Location: Gulf Shores
Top Things to do in Gulf Shores
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10 Things to Do in Gulf Shores That You Shouldn't Miss
This resort community is known for its bright white beaches and soothing warm water. Daytime activities include scenic cruises, dolphin-watching and hiking. A great place for families, Gulf Shores has The Track, a family recreation center with bumper boats, and also the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Restaurants in Gulf Shores
1. Gulf Shores Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 reviews
Both welcome centers are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the summer season (mid-May through mid-August), the center hours are extended to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and the weekend hours change to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The centers are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Reviewed By goseedo - South Dakota
Need a condo? Restaurant recommendation? Event details? Parking solution? Directions to shopping? Beach rules? Rainy day ideas? If you've got the question, the Welcome Center staff have the answer. Stop on your way into town, pick up brochures and coupons, use the very clean restrooms,...MoreThank you for your kind words. We try to assist in any way that we can. Be sure to stop again the next time you visit.
2. Billy's Seafood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin W - Clinton, Mississippi
When visiting the Gulf Shore area we always buy from Billy's. Great pricing and great seafood. The employees are very helpful and know what they are talking about. We don not shop anywhere else for our fresh seafood.
3. Gulf State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Gulf State Park's two miles of beaches greet you with plenty of white sun-kissed sand, surging surf, seagulls and sea shells, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into. Inside Gulf State Park there is a championship golf course, new beach pavilion, rental cottages, tennis courts, camp sites, hiking trails, Zip Line, and a fishing pier that is 20-feet wide and extends 1,512 feet into the Gulf. This and much more make Gulf State Park the perfect in-state vacation or out-of-state adventure.
Reviewed By GANixonfamily
Our family likes to visit state and federal parks and this park is by far one of the best that we have ever been to! The beach area is clean and patrolled routinely. There is no party crowd and it is only families on the...MoreLove our soft white sand! Thanks so much for visiting and now that we are your favorite, come back and see us soon!
4. Orange Beach Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Both welcome centers are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the summer season (mid-May through mid-August), the center hours are extended to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and the weekend hours change to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The centers are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Reviewed By Diane S - Halifax, Canada
Wanted to see an NCAA men's basketball game, the staff were very helpful in making this possible. A lot of interesting brochures and maps which were helpful. A must stop if visiting this area.We are glad we could help,& good luck to your team. Please be sure to stop back by if you need anything else as we are here seven days a week.
5. Gulf Shores Public Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By Mike O - Roanoke, Virginia
This was our first trip to the Gulf and we were highly impressed by how clean and well maintained the beach was. During our stay in one of the ocean front condos we routinely looked from our balcony to and saw vehicles patrolling the beach, workers screening the sand, workers picking up litter and driftwood, and life guards on duty. During our daily beach walks we repeatedly covered the same 10 miles of shoreline, and we never saw any litter. Well done.
6. Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 883 reviews
Reviewed By Holly R
The longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s worth a visit. They offer fishing passes, or a small admission enables you to walk the pier for a short time, or all day. I could just sit and people watch, and of course keep an...MoreThank you for the review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit. Hope to see you again!
7. Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
Reviewed By Chrissy K
Gorgeous place to walk! Several trails so make sure you get a map to find the one that fits your time frame. Lots of areas with shade at the beginning of the trail. Great for biking, jogging and walking. Very safe.
8. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
A 6,000-acre nature preserve with a number of endangered species.
Reviewed By Mike O - Roanoke, Virginia
I visited specifically to watch birds, and found virtually none during my 7-11AM walk on March 17. Although disappointing, I did enjoy solitude while walking. I parked at the Noble Street trailhead; their was room for 3-4 cars. I then made a loop by following the Gator Lake Trail east and the Pine Branch trail south to the Gulf, by walking west along the shoreline, and by walking north along Noble Street back to my car. Note that the trails traverse through soft sand.
9. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to more than 500 exotic animals including lions, tigers, bears, macaws, reptiles and more. It also features a seasonal petting zoo, animal encounters and interactive animal shows during the spring and summer months.
Reviewed By TravelerG8 - Appleton, Wisconsin
Went during busy spring break time, with the key tip to arrive as close to opening as possible since the parking lot is small. Many other families visiting due to cool conditions, so arriving an hour after opening resulted in lines due to capacity. Youngest liked the additional baby kangaroo encounter, which was limited but not something you get to do at other zoos.
10. The Wharf
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By James C
We stumbled across the wharf while out for my wife's birthday. She wanted a new pair of yellow box sandals and found a store here that sold them. We were very impressed. Some really cool boutiques and resturants, a dessert shop and a coffee house however they closed early (6pm on a Wednesday night) that is the only reason I gave it 4 stars. While inside one of the only stores still open I heard a loud comotion outside...after a few moments of trying to figure out what was goin on the clerk told me it was the light show......awesome!!! We will be back with the kids to check out the arcade and Ferris wheel.
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