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
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...
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...
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...
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...
Wade Ward Nature Park
Wade Ward Nature Park is a public pedestrian access to a pocket of natural wetlands and waterways found in Gulf...
Coyote Beach Sports
Coyote Beach Sports is your rental headquarters on the Alabama Gulf Coast. We rent Slingshots, scooters, kayaks, surfboards, skimboards, paddleboards...
Gulf Shores Dog Park
The Gulf Shores Dog Park features a large fenced-in green space to accommodate small and large dogs. Seating, waste bag...
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...
Five Rivers Delta Resource Center
Where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakeley rivers flow into Mobile Bay stands an incredible facility for outdoor recreation...
Gulf Shores Kids Park
Located at Johnnie Sims Park and is open daily and closes at dusk. The kids park was designed by the...
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...
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...
The Dog Pond
Bring man’s best friend to The Dog Pond at Gulf State Park on Lake Shelby. Check out the new agility...
Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability
The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability was founded in 2018 to meet an ever-increasing need for outdoor and...
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.