10 Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores
What is Gulf Shores Most Famous For?
Gulf Shores has been a popular haven for sun-seeking families on the Gulf of Mexico for years. If you’ve yet to discover all the outdoor fun, flavourful food and family-friendly activities this destination offers, there’s no better time than the present. From digging your toes into the soft white sands to kayaking across waters both in the ocean and inland, there are plenty of ways to find a spot of calm in Gulf Shores – and most of the proffered activities are fairly budget-friendly.
Not sure where to start when planning your trip to Alabama’s coast? Check out some of the best things to do in Gulf Shores – a nature-heavy, beach lover’s locale.
What are the best things to do in Gulf Shores?
1. Gulf State Park
The city’s outdoor recreation hub
Categorías: Familias, Fotos, Asequible, Aventuras
Gulf State Park is possibly most well-known for its beach – one of the most popular in Gulf Shores – but don’t make the mistake of thinking this park is only sand and surf. Beyond the 2 miles of beach, there are hiking trails, a lake with water sports, a campground, cycling trails, a butterfly garden, and an educational centre where visitors of all ages can learn about the native flora and fauna.
From fishing to geocaching, swimming to kayaking, the outdoor adventure opportunities at Gulf State Park – whether you bring your own gear or rent from one of the park’s vendors – are abundant.
Dirección: 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA
Teléfono: +1 251-948-7275
Gulf State Park
2. Gulf Shores Beach
Enjoy all your favourite beach activities at Gulf Shores’ main public beach
Categorías: Fotos, Asequible, Aventuras
Gulf Shores Beach is the primary stretch of sand that most visitors to Gulf Shores flock to. Naturally, that means it can become fairly crowded and parking can be a hassle if you don’t arrive early enough in the day. However, once you sink your toes into the white sand, as you look out at the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll feel worlds away from your worries.
Beyond simple swimming and sunbathing, the beach offers volleyball, beach bars, picnic areas and pavilions. Most of all, Gulf Shores Beach offers an enjoyable time whether you want to relax to your heart’s content or experience a new adventure out on the water.
Dirección: 101 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA
Teléfono: +1 251-968-2040
Gulf Shores Beach
3. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Meet the local wildlife at this small yet popular refuge
Categorías: Fotos, Asequible, Aventuras
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge clocks in at 7,157 acres of land, and while that might seem like a lot, it’s actually smaller than most USA wildlife refuges. Regardless, the important establishment does vital work protecting endangered species such as the Alabama beach mouse and ridley sea turtles, both of which live on the refuge’s undisturbed beaches.
Other wildlife animals that have been spotted at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge include bobcats, wild pigs, alligators and armadillos. You may get a glimpse of all of the above for yourself when you take to one of the refuge’s many hiking trails.
Dirección: 12295 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA
Horario: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 2 pm (closed on weekends)
Teléfono: +1 251-540-7720
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
4. Sand Castle University
Learn to build the perfect sand castle
Categorías: Poco común
Sand Castle University specialises in teaching travellers of all ages how to build the perfect sandcastle. A by-reservation activity that’s available all along the Gulf Shores beaches, these classes will bring all the tools and tricks of the trade to you.
All you have to do is show up and get your hands a bit sandy. The result is a gorgeous piece of beach art that you won’t want to wait to share on all of your social channels.
Horario: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm
Teléfono: +1 251-600-9771
Sand Castle University
5. Fort Morgan
Explore the military history of Gulf Shores
Categorías: Historia, Fotos
Fort Morgan is a must-visit for any traveller who fancies themselves a history buff. Preceded by Fort Bowyer, which served in the War of 1812, the fort was built later on, in 1819. It was used during the Battle of Mobile Bay, the Spanish-American War, WWI and WWII.
Standing right at the tip of Gulf Shores, as far out into the Gulf of Mexico as possible, the well-maintained structure gives you an interesting glimpse at the US military’s development of coastline defences.
Dirección: 51 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA
Horario: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +1 251-540-5257
Fort Morgan
6. Alabama Coastal Birding Trail
A 200-mile-long trail with 6 birding loops
Categorías: Fotos, Asequible, Aventuras
The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail is a snippet of the state’s overall birding trail. It covers 200 miles, featuring 280 sites and 6 loops around Gulf Shores and the entire county, as well as one neighbouring county.
Explore a birding loop or visit individual spots along the trail if you have time. Not only can you see some of the native wildlife (over 430 species, in fact), but you can also experience the full range of Alabama’s vast ecosystem – this ranges from saltwater marshes and delta canals to mudflats to ocean inlets.
7. Charter fishing trips
A quintessential Gulf Shores activity
Categorías: Aventuras
One of the most popular activities for travellers visiting Gulf Shores is to charter a fishing boat for the day. Excellent fishing awaits right off the coastline, allowing both novice and expert anglers the opportunity to snatch up saltwater fish.
There’s an abundance of charter boat providers in Gulf Shores, but some local favourites include Summer Hunter Charters, Getaway Gulf Fishing, and Fins and Family Fishing. Check out your options and see which provides the services, amenities and atmosphere you most want for your day out on the ocean.
8. The Wharf
A waterfront development filled with fun
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Ir de compras, Comida, Ambiente nocturno
The Wharf is a hub of activity, whether you seek daytime shopping and dining or nighttime drinks and entertainment. Families enjoy the mini-golf, arcades, and the tallest Ferris wheel in the Southeast, while couples and singles are likely to love the live music, fireworks shows, and to-go drinks.
While The Wharf holds limited hours, the additional entertainment, shopping and dining venues that have popped up around it ensure that visitors nearly always have something to keep them occupied, regardless of the day or time.
Dirección: 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA
Horario: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm
Teléfono: +1 251-224-1000
The Wharf
9. The Park at OWA
Find thrills and amusement at this small theme park
Categorías: Familias, Ir de compras, Comida, Aventuras, Grupos
Roller coasters and other traditional amusement rides await at The Park at OWA. The small park offers 22 rides, so it’s not as overwhelming as some larger amusement parks, but it still offers all your favourites, including arcade and midway games.
Not in the mood for outdoor thrills? The Park is adjacent to shopping and dining in the larger OWA complex, in case a part of your travelling group wants to head to the theme park while the other wants to stay indoors.
Dirección: 1501 South OWA Boulevard, Foley, AL 36535, USA
Horario: Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm, Saturday from noon to 9 pm, Sunday from noon to 7 pm
Teléfono: +1 251-923-2111
The Park at OWA
10. Gulf Shores Museum
Head into downtown Gulf Shores for a quick history lesson
Categorías: Familias, Historia
The Gulf Shores Museum sits in downtown Gulf Shores, within an early 20th-century house. A staple in the Gulf Shores community for decades now, exhibits catalogue the history of the original Lagoon community and the lives of those who’ve called the Fort Morgan Peninsula home for centuries.
A focus is also placed on the Gulf Shore’s history as a tourist destination and how the travel industry developed in the region. Additionally, the Gulf Shores Museum offers a range of events for families and children, all of which are posted on its Facebook page.
Dirección: 244 West 19th Avenue, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
Horario: Tuesday–Friday from 10 am to noon and from 1 pm to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 251-968-1473
Gulf Shores Museum
En este artículo se incluyen las opiniones del equipo editorial de Go Guides. Los autores de este tipo de artículos reciben una compensación por parte de Hoteles.com, que puede abarcar desde viajes hasta cualquier otro tipo de costes.