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. 

Shark off of Gulf State Park Pier
Get to Know the Sharks Found 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
Scuba diver at Poseidon's Playground in Orange Beach, AL
My Scuba Diving Experience on Alabama's Beaches
Fairfield New Venture dive site in Orange Beach, AL
Dive Sites for Experienced Divers on Alabama Beaches
Red snapper
Why You Should Report Your Red Snapper Catch in Alabama
Tuna Fish off Alabama Gulf Coast
Tuna Time for Center Console Boats on Alabama's Beaches
Teen boy fishing off the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, AL
A Morning Spent Fishing at Gulf State Park Pier
Teen golfing with Dad in Gulf Shores
Get Your Teen Into Golfing on Alabama's Beaches