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
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...
Johnnie Sims Park
Johnnie Sims Park features four baseball/softball fields, a kids park, a skate park with 10 concrete modular skate ramps, and...
Edward H Carroll Sr Kids Park
The newly renovated Orange Beach "Edward H. Carroll Sr." Kids Park is open to the public year-round. The kids' park...
Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. The fort was named after Revolutionary War...
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Open to the public year-round, this beautiful family park is located on Wolf Bay. Seven picnic shelters with grills are...
Meaher State Park
This 1,327-acre park is situated in the wetlands of the Mobile Delta and is a day-use, picnicking and scenic park...
City of Foley Depot Museum and Model Train Exhibit
This museum is located in the Louisville and Nashville railroad depot that was built in Foley in 1909. In the...
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Come experience Bellingrath Gardens and Home, the naturally breathtaking historic manor home and pleasure gardens located in southern Mobile County...
Ebike The Park
#1 Ebike Rental in Gulf Shores/OrangeBeach! We rent fun! Come roll with us and see why we have 5-star reviews...
Beach Bike Rentals
Park and cycle to the library and scenic bike trails in the Gulf State Park and Fort Morgan. We offer...
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...
Audubon Bird Sanctuary
This lush sanctuary on Dauphin Island consists of approximately 164 acres of maritime forest, marshes, dunes, a lake, swamp and...
Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier
There is covered seating for the concession area and indoor retail shop with tackle and souvenirs. Signs along the pier...
Coastal Blue Persuasion Fishing, LLC
Inshore, nearshore & snapper fishing with Capt Frank aboard our Contender Sport for 1-6 anglers. Dauphin Island, Mobile, Fort Morgan...
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.