Gulf Shores Vacation Guide: What You Should Actually Be Doing in this Southern Coastal Destination | Savvy Journal | Savvy
Gulf Shores Vacation Guide: What You Should Actually Be Doing in this Southern Coastal Destination
When you think of a U.S. beach vacation, chances are you’re not thinking too far beyond Florida, California, or maybe an East Coast getaway. But Alabamians already know what makes Gulf Shores a go-to in the vacation rolodex. Turns out a beach stay in Alabama is actually a worthy trip for folks living well outside state lines; there’s something about southern hospitality in a relaxed beach setting that feels especially comforting. Read up on why Gulf Shores is a beyond-worthy, wildly overrated destination and how to do it right.
Unlike other popular spots along the Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores is affordable, accessible (1 hour drive from Pensacola Airport, 3 hours from New Orleans, 5.5 from Atlanta) and unpretentious, but genuinely beautiful. You can expect the same turquoise waters as you would at any Florida beach, plus sugar-white sand, which comes from quartz crystals washed down all the way from the Appalachian Mountains. It's powdery soft and somehow never blazing hot, even in the summer.
Aside from general beach activity, Gulf Shores is actually just a really great time. Travelers of various ages and interests find some sort of entertainment even beyond the beach, be it waterparks, attractions, or hikes. Families find their footing in Gulf Shores proper, while couples tend to go for more remote or upscale areas like Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. And Gulf State Park checks all the boxes for outdoor enthusiasts or for folks who just want to stay active while on vacation.
Insider Tip: The casual coastal energy of this classic beach town is no secret to Southerners. Which is why spring break and summer are usually pretty busy. Keep that in mind as you make reservations and book vacation rentals; advanced booking is always best.
Where to Stay
Gulf Shores isn't one-size-fits-all. Each area has its own personality, and the right one makes all the difference.
Fort Morgan
Beachfront, sleeps 22, save $1,156 vs Airbnb
Even more remote, Fort Morgan boasts secluded, unspoiled beaches and rich American history. Tour the 19th century fort, which along with being one of Alabama's most significant historic landmarks, also offers impressive ocean views.
Best for: History buffs, nature lovers and anglers looking to get away from the crowds
Head to Fort Morgan Pier at the tip of the peninsula for flounder fishing.
Gulf-front condo, sleeps 14, save $574 vs Airbnb
Orange Beach is quieter and a little more grown-up. The marina gives you access to boating and water sports, and you’ll find nature trails and beachfront parks in the area, as well as a more upscale nightlife with seaside cocktail bars and live music.
Best for: Couples, small groups of friends, boaters, active travelers, those looking for a peaceful escape
Insider tip: Check out local Orange Beach Waterfront Park, a local favorite for kayaking and exploring the wildlife at Wolf Bay.
Beach front, sleeps 13, save $1,892 vs Airbnb
This is the buzziest area of the Gulf Shores. Along with stunning beaches (with accessible boardwalks) and general walkability, nearby attractions provide a lot of family-focused entertainment and dining options.
Best for: Families and groups who want entertainment and beach time
Insider Tip: Visit the Welcome Center for local information on the most secluded public beach spots or local dives.
Gulf State Park
Gulf views, sleeps 14, save $1,204 vs Airbnb
Best for: Nature lovers, cabin crowds, pet-owners looking for dog-friendly areas.
Insider tip: Visit the beaches around the Gulf State Park Pavilion for access to restrooms and evening events.
The Gulf Shore Beaches
That sugar-white sand, warm Gulf water, and gentle waves are what make Gulf Shores beaches distinct and desirable. Gulf State Park is a top choice for unspoiled beaches (2 miles worth), like the at the west end of Orange Beach. A visit to is also a must for families, even if it's popular and busy in the summer months. Think calm waves for paddleboarding and all-age swimming, easy beach access, seasonal lifeguards, clean restrooms, and shower areas. For a quieter, family-friendly option with boardwalk access, try out . You can also borrow free life jackets here, which are great for kids who aren’t strong swimmers, especially if you’re planning to rent kayaks or jet skis.
