Cotton Bayou

The Beach is Calling Blog

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Ready to start planning your trip to Alabama's Beaches? Our “Beach is Calling” blog shares the best beach vacation tips, including favorite hot spots for fresh seafood, activities and attractions for nonstop fun, unique things to do, and itineraries for every type of vacation. 

Our blogs, written by guests, local experts, and Alabama's Beaches staff, can help you plan a trip no matter the season or group. From guys’ and girls’ getaways, couple’s trips, family vacays, and golf or fishing trips, you’ll discover plenty of vacation inspiration. 

Visitor Services expert helping a guest at the Orange Beach Welcome Center
Visit the Welcome Center on Alabama's Beaches
Family walking on the boardwalk leading to Gulf State Park from Beach Village Resort
How to Spend 12 Days of Christmas on Alabama's Beaches
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Lemur Encounter
Walk on the Wild Side at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Paint & Paddle Kayak Trip with the Wind and Water Learning Center in Orange Beach
Paddle Away with the Wind & Water Learning Center
Family Vacation Gulf Shores
12 Things to Know Before Visiting Alabama’s Beaches
Family walking along a boardwalk on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park
The Complete Guide to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Family using the wheelchair accessible beach mat at the beach in gulf shores
Wheelchair Accessible Beaches & Trails on Alabama's Beaches
Boats cruising through Perdido Pass in Orange Beach
Boat-Friendly Vacation Rentals on Alabama's Beaches
Father and son at The Wharf during Christmas
Things to Do in December on Alabama's Beaches
Red or White at The Wharf
Where to “Wine” Down on Alabama's Beaches
Aerial view of beach from a balcony at a Gulf-front hotel in Orange Beach
Top Places to Stay with Beach Rentals & Watersports on Alabama’s Beaches