Skip to main content
  • Visitors
  • Meetings
  • Sports
Visitors
    • Book Lodging
    • Why Book With Us
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Owner-Managed Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • RV Parks & Camping
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    Top Campgrounds on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All Stay
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
    • Family-Friendly Fun
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Excursions & Tours
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Indoor Activities
    • Hiking
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Kids running into the Gulf on the beach in Gulf Shores
    Fun Family Beach Activities
    No
    All Things to Do
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Jet Skiing
    • Snorkeling
    • Cruises
    • Parasailing
    • Kayaking
    • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
    • Sailing
    • Dolphin Cruises
    • Diving
    • Marinas
    Boating Alabama Pass
    Plan a Boat-Friendly Vacation on Alabama's Beaches
    Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico
    Coastal Critters on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All On the Water
    • Book Lodging
    • Deals
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Beach Safety
    • Community-First Traveling
    • Find Photographers
    beach village resort
    Places To Stay
    Fly Alabama's Beaches - Graphic
    Fly Alabama's Beaches
    Kids running into the Gulf on the beach in Gulf Shores
    Fun Family Beach Activities
    No
    All Plan
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Concerts
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Sand in My Boots Festival
    • Summer Camps
    Hangout Music Fest Gulf Shores
    Sand in My Boots Festival
    The Lodge at Gulf State Park
    Holiday Events
    No
    All Events
    • Seafood
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Fan Favorites
    • Recipes
    • Foodie Getaway
    • 50th Bushwacker Anniversary
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love on Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
    No
    All Eat & Drink
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Parents sitting under a beach umbrella watching their kids walk along the shore in Gulf Shores
    Why Alabama’s Beaches are Perfect for a Family Spring Break
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All Blog
  • Free Guide
    No
  • Deals
Visitors
    • Book Lodging
    • Why Book With Us
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Owner-Managed Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • RV Parks & Camping
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    Top Campgrounds on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All Stay
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
    • Family-Friendly Fun
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Excursions & Tours
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Indoor Activities
    • Hiking
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Kids running into the Gulf on the beach in Gulf Shores
    Fun Family Beach Activities
    No
    All Things to Do
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Jet Skiing
    • Snorkeling
    • Cruises
    • Parasailing
    • Kayaking
    • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
    • Sailing
    • Dolphin Cruises
    • Diving
    • Marinas
    Boating Alabama Pass
    Plan a Boat-Friendly Vacation on Alabama's Beaches
    Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico
    Coastal Critters on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All On the Water
    • Book Lodging
    • Deals
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Beach Safety
    • Community-First Traveling
    • Find Photographers
    beach village resort
    Places To Stay
    Fly Alabama's Beaches - Graphic
    Fly Alabama's Beaches
    Kids running into the Gulf on the beach in Gulf Shores
    Fun Family Beach Activities
    No
    All Plan
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Concerts
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Sand in My Boots Festival
    • Summer Camps
    Hangout Music Fest Gulf Shores
    Sand in My Boots Festival
    The Lodge at Gulf State Park
    Holiday Events
    No
    All Events
    • Seafood
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Fan Favorites
    • Recipes
    • Foodie Getaway
    • 50th Bushwacker Anniversary
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love on Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
    No
    All Eat & Drink
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Parents sitting under a beach umbrella watching their kids walk along the shore in Gulf Shores
    Why Alabama’s Beaches are Perfect for a Family Spring Break
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks on Alabama's Beaches
    No
    All Blog
  • Free Guide
    No
  • Deals
Meetings
  • Home
    All Home
    • Plan Your Conference
    • How Can We Help
    • Why Our Beach
    • Services
    • FAQs
    • Getting Here
    • Restaurants
    • Things to Do
    • Calendar of Events
    • Order a Free Vacation Guide
    • Show Your Badge Pass
    Meeting in Gulf Shores
    Five Tips to Becoming a Confident Speaker
    beach bag, gulf shores
    How to Pack for a Meeting at the Beach
    All Plan Your Conference
    • All Meeting Spaces
    • Unique Meeting Spaces
    • Accommodations
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    Non-Traditional Meeting Spaces on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    Meeting at The Lodge
    Which Social Media Networks Help Meeting Planners the Most
    All Meeting Spaces
  • Reunions & Weddings
    All Reunions & Weddings
    • Meeting Planner Toolkit
    Beach Chairs
    Tips To Make Your Next Beach Meeting a Success
    Hashtag Events Happening in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
    5 Ways Social Media Helps Meeting Planners Communicate & Educate Attendees
    Meeting Ballroom on Alabama's Beaches
    How to Increase Attendance at Your Next Conference on Alabama Beaches
    All Toolkit
    • Connect With Us
    • Submit RFP
    • Subscribe Today
    Woman relaxing on the beach in Alabama
    Tips for Maintaining a Work-Life Balance as a Meeting Professional
    AmyPeralta
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Sales Manager Amy Peralta
    MaryStatkewicz
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Meetings Former Sales Manager Mary Statkewicz
    All Contact Us
  • Blog
    All Blog
Sports
  • Home
    All Home
    • All Events
    • Book Lodging
    • Perfect Game World Series
    • Gulf Shores High School
    • Beach Races
    • NCAA Beach Volleyball
    • Orange Beach High School
    • USSSA Gulf Coast National Championship
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    4 Spots to Fuel Up for the Game
    Teens playing on Alabama's beaches
    What to Pack for Your Sportcation?
    All Events & Special Rates
    • All Restaurant Sponsors
    • On-the-Go Dining
    Aerial shot of people gathered around a table filled with food at GTs on the Bay
    Restaurants for Team Dining on Alabama’s Beaches
    GT's on the Bay
    Budget-Friendly Meals for the Whole Team in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    All Restaurants
    • All Attraction Sponsors
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    Quirky, Must-Visit Places on Alabama's Beaches
    The Factory Trampoline Park
    5 Action-Packed Activities Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    Girls petting a dog in Shades Sunglasses & Apparel at The Wharf
    What to Do When Your Tournament is Rained Out
    All Attractions
    • Healthcare
    • Book Lodging
    • Restaurants
    • Attractions
    • Facility Maps
    • BEach SAFE
    • Responsible Tourism
    • Alabama's Beaches Savings Scorecard
    • Blog
    • Sports Shorts Newsletter
    All Visiting Athletes
  • Facilities
    All Facilities
    • Facility Info
    • Leisure Events
    • Our Services
    • Planner Toolkit
    • Contact Us
    • Play at the Beach Newsletter
    • Future Sports Tourism Development
    Baseball player
    Get to Know the Beach's Best Sports Facilities
    Half Marathon Gulf Shores
    Event Planner Resources for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    NCAA Softball Gulf Shores
    Start Planning Your Sportscation to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    All Bring Your Event
    • Business Sponsors
    All Sponsors
  • Blog
    All Blog

