What to Know Before Your Beach Vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

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Welcome to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, two seaside towns among the country's fastest-growing vacation destinations.

Nestled along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico is a magical place where the warm turquoise waters lap against sugar-white sand beaches, where the salt spray and sea breeze are exhilarating, and where the hospitality is as warm as the sun. If you are planning a vacation to our little stretch of heaven, here are a few tips to help make your visit memorable and stress-free.

1. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are Dynamic Beach Towns

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are charming beach communities alive and vibrant, with a good mix of the young and old bringing excitement to the area. You'll find unique attractions, incredible dining experiences, fantastic lodging options,and adventure on and off the water. Additionally, you can enjoy the many festivals and events that take place here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, including the Hangout Music Festival and the National Shrimp Festival.

2. There’s More Than Just a Pretty Beach

There is more to this destination than its long stretch of white beaches, so much so that a single weekend won't be enough time to take it all in. But here are a few good starting places: Take a ride on a dolphin cruise to see dolphins playing in the waves and other wildlife in the backwaters. Spend some time at The Nature Center or the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for a more intimate encounter with animals. The kids (and the kid in all of us) will want to check out the thrills at Waterville USA or The Track Family Fun Park. If you’re a golfer, bring your clubs to one of the 15 incredible golf courses in and around the area.

Need to cool off after an exciting day in the sun? The area is home to plenty of fun indoor activities and attractions to help you beat the heat. Or, shop ‘til you drop with places like The Wharf, San Roc Cay, and Original Oyster House Boardwalk.

3. Indulge in Fresh Coastal Cuisine

When you get hungry, try one of the many excellent local restaurants serving the freshest Gulf seafood. It's dinner and a show—the beautiful sunset—as you dine outdoors at Tacky Jacks. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and drinks with your friends at The Gulf or savor delectable seafood while sipping on a beach-goer favorite, the bushwacker, at the world-famous Flora-Bama Lounge. You’ll find more than just fresh catches at the restaurants along the beach. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also boast finger-licking barbecue, mouthwatering burgers, and delectable desserts. If you visit during the spring and summer, try arriving at restaurants before 5 pm or after 8 pm to avoid longer wait times at dinner.

4. And Yes, the Beach

The Alabama Gulf Coast boasts 32 miles of pristine beachfront with more than 15 public-access beaches along the shoreline, most of which have picnic facilities, and many have restrooms and showers. Your best bet is to start at Gulf Place, the main public beach in Gulf Shores at the end of Highway 59. There are volleyball nets, picnic pavilions, restrooms, showers, beach eats such as The Hangout and Pink Pony Pub, and nearby shopping. Most beach access points require paid parking through parking kiosks, and prices start at $3, depending on the size of your vehicle and length of stay. Biking is a great way to get to the beach affordably.

5. For the Nature and Adventure Lover in All of Us

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer adventure on both land and water. With countless waterways to explore, each beach town has fantastic places to paddle either by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Look up, and you'll see birds like ospreys, eagles and great blue herons soaring overhead. And for some high-speed action, rent a Jet Ski and venture around the Gulf. Take a hike on the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge trails through maritime wetlands and forests, over sand dunes and to the nesting ground of loggerhead sea turtles on one of the most secluded beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Enjoy hiking and biking trails at the Graham Creek Nature Preserve, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and the Fort Morgan Road Trail—perfect for all ages. Gulf State Park is a great place to spot wildlife, kayak and paddleboard, and even ride through the trails on a Segway tour. Adrenaline seekers won’t want to pass up soaring over the blue water via parasail for a real adrenaline rush. After all that fun, wrap up your day with a fiery orange sunset aboard an evening cruise.

6. Getting Around

Plan to bring a bike or rent one at one of the many rental shops during your stay. You can also use the free bike share program if you’re pedaling through the Gulf State Park. A unique concept, the free bike share program allows visitors ages 16 and older to borrow a bike for up to three hours. You’ll find everything you need close by, and traveling via two wheels is a fun way to get around.

Another tip while cycling Gulf State Park is to plan a stop at Woodside Restaurant. Enjoy a fresh meal in the main dining room, screened porch, or on the outside deck under a shade tree. Aside from fabulous Southern cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, you can enjoy a wide array of backyard games! Woodside is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus take-out is available.

7. Beating the Traffic

There's no doubt that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are rapidly growing in popularity. There are two main roads into the towns— Alabama Highway 59 and the Baldwin/Foley Beach Expressway. The expressway has a toll bridge as you cross the Intracoastal Waterway, and it is usually a bit faster. Plus, it extends to I-10. Access it at Exit 49.

8. Forget Something?

There’s no need to panic if you leave something behind. Anything recreational, from bikes to paddleboards, can be purchased or rented at lots of different spots. Grocery stores and big-box retailers give you easy access to extra sunscreen, groceries, and over-the-counter medications. Want to get ahead? Place a grocery order in advance to stock your condo (especially helpful if you have kiddos in your party). You can order online with Walmart, Publix or Rouses or let The Beach Moms concierge service get your condo or beach house ready for you by doing your shopping. The Beach Moms will stock your pantry and fridge and arrange excursions. All you have to do is arrive and relax.

9. Beach Reminders

Some of our fondest memories come from spending time on the beach with our friends and family, but there are some basic rules and beach safety you should know. Leave Only Footprints is an initiative that keeps the beach pristine and encourages visitors (along with locals) to behave responsibly when beaching it. Avoid using flashlights when exploring the sand at night, as they can disorient nesting sea turtles. You can pick up a free turtle-safe flashlight cover at either of our Welcome Centers.

Also, for our wheelchair travelers, the City of Gulf Shores has installed beach access mats at the west end of the Gulf Place Public Beach parking area at West 2nd Street and the east end of Gulf Place Public Beach near the Pink Pony. You can also rent electric beach chairs to venture off the mats and onto the sand.

10. Planning & Resources

Planning a trip can be daunting, but Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have many resources to help with your trip planning! Request a free vacation guide (in print or download) and check out any specials in the area. Utilize the website for compilations of what to do, where to eat, where to stay and other important information. Plan to stop at one of our welcome centers in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to pick up coupons and information cards and ask any questions you may have. Locals staffing the facilities are knowledgeable and offer great advice.