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
Five Rivers Delta Resource Center
Where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakeley rivers flow into Mobile Bay stands an incredible facility for outdoor recreation...
Gulf Shores Kids Park
Located at Johnnie Sims Park and is open daily and closes at dusk. The kids park was designed by the...
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...
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf State Park’s Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system consists of 28 miles of paved trails among nine distinct ecosystems...
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...
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...
Gulf Shores Dog Park
The Gulf Shores Dog Park features a large fenced-in green space to accommodate small and large dogs. Seating, waste bag...
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...
The Dog Pond
Bring man’s best friend to The Dog Pond at Gulf State Park on Lake Shelby. Check out the new agility...
Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier
There is covered seating for the concession area and indoor retail shop with tackle and souvenirs. Signs along the pier...
Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. The fort was named after Revolutionary War...
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park boasts 6,150 acres of land and nature to explore when visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Visit...
Edward H Carroll Sr Kids Park
The newly renovated Orange Beach "Edward H. Carroll Sr." Kids Park is open to the public year-round. The kids' park...
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...
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.