Plan Your Trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Order Your Free Guide

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Plan Your Vacation

Book Your Perfect Stay Today 

Whatever your vacation style, Alabama’s Beaches have the perfect spot for you. Start planning by choosing your dates and group size, and explore the best vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, coastal places to stay in Orange Beach, the peaceful rentals of Fort Morgan, or a stunning beach-front rental. 

When you book with us, you're connecting with local property managers directly. BOOK NOW!

Book Your Vacation

What Type of Trip are You Planning?

Whatever your vacation style, you’ll discover it all in the laid-back coastal lifestyle of Alabama's Beaches. Those who have not yet vacationed along Alabama’s beaches may not know that our 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches span across Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. This makes planning a vacation in Alabama's Beaches diverse and exciting. Plan your dream vacation with our expert recommendations and insider tips to make your stay memorable! Select from the options below to help plan your perfect vacation. 

Family Vacations

Pet-Friendly Vacations

Couples Getaway

Girlfriends Getaway

Foodie Getaway

Watch Visual Stories

Discover Your Perfect Vacation on Alabama's Beaches
 

Build Memories that Last Their Lifetime

Turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect destinations to create lasting memories. Alabama's Gulf Coast has beaches with miles of sugar white sand, clean waves lapping, and coastal breezes in the air.

Beyond the beach, discover endless outdoor adventures, including amusement parks, Gulf State Park, picturesque trails, scenic golf courses, historic sites and shopping. Embark on a Foodie Getaway on Alabama Beaches to taste some of Alabama's best eats. We've even made finding lodging easier, as you can book a place to stay directly on our site! Take a look at our blogs for more ideas on how to spend your vacation.

 

Boat going through the scenic Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, Alabama, perfect for planning a family vacation.
Cyclist riding along a scenic pier during a vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama.
A man goes golfing after planning for his vacation at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

The first step in planning your trip to Alabama’s beaches is to order our free 2025 Vacation Guide! This guide is filled with vacation inspiration, including area activities and attractions, dining spots, lodging options, and more. 
 

 

Illustrated Map of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach highlighting local attractions, useful for visitors driving or flying to Gulf Shores, AL

Getting Here

Stress-free from start to finish! Getting to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a breeze - choose from convenient car, plane, or ferry options. Once you arrive, navigating the area is effortless thanks to well-maintained roads and readily available bike rentals. Explore the beauty of Alabama Beaches with ease, allowing you to focus entirely on creating unforgettable moments with your loved ones. 

Plan Your Arrival!

