From miles of sugar-white sand to the expansive turquoise waters of the Gulf, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are idyllic beach getaways. Beyond the breathtaking surroundings and picture-perfect outdoor scenes, there are many ways to spend your time. If you’re looking for an active vacation filled with outdoor fun and travel adventures, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach each have options for you. Take a look at some of our most popular outdoor activities.
Find Outdoor Activities
Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
The Learning Campus offers day and overnight programs throughout the year. Our trained field naturalists ensure a fun, educational and...
Historic Blakeley State Park
Historic Blakeley State Park encompasses 2,100+ acres of the largest National Register Historic Site in the eastern United States. The...
Orange Beach Dog Park
Our unleashed dog park in Orange Beach is a ¾-acre shaded area with double-gate entry and separate fencing for small...
Skydive The Gulf
We are the closest skydiving center to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Our parachute center provides the only ocean-view skydives...
E-Bikes and Boards LLC
Rent one of the coolest TREK Electra E-bikes, an Ocean Kayak, or a BOTE Paddleboard and set out on your...
Audubon Bird Sanctuary
This lush sanctuary on Dauphin Island consists of approximately 164 acres of maritime forest, marshes, dunes, a lake, swamp and...
Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. The fort was named after Revolutionary War...
Baldwin County Bicentennial Park
The Baldwin County Bicentennial Park is a 367-acre area in North Baldwin County that offers a unique family experience of...
Eastern Shore Trail
On the Eastern Shore Trail, you’ll take in beautiful bay vistas and oak-canopied paths with plenty of places to stop...
Gulf State Park Interpretive Center
Adjacent to the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion, at the east pedestrian bridge, the Interpretative Center is the gateway to...
Tiki's Bikes Boats and Beach Family Fun Rental
We offer beach bicycle rentals that access the sidewalks, bike paths in Gulf Shores and Gulf State Park trails. We...
Gulf State Park Lake Shelby
If you're looking for a little lakefront beach activity, try basking by Lake Shelby. This 900-acre freshwater lake is perfect...
Gulf Shores Kids Park
Located at Johnnie Sims Park and is open daily and closes at dusk. The kids park was designed by the...
Gulf State Park Nature Center
Gulf State Park's Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals that are native to the Gulf Coast...
Find Yourself Wandering
Active travelers gravitate to trails like the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. There are seven trails and six ecosystems where you can see bobcats, white-tailed deer, alligators and numerous birds. Be sure to bring your camera!
Another popular outdoor spot is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Depending on the time of year, you may see a monarch migration or sea turtle nesting season. There are plenty of potential wildlife sightings whenever you decide to go. At Bon Secour, you’ll have ample opportunities to learn about the refuge while having an excellent nature adventure.
Birding
You can’t visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach without hearing about the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Bird lovers consider this area a bucket list destination due to the many species that pass through the site. Hummingbirds, herons and snowy plovers are just a few birds that take to the air and water. If you want to learn more about birds, there is also an annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest in October. The festival features exhibits, raptor shows, and kids’ activities. Whether you are new to the birding world or have been birdwatching for years, it’s a festival for everyone.
History
Fort Morgan isn’t just a great excuse to get outside but also gives you a glimpse into Alabama’s rich history. The Mobile Bay Civil War Trail runs 90 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to north Mobile County. Along the way, there are opportunities to take in the natural surroundings and learn about battle sites through historical accounts. It's a beautiful journey through history as you follow military movements, battles and visit sites that show how soldiers lived during that time.