Some beach access points:
Gulf Shores 4th, 5th, 5th, 10th 12th, and 13th Street
Gulf State Park Pavilion
Insider tip: Need beach chairs and umbrellas? Check with your vacation rental property first, as many rentals stock them for guests. Otherwise, rents out beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as e-bikes, beach wheelchairs, volleyball nets, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Water Activities: the Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores, AL
Boards and paddles
Kayak, paddleboard, and jet ski rentals, whether it's an official tour or your own exploration, are easy to access all around the Gulf Shores beaches. And it’s totally worth it to rent one so you can go beyond the shores and really get out on the water. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, Gulf Shores is an excellent spot to try out parasailing. You can choose from single, double, and triple harnesses, and most outfitters are located in Orange Beach near the marinas.
Turns out snorkeling isn’t reserved for Caribbean vacations. For the best areas to spot underwater marine life, try Orange Beach, either at The Alabama Point jetties at the Perdido Pass Bridge or the Perdido Key Snorkel Reef (the Johnson Beach public access point). Or check out the Whiskey Wreck, about 150 yards off the shore in front of Bahama Bob’s.
Beyond the Beach: Where Else to Go in Gulf Shores
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
This area is home to coastal habitats, specifically protecting endangered species and migratory songbird habitats. Here you can hike maritime wetlands, forests, and sand dunes, take part in world-class birding, or check out the loggerhead sea turtle nests on a hyper-secluded beach. There are four trails (open year-round) with various lengths and terrains depending on what you and your crew can handle. Jeff Friend Trail is the most accessible.
The Wharf
Hit up Waterville USA’s 20-acre theme park with 17 different water slides, a lazy river, and wave pool. You can also check out the attractions on the amusement park side with mini golf and go-carts. Twenty minutes north of Gulf Shores in OWA, theme park (along with its roller coasters and rides) is home to an indoor waterpark housed underneath a convertible glass roof.
Rainy day activities
Yes, rainy days do happen. Tropic Falls’s indoor waterpark, for example, is an ideal rainy day activity in Gulf Shores. For a little retail therapy, head to the Foley outlet mall for deals on designer and brand names. Kids love a day at The Factory’s indoor trampoline park, the perfect spot for them to get all their rainy day jitters out. Or go for a little putt-putt on at the blacklight indoor mini golf course.
Where to Eat
The Alabama coast is known for its seafood dishes with southern flare. And here on the Gulf Shores, food culture is casual, family-friendly and delightfully unpretentious. Here, local businesses reign supreme in terms of quality and service. So ditch the chains and opt for mom and pop joints.
For top-notch Gulf Seafood
Hang out on Desoto’s laid-back patio and take your pick of crab, grouper, shrimp, and oysters. also has a great happy hour along their coastal-inspired menu. Or head to for wild-caught Gulf shrimp and seafood, like their signature seafood boils piled with crab legs and corn, served with specialty garlic butter sauces.
For a beach-close lunch
Picnic Beach does smoked barbecue and healthy lunches with a focus on fresh, clean ingredients. right by Gulf State Park Pier is an unassuming beach bar that makes a mean cuban sandwich. And in Orange Beach marina serves ultra fresh locally-sourced seafood.
Breakfast spots worth waking up for
City Donut at Orange Beach is beloved by locals and visitors alike and makes homemade donuts fresh every single day, from classic yeasty glazed donuts to ones filled with seasonal key lime cream. For more fried doughy goodness, check out the beignets at Or pull up a seat at for southern classics like shrimp and grits and hefty omelets with homemade buttery biscuits.
Insider tip: At some point you have to try Royal Red Shrimp. These deep-water shrimp with their sweeter, lobster-like taste are unique to this area of the Gulf.
Tips for Doing Gulf Shores Right
When to visit
Summer: This is undoubtedly the busiest season in Gulf Shores, so be prepared for crowds at popular restaurants and the main beaches (mostly Gulf Shores public beach) if that’s when you’re planning to vacation.
Spring: Spring can also be busy, but if you try to go in late April or early May after spring breakers have headed home, you’ll get idyllic weather, blooming coastal wildflowers, and less people.
Fall: If your schedule allows, fall is an excellent time to vacation in Gulf Shores. The ocean is still warm and the crowds dissipate. You’ll also be in town for local festivals like the National Shrimp Festival and the Frank Brown Songwriter’s festival.
Winter: Come winter, Gulf Shores is a great sunny escape for folks living in colder climates. Temperatures hover around the 50s and 60s; while it’s not ideal swimming weather, beach walks, nature trails, and birdwatching are plenty.
