From miles of sugar-white sand to the expansive turquoise waters of the Gulf, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are idyllic beach getaways. Beyond the breathtaking surroundings and picture-perfect outdoor scenes, there are many ways to spend your time. If you’re looking for an active vacation filled with outdoor fun and travel adventures, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach each have options for you. Take a look at some of our most popular outdoor activities.
Find Outdoor Activities
Baldwin County Bicentennial Park
The Baldwin County Bicentennial Park is a 367-acre area in North Baldwin County that offers a unique family experience of...
Wind & Water Learning Center
We provide on-water educational opportunities for sailing, paddle sports, and experiential outdoor learning. The unique waterfront learning center on Wolf...
Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway
Beautiful beaches, authentic downtowns, wildlife preserves, historic sites and fresh-off-the-boat seafood are all yours to enjoy along Alabama’s Coastal Connection...
Orange Beach Dog Park
Our unleashed dog park in Orange Beach is a ¾-acre shaded area with double-gate entry and separate fencing for small...
Coyote Beach Sports
Coyote Beach Sports is your rental headquarters on the Alabama Gulf Coast. We rent Slingshots, scooters, kayaks, surfboards, skimboards, paddleboards...
Infinity Bicycles
We are a locally-owned company focused on providing the best bike sales, service and rentals. Our rental options include comfort...
The Dog Pond
Bring man’s best friend to The Dog Pond at Gulf State Park on Lake Shelby. Check out the new agility...
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
This public research and education facility encompasses over 9,000 acres of protected estuarine habitats bordering Weeks Bay and Fish and...
Skydive The Gulf
We are the closest skydiving center to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Our parachute center provides the only ocean-view skydives...
Gulf Shores Kids Park
Located at Johnnie Sims Park and is open daily and closes at dusk. The kids park was designed by the...
Pure Aloha Adventures
At Pure Aloha Adventures, a woman-owned business, we pride ourselves in providing an unforgettable experience exploring the local waterways and...
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Open to the public year-round, this beautiful family park is located on Wolf Bay. Seven picnic shelters with grills are...
Ebike The Park
#1 Ebike Rental in Gulf Shores/OrangeBeach! We rent fun! Come roll with us and see why we have 5-star reviews...
Gulf Shores Bike Rentals
Gulf Shores Bike Rentals is a safe 6 block ride down the sidewalk to get to one of the trailhead...
Find Yourself Wandering
Active travelers gravitate to trails like the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. There are seven trails and six ecosystems where you can see bobcats, white-tailed deer, alligators and numerous birds. Be sure to bring your camera!
Another popular outdoor spot is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Depending on the time of year, you may see a monarch migration or sea turtle nesting season. There are plenty of potential wildlife sightings whenever you decide to go. At Bon Secour, you’ll have ample opportunities to learn about the refuge while having an excellent nature adventure.
Birding
You can’t visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach without hearing about the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Bird lovers consider this area a bucket list destination due to the many species that pass through the site. Hummingbirds, herons and snowy plovers are just a few birds that take to the air and water. If you want to learn more about birds, there is also an annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest in October. The festival features exhibits, raptor shows, and kids’ activities. Whether you are new to the birding world or have been birdwatching for years, it’s a festival for everyone.
History
Fort Morgan isn’t just a great excuse to get outside but also gives you a glimpse into Alabama’s rich history. The Mobile Bay Civil War Trail runs 90 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to north Mobile County. Along the way, there are opportunities to take in the natural surroundings and learn about battle sites through historical accounts. It's a beautiful journey through history as you follow military movements, battles and visit sites that show how soldiers lived during that time.