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
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...
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...
Wetlands Park
Wetlands Park is a walking/hiking park and is located at the base of the water tower at the Gulf Shores...
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...
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...
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...
Gulf Shores Bike Rentals
Gulf Shores Bike Rentals is a safe 6 block ride down the sidewalk to get to one of the trailhead...
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...
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...
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...
Tiki's Bikes Boats and Beach Family Fun Rental
We offer beach bicycle rentals that access the sidewalks, bike paths in Gulf Shores and Gulf State Park trails. We...
The Dog Pond
Bring man’s best friend to The Dog Pond at Gulf State Park on Lake Shelby. Check out the new agility...
Meyer Park
Meyer Park is a 12-acre park located within the heart of downtown Gulf Shores. This park features a shaded playground...
Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
The Learning Campus offers day and overnight programs throughout the year. Our trained field naturalists ensure a fun, educational 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.