Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?

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There are several reasons you might choose to lodge in one city over the other.

March 27, 2023

Those who have not yet vacationed along Alabama’s beaches may not know that our 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches span two different cities. While both offer pristine beaches, an array of activities and attractions, and more restaurants than we can name, there are several reasons you might choose to lodge in one city over the other.

You’re a Biker

Rent a bike or bring your own, and get ready to ride. Gulf Shores has worked hard to become more bike-friendly. From the island's westernmost end to the Gulf State Park, there are wide bike lanes on both sides of the beach road. These connect to bike lanes and sidewalks on Highway 59 and the bike paths in Gulf State Park. Whether you need to travel to the beach or ride through the park, Gulf Shores makes it easy for bikers to cycle around town safely.

You’re an Animal Lover

If you’ve got a soft spot for animals, look no further than Gulf Shores. One of the area’s most popular attractions is the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores. Here you can stroll through the zoo’s 25 acres and see giraffes, monkeys, tigers, and other creatures. Get even closer with an animal encounter, where you can interact with sloths, kangaroos, or lemurs. To learn about local wildlife, visit the Gulf State Park Nature Center. This spot is free to visit and is a living museum of native plants and animals. You’ll find turtles, snakes, and the park’s resident hawk, Hawkeye.

You’re a Nature Enthusiast

Many are surprised to learn that in addition to the beach, our destination is teeming with various outdoor adventures that immerse visitors in our coastal environment. Two of the most popular spots to explore the natural wonders of the Alabama Gulf Coast are found in Gulf Shores.

Located directly in the middle of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is Gulf State Park. With its 6,150 acres, there is much to see and do here. The park is home to Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, the nation’s best recreational trail. These 28 miles of trails take visitors throughout the park, exploring its nine unique ecosystems. You can travel these trails by foot, bike, or Segway. The park is also home to three freshwater lakes ideal for the water warriors out there. The largest lake, Lake Shelby, is perfect for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Then, of course, we can’t forget the 2,448-foot Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. One of the longest piers in the Gulf of Mexico, this is an in-demand fishing spot on the Gulf Coast. Lastly, the park boasts three miles of public beach access. Guests can access this beach by parking at the Beach Pavilion.

Nature enthusiasts will also love the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Gulf Shores. The refuge houses some of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal habitats. Guests can traverse the property via three trails of varying lengths and terrains. One of the refuge’s most traveled trails is the Jeff Friend Trail, a paved one-mile loop with views of Little Lagoon and a variety of wildlife. Throughout the year, Bon Secour is a refuge for more than 300 migratory birds. It’s also the home of various endangered species, such as the Alabama beach mouse.

You’re a Craft Beer Snob

Gulf Shores is home to the southernmost brewery in Alabama and the only one along Alabama’s beaches – Big Beach Brewing Co. So, if you’re a craft beer connoisseur, you’ll want to be on this part of the island. At any time, you’ll find 12 beers on tap, ranging from IPAs and sours to stouts and porters, depending on the season. Big Beach prides itself on having a “tap to tank” system, meaning that its beers run directly from 300-gallon vessels right into their taps, ensuring they offer patrons the freshest brews. A local watering hole, the brewery also hosts live music, game-day gatherings, and food trucks nearly every weekend.

You’re a Boater

Boating is a favorite pastime for locals and Alabama Gulf Coast visitors. Whether you have your own boat or will be renting one, Orange Beach has quite a few public boat launches and marinas, making it easy for boaters to get out on the water. These marinas and launches are primarily located on the back bays, but boaters can access the Gulf from those waterways. In addition to the many launch sites in the area, Orange Beach boasts several boat-friendly restaurants where you can pull up and enjoy a meal by the water.

You’re a Fishing Fanatic

Did you know Orange Beach is home to one of the largest charter fishing fleets in the Gulf of Mexico? It’s no wonder the area has become a mecca for fishing fanatics. Another feature that makes the city unique is the vast number of waterways fishermen have at their disposal. Of course, the highlight for many is saltwater fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Many local charter fishing providers offer deep-sea excursions. You can also book a fishing trip in the back bays or cast a line from the beach. No matter the time of year, you’re bound to reel in an impressive catch in Orange Beach.

You’re a Shopaholic

If shopping is your cardio, you’ll get plenty of exercise in Orange Beach. For the place with the most spots to shop, visit The Wharf, Orange Beach’s premier entertainment district. The Wharf has tons of shops as well as restaurants, bars, a marina, an amphitheater, and more. As for shopping, you can find everything from clothes and shoes to handmade jewelry and soaps, as well as furniture and décor. When you need to take a break, there are plenty of locally owned restaurants to fuel up for the rest of your day of shopping.

Another haven for shoppers in Orange Beach is SanRoc Cay Marina. From resort beachwear and shoes to unique gifts and high-end salon products, SanRoc Cay houses close to a dozen stores and boutiques. Shoppers will also be pleased to know that this area has several restaurants and a courtyard bar with live music nearly every night.

For shoppers who want something eclectic and locally crafted, the Coastal Arts Center is the place to go. Located on four pristine acres lining Wolf Bay, the arts center features a 10,000- square foot gallery that only displays works by Gulf Coast artists. Nearly every piece in the building can be purchased. Visitors can also check out The Hot Shop for glass-blown art and The Clay Studio for pottery.

You’re a Cocktail Aficionado

One of the best parts of vacations is trying out new restaurants. While both of our beach towns are home to incredible eateries and bars, Orange Beach boasts several spots with delicious drinks you’ll want to try. Sip a grilled pineapple margarita at OSO, cool off with a froze at Fisher’s, or grab a tropic thunder at GTs on the Bay. And of course, you must have a bushwacker while you’re on Alabama’s beaches!