From miles of sugar-white sand to the expansive turquoise waters of the Gulf, Alabama's Beaches 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
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...
Wetlands Park
Wetlands Park is a walking/hiking park and is located at the base of the water tower at the Gulf Shores...
Meyer Park
Meyer Park is a 12-acre park located within the heart of downtown Gulf Shores. This park features a shaded playground...
Gulf State Park Nature Center
Gulf State Park's Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals that are native to the Gulf Coast...
Beach Bike Rentals
Park and cycle to the library and scenic bike trails in the Gulf State Park and Fort Morgan. We offer...
Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. The fort was named after Revolutionary War...
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...
Historic Blakeley State Park
Historic Blakeley State Park encompasses 2,100+ acres of the largest National Register Historic Site in the eastern United States. The...
Gulf State Park Lake Shelby
If you're looking for a little lakefront beach activity, try basking by Lake Shelby. This 592-acre freshwater lake is perfect...
Amberjack E-bike Rentals
Your go-to spot for e-bike rentals in Gulf Shores, conveniently located right on the trail. Whether you want to explore...
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...
Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability
The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability was founded in 2018 to meet an ever-increasing need for outdoor and...
Coyote Beach Sports
Coyote Beach Sports is your rental headquarters on the Alabama Gulf Coast. We rent Slingshots, kayaks, surfboards, skimboards, paddleboards, bikes...
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Come experience Bellingrath Gardens and Home, the naturally breathtaking historic manor home and pleasure gardens located in southern Mobile County...
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 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.