View of the Gulf of Mexico under clear weather from a wooden boardwalk leading to the beach at Gulf Shores.

Weather

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lie in the southern subtropical area of North America, where mild temperatures greet visitors year-round. Gulf breezes temper the typically hot summer weather, and spring and fall days are warm with cool evenings.

Here, you’ll find daily weather updates and the Coastal Marine Forecast.

Scenic view of Lagoon Pass in Gulf Shores with colorful waterfront buildings, ideal for a beach vacation stay.

Where to Stay

When you're deciding between staying in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, consider what type of vacation experience you're looking for. While both offer pristine beaches, diverse activities and attractions, and numerous restaurants, Gulf Shores is known for its lively atmosphere and family-friendly attractions.

In contrast, Orange Beach is favored for its upscale accommodations and a quieter, more relaxed vibe, ideal for those looking for a more tranquil and luxurious stay. Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach provide excellent options for your vacation, each with its own unique charm. Either way, you’ll find a variety of accommodations to suit your needs, ensuring a memorable stay on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast​.

Where Should You Stay?

Aerial view of a luxurious vacation rental house with a pool in Gulf Shores, perfect for family stays when visiting Alabama Beaches.

Book Your Lodging

Now that you've chosen your location, it is time to book your lodging! You can book directly on our website with local property managers. You can choose from several different accommodations, such as condos, beach houses, hotels, campgrounds, cabins, and other great places to stay. Don't forget to check out our vacation packages for exclusive deals on accommodations.

Book Now

Beach Bag on the sandy shore of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, showcasing essential packing tips for a beach trip.

What To Pack

Check out our packing checklist to ensure you're fully prepared for your beach vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Several local companies rent chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys. Many will even set up and take down the equipment for you, so all you have to do is enjoy a day by the water. 

Checklist: Pack Like a Pro

Sunset at Flora-Bama Yacht Club in Alabama Beaches, highlighting a popular waterfront dining and entertainment spot.

Beach Trip: Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the first time, you may have several questions about the area, and we have answers! Before you travel to our sandy shores, look at these frequently asked questions about vacationing on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Read Our FAQs

Vibrant colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky, a popular attraction during events in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Plan Your Trip with Fun Activities

Things To Do

The Alabama Gulf Coast has something for everyone, from laid-back beach vibes to exciting adventures. You can go on dolphin tours, hop on fishing charters, explore hiking trails, and so much more. Explore the endless list of things to do.

Events

Discover a variety of events, from food and music festivals to concerts and community gatherings. Add these to your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach vacation plans to enjoy the vibrant local culture and lively atmosphere!

Lifeguard stand on a pristine beach in Alabama Beaches, providing information on Gulf Shores beach conditions for a safe and relaxing vacation

Familiarize Yourself With Beach Safety

Before heading out to the beach, check for current beach conditions. Learn how to practice responsible tourism by familiarizing yourself with the beach rules & regulations. 

Sign up for daily beach conditions and warning flag status by texting ALBEACHES to 888777.

Or call 251-968-SURF (7873) for Gulf Shores, or 251-981-SURF (7873) for Orange Beach daily beach conditions.  

Gulf Shores Welcome Center with palm trees and modern architecture, dedicated to enhancing your Gulf Shores vacation experience.

Visit our Welcome Centers

We've got seasonal area experts, coupons and more at our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Welcome Centers. When you visit, you can grab free maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your stay. Feel free to stop by for insider tips on local attractions, dining, and events to make your vacation experience even better.

Call or text us at 800-745-SAND (7263) or send us an email at [email protected]. 

Planning Something Special for Your Alabama Beaches Vacation? 

Let us help you find the correct information. 

Weddings

Reunions

Conventions & Meetings

Sports

Find Your Perfect Place to Stay
Places to Stay
Where Your Journey Begins
Order a Free Vacation Guide
News from the Coast
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter

Trip Ideas

For Your Beach Vacation

See All Blog Posts
Bike Share Program Gulf State Park

Cheap & Free Things To Do

Family Vacation Gulf Shores

10 Things to Know Before Your Beach Vacation

Gulf Shores Beach Family

Plan a Vacation on a Budget on Alabama’s Beaches

Paddle boarding Orange Beach

13 Things to Do with Teens

Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores

25 Rainy-Day Activities

Cruisin' Tikis

Unique Activities

Plate of shrimp pasta at Zeke's Restaurant in Orange Beach

Beach House & Condo Cooking Tips

Order a Vacation Guide Subscribe to our Enewsletter
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tik-Tok
  • Trip Ideas
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Responsible Tourism
  • Weddings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Employment Opportunities
  • 1-800-745-SAND
  • [email protected]
Copyright 2025 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All rights reserved.
  • Subscribe to Enews
  • Book Lodging