Location: Gulf Shores
Top Things to do in Gulf Shores
Countries
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama (AL)
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
5.0 based on 461 reviews
Both welcome centers are open seven days a week. The centers are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Reviewed By B3704NFcindyw
Beautiful facility and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I would recommend anyone visiting Gulf Shores to stop by the Gulf Shores Welcome Center and pick up brochures on local attractions, restaurants and lodging. Their friendly staff will be more than happy to accommodate your travel needs!!
2. Blue Girl Beading Co
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Perfect activity for a rainy day at the beach or anytime if you are a bead fanatic! Come create your own soveneir choosing from our huge selection of beads and findings! Classes available, view on our calendar or call ahead and schedule a convenient time for your group.
Reviewed By 31beckih - Maryville, United States
I love this shop! Tara is amazing. I’ve purchased two previous pieces and this year while visiting Gulf Shores I forgot my favorite necklace. We were having photos taken on the beach so I reached out to Tara and she helped me come up with another amazing piece. I recommend her to other fellow visitors.
3. Pottery Central World Headquarters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Working studio open by appointment or chance.
4. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
A 6,000-acre nature preserve with a number of endangered species.
Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States
Bon Secour NWR is one of the best kept secrets on the entire Alabama Gulf Coast. The Refuge is located a few miles down the Fort Morgan Peninsula Highway 180 (aka Fort Morgan Road) from Gulf Shores. The Refuge consists of a really nice Nature Center and two great hiking trails. The Jeff Friend Trail is the shorter trail and runs partially along Little Lagoon and also features a kayak/canoe launch. The Pine Beach Trail is the longer trail and is very diverse including deep woods, Little Lagoon and even the Gulf beach area. BSNWR is fantastic for hiking, birding or just enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you are a local or a visitor, invest some time here if you are looking for some diverse outdoor activity away from the crowded beaches and attractions. This would be a great option for spending at least part of a day doing something a bit different from typical "beach vacation" fare. NOTE: As an added bonus, admission is entirely FREE! Also be aware the only public restrooms are at the Nature Center and part of the way down the Pine Beach Trail. There are no restrooms at the Jeff Friend Trail.
5. Alabama Coastal Birding Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States
As a fairly experienced birder, I have so enjoyed the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail (ACBT). Note that the ACBT consists of over 50 sites in Baldwin County (Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are in Baldwin County) and Mobile County. Several great ACBT sites are in the Orange Beach/Gulf Shores/Gulf State Park areas. I have birded them all and have found it to be some of the best, most diverse birding anywhere in the world. Even if you are not a "birder", a tour of the ACBT will take you to some really beautiful, quiet places where you can relax and enjoy God's gifts of nature to us.
6. Rouses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By BobK627 - Fairhope, United States
There is no competition for Rouses in Lower Alabama. They have a huge selection of produce, seafood and meat, with all the dry goods you would expect of a first class grocery store They are attentive to the issue of Covid-19, and their staff is consistently helpful, responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Their prepared food is really good, and if you want to splurge, their dry aged beef, done in the store, is exceptional. They also have an enormous wine and beer selection to quench your thirst:-)
7. The Happy Shak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
THE HAPPY SHAK offers handmade tie dye, huge selection of incense, 3-D tapestries, boho/chic clothing, jewelry, fun & FREE HUGS! Check our website for more!
8. Gulf Shores Dog Park
9. Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization with office and Art Gallery at 225 East 24th Avenue in the Waterway Village of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Dedicated to the advancement of arts along Coastal Alabama.
10. Gulf Shores Public Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By BeachTigers - Springdale, United States
We love this beach! It’s wide, clean, well maintained, easily accessible, great parking. It could use a few more bike racks, but hey if you can’t find an open one, tie off to a palm tree! They’re are plenty of life guards on duty and beach patrol (County Sheriff’s) that actually enforce the laws! No dogs allowed- this is a human only beach. Can’t say enough about how family oriented, clean and safe this beach is! Just Go There! You will live it too!
