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
Gulf State Park Lake Shelby
If you're looking for a little lakefront beach activity, try basking by Lake Shelby. This 900-acre freshwater lake is perfect...
Claude Peteet Mariculture Center/Marine Resources Division
The Claude Peteet Mariculture Center has been utilized for many activities since its construction in 1973, including basic and applied...
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...
City of Foley Depot Museum and Model Train Exhibit
This museum is located in the Louisville and Nashville railroad depot that was built in Foley in 1909. In the...
Johnnie Sims Park
Johnnie Sims Park features four baseball/softball fields, a kids park, a skate park with 10 concrete modular skate ramps, and...
Graham Creek Nature Preserve
Graham Creek Nature Preserve is home to hundreds of plant and wildlife species. This 500-acre nature park offering passive recreation...
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...
Gulf Shores Kids Park
Located at Johnnie Sims Park and is open daily and closes at dusk. The kids park was designed by the...
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge encompasses some of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal habitats. It was established in 1980 to...
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Come experience Bellingrath Gardens and Home, the naturally breathtaking historic manor home and pleasure gardens located in southern Mobile County...
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park boasts 6,150 acres of land and nature to explore when visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Visit...
The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Alabama Aquarium, formerly known as the Estuarium, will give you a hands-on learning experience exploring the habitats of coastal...
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
The public is invited to tour the grounds and monuments, utilize the picnic area, fish from the fishing pier, and...
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf State Park’s Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system consists of 26 trails among nine distinct ecosystems that make up...
Find Yourself Wandering
Hiking
According to the Nature Conservancy and several other sources, Alabama ranks as one of the top five most biodiverse states. That means nature lovers will be enthralled when walking through the natural setting and extensive species that live on Alabama's coast. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores hiking paths, trails, and preserves are all ways to explore the distinct ecosystems of the area. You may even see one of the rare species (including the gopher tortoise, Alabama beach mouse and red-cockaded woodpecker) that call the region home.
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.
Biking Trails
Whether you bring your bike or rent one, you can try cycling your way through interconnecting bike systems in the Gulf Shores area. Pack a lunch and get your exercise on the trails, all while enjoying the shady trees and impeccable landscape. You’ll probably spy some birds or other creatures among the extensive foliage. Some of the top biking spots are the Fort Morgan Road Trail and the Coyote Crossing Trail, which is a new addition to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail’s 27 miles of paved road.
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.
Golf
Golfing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a popular activity for active travel and outdoor enthusiasts, as visitors can access courses designed by champions. The area has fifteen courses, giving you plenty of options to practice your long shot or combine smaller greens and different challenges. Some tracks are designed by golfing greats like Arnold Palmer, Jerry Pate and The South’s own Earl Jones. Each course highlights the beautiful scenery of the region. Your biggest dilemma will be choosing which course you want to play.
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.
