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. 

USS Alabama Battleship
Spend a Day Off the Beach in Historic Downtown Mobile
Family walking along a boardwalk towards the beach
How to Plan a Family Reunion on Alabama's Beaches
Ike's Parasailing Gulf Shores
Kickstart Your 2025 Resolutions on Alabama's Beaches
Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores
The Biggest Events & Festivals on Alabama's Beaches
The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show
See the Latest in Boating at The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show
bingo cards
Where to Play Bingo & Trivia on Alabama's Beaches
Fort Morgan Oyster Fest
Things to Do in February on Alabama's Beaches
Skimboarding Orange Beach
Learn How to Skimboard on Alabama’s Beaches
Offshore fishing along Alabama's beaches
Hook Underutilized Species for a Day of Fishing Fun
Paint & Paddle Kayak Trip with the Wind and Water Learning Center in Orange Beach
Paddle Away with the Wind & Water Learning Center
Tiffany Nabors and Ally Dorrough
How the Meetings Landscape is Shifting Along 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
Gulf State Park Pier surrounded by turquoise waters
Etiquette Makes for Better Fishing at Gulf State Park Pier
Surf Fishing in Orange Beach
How Beach Renourishment Affects Fishing on Alabama Beaches