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. 

Hot Air Balloon Fest in Foley
See Over 40 Balloons at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
Two women walking on a boardwalk from the Gulf in Orange Beach
Ideas for a Mother's Day Getaway on Alabama's Beaches
Gulf State Park Nature Center
Plan a Homeschool Vacation on Alabama’s Beaches
Orange, white, and green St. Patrick's Day daiquiri at High Tide Daiquiris & Mimosas in Gulf Shores
Where to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 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
Golfing Gulf Shores
Ways to Stay Cool on the Golf Course this Summer
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
Gulf Coast Meetings
Keeping the Conversation Going, Long After the Meeting
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
MaryStatkewicz
“From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Meetings Former Sales Manager Mary Statkewicz
Pickleball Gulf Shores
The Rise of Pickleball on the Alabama Gulf Coast: Q&A with Pickleheads Co-Founder