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. 

Diving in Gulf Shores
4 Spots to Snorkel & Dive on Alabama's Beaches
Scenic view of Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park
Spend a Day at Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park
Gulf Shores Beach
Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
Aerial shot of people gathered around a table filled with food at GTs on the Bay
Restaurants for Team Dining on Alabama’s Beaches
Boating Alabama Pass
Plan a Boat-Friendly Vacation on Alabama's Beaches
Man riding a foil board near the shore in Orange Beach
Coolest Ways to Hit the Water on Alabama's Beaches
OB Watersports Jet Ski Rentals in Orange Beach
5 Adventurous Vacation Ideas on Alabama's Beaches
Skimboarding Orange Beach
Learn How to Skimboard on Alabama’s Beaches
Paint & Paddle Kayak Trip with the Wind and Water Learning Center in Orange Beach
Paddle Away with the Wind & Water Learning Center
USSSA Baseball
Get to Know Your Event Sponsors on Alabama Beaches
AshleyWilson
“From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Sports & Events Sales Manager Ashley Wilson
Pickleball Gulf Shores
The Rise of Pickleball on the Alabama Gulf Coast: Q&A with Pickleheads Co-Founder
Couple kissing at sunset on Alabama's beaches
Date Night Ideas for Sports Parents in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The Lodge at Gulf State Park
Get the Best Rates on Team Lodging on Alabama Beaches