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
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...
Claude Peteet Mariculture Center/Marine Resources Division
The Claude Peteet Mariculture Center has been utilized for many activities since its construction in 1973, including basic and applied...
Beach Bike Rentals
Park and cycle to the library and scenic bike trails in the Gulf State Park and Fort Morgan. We offer...
The Dog Pond
Bring man’s best friend to The Dog Pond at Gulf State Park on Lake Shelby. Check out the new agility...
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...
Fort Gaines Historic Site
The well-preserved ramparts of Fort Gaines have guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. Today, the...
The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Alabama Aquarium, formerly known as the Estuarium, will give you a hands-on learning experience exploring the habitats of coastal...
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge encompasses some of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal habitats. It was established in 1980 to...
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf State Park’s Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system consists of 28 miles of paved trails among nine distinct ecosystems...
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...
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...
Meyer Park
Meyer Park is a 12-acre park located within the heart of downtown Gulf Shores. This park features a shaded playground...
Sailaway Charters
At Sailaway Charters Your family can enjoy my family friendly 2 hour nature cruise which includes oystering, crabbing, shrimping, birding...
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...
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.