Grab groceries ahead of time
Grocery prices in Gulf Shores tend to inflate the second you get into town. Your best bet is to grab groceries beforehand in nearby towns like Foley (about a half hour north). Big box stores like Publix are great options, as well as Walmart or Piggly Wiggly. Publix and Walmart are also available in town for last-minute needs.
Pay attention to the beach flag system
Yellow flag: Medium hazard Moderate surf and/or currents
Purple flag: Marine pests are present Exercise caution when entering water
1 Red flag: High hazard High surf and/or strong currents
2 Red flags: Water closed to the public Illegal to enter the Gulf within the corporate limits of either city
Rent vs. bringing gear
On-site rental services we mentioned earlier, like Ike's, are all about convenience and liberate you from hauling and setting up umbrellas and chairs every single day. But if you’ve got your own gear and are driving in, you can save some cash by bringing it along. Gear rentals can add up, especially if you’re planning to spend every day at the beach. If you’ve got limited space, another option is to pick up cheap gear (coolers, beach chairs, etc.) and leave them with a local before you head out.
Tip: Check with your vacation rental property owner before considering gear rentals or even bringing your own. A lot of properties have beach chairs and other gear you can use for free while renting.
What to pack (the stuff people always forget)
Swimsuits, flip-flops, and sunscreen are no brainers on a beach vacation. Here’s our list of other helpful items people tend to forget:
Bug spray for evenings
Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated and minimize plastic use
Long weekend
Check into the vacation rental
Head to the nearest beach for an oceanside stroll
Breakfast at Cafe Beignet
Head to Gulf Shores Beach early to snag a spot and avoid traffic
Quick Breakfast at City Donut
Early dolphin sighting cruise
Breakfast at the Ugly Diner
Checkout of the vacation rental
Full week
Day 1
Pick up groceries at Publix in Foley
Check into the vacation rental
Day 2
Breakfast at the vacation rental
Head to Gulf Shores Beach early to snag a spot and avoid traffic
Day 3
Breakfast at Cafe Beignet
Fishing near Gulf State Park
Day 4
Breakfast at the City Donut
Snorkeling around the Perdido Pass Bridge
Day 5
Breakfast at the vacation rental
Early morning dolphin sighting cruise
Day 6
Breakfast at the Ugly Diner
Spend the day exploring Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Day 7
One last quick stroll and breakfast in town
Checkout of the vacation rental
Active traveler musts
Parasail around Orange Beach
Hikes in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Relax and eat musts
A seafood boil at The Catch
Small group dolphin sighting cruise
Gulf Shores Public Beach
Alabama East Point Beach
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Hats for extra sun protection
Tennis shoes for nature walks and hikes
Beach bag to transport towels and belongings
A light sweater for cool evenings, and layers especially outside of summer months
Beach towels (double check with your vacation rental property owner to see if they provide these)
Happy hour and dinner at Beach House Kitchen
Lunch at Picnic Beach
Back to the beach, this time for jet ski rides
Shower and freshen up at the vacation rental
Dinner at Desoto’s
Head to Gulf State Park for lunch at Bywater Beachside
Relax on Gulf State Park beaches
Shower and freshen up at the vacation rental
Dinner, shows, and entertainment at The Wharf
Head to the nearest beach for an oceanside stroll
Happy hour and dinner at Beach House Kitchen
Lunch at Picnic Beach
Back to the beach, this time for kayaks or jet ski rides
Shower and freshen up at the vacation rental
Dinner at Desoto’s
Pack a picnic beach lunch
Afternoon lounging around Gulf State Park beaches
Dinner at the vacation rental
Lunch at Zeke’s Landing in the marina
Parasailing at Orange Beach
Lazy evening and grill-out at the vacation rental
Lunch at the vacation rental
Afternoon and evening at The Wharf
Picnic lunch around the dunes
Shower and freshen up at the vacation rental
Dinner at The Catch
Jet skis, kayaks, and standup paddleboards at Gulf Shore Public Beach
Snorkeling at The Alabama Point jetties at the Perdido Pass Bridge, the Perdido Key Snorkel Reef, or the Whiskey Wreck.
Deep sea fishing around Wolf Bay
Bike around Gulf State Park
Rent beach gear from Ike’s
Happy hour at Beach House Kitchen
A long languid beach day at Romar Beach
Seafood lunch along the Orange Beach Marina at Zeke’s Landing
