parasail, aqua trampolines and Dolphin tours.
Meaher State Park
5200 Battleship Parkway US 98
Spanish Fort, AL 36577
(251) 626-5529
Situated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay, this 1,327-acre park features two self-guided nature trails that highlight the flora & fauna of this unique area.
Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
25850 John Snook Avenue
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-8545
Showcasing early exploration and settlement of the area.
Pirates Island Adventure Golf
3201 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 968-4653
Two 18-hole courses among waterfalls, caves, tropical plants, a pirate ship and sea fog.
Sky High Parasail
19180 B County Road 10
Bear Pont Marina, Orange Beach
Foley, AL 36535
(251) 946-9000
Website: www.skyhighparasail.com
Safe! Smooth ride! Scenic inland waters.
Tiki Isle Mini-Golf and Batting Cages
East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 948-8454
18 holes of Mini-golf and batting cages.
The Track Recreation Center
3200 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-8111
Go-karts, bumper boats, Kids Kountry, arcade, mini-golf, skycoaster, bungee jumping and refreshment center.
Waterville, USA
906 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 948-2106
The ultimate in family fun, is a 20 acre Water Park and Amusement Park.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Off State Highway 180 at the 13-mile marker; 251-540-7720.
Open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.
This 6200-acre refuge with beach access protects and preserves the unique plants and animals of the Gulf Coast. Hike the scenic, four-mile Pine Beach Trail or the one-mile-loop Jeff Friend Trail. Catch bass, bluegill and bream in the 40-acre freshwater Gator Lake (canoes and electric trolling motors only). On the nearby lagoon, cast for trout and flounder or scoop up crabs. See a large migratory bird stopover in April, May, September and October.
Gulf State Park
Headquarters: 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores; 251-948-7275.
Free to enter park; individual attractions may charge a small admission or parking fee.
This Gulf Coast park offers 6000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beaches on four preserved stretches of sand. Inland, 900-acre Lake Shelby hosts freshwater fishermen, boaters, skiers and swimmers; nearby nature trails wind through the wooded land. Scheduled educational nature activities include beach walks, hikes, slide presentations and nature films. Wildlife exhibits at the Nature Center are open year-round.
Gulf-side facilities include a public pavilion, 825-ft. fishing pier and boat ramps.
B iophilia Nature Center & Native Nursery
On County Road 95, three miles east of Elberta and 1/4 mile south of U.S. Highway 98 251-987-1200 for Nature Center hours and cost of admission.
Butterflies courting and laying eggs, sparkling sundews catching bugs, and blue-tailed skinks streaking about are potential sights at the 20-acre Biophilia Nature Center and Native Nursery in Elberta. This ongoing ecological restoration project includes young forests, wildflower meadows, a carnivorous plant bog, a swamp, an 11-foot alligator, turtles, a butterfly garden, a screened butterfly room and caterpillar nursery, and a bookstore/library.
Minamac Wildflower Bog
Located five miles east of Fairhope
251-945-6157
From early April through September
Open for tours by appointment only. Admission is charged, and group rates are available
more than 300 varieties of native Southern wildflowers bloom in this five-acre preserve..
Shopping
The area offers many shops ranging from casual apparel and beachwear to upscale fashion and specialty boutiques. If you are a bargain hunter, you can find 120 factory outlet stores located in Foley.
