Gulf Shores

Getting there

By plane You can fly into nearby airports such as Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida. Private and corporate planes are served by the Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores. Other options include Montgomery, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana - both of which would require a three-hour drive.

By car The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas are easily reached from Interstates 65 and 10 as well as US Hwy 98. All three intersect with Alabama Hwy 59 (also known as Gulf Shores Parkway) which leads directly to Gulf Shores. Distance from major cities: Atlanta, GA, 370 miles; Birmingham, AL, 274 miles; Jackson, MS, 245 miles; Memphis, TN, 480 miles; Nashville, TN, 450 miles; New Orleans, LA, 214 miles; St. Louis, MO, 632 miles.

By boat Boaters can reach Gulf Shores and Orange Beach via the Intracoastal Waterway. The Tennessee-Tombigbee provides a link between the Intracoastal and numerous ports in the midwest. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, boaters will find numerous marinas available.

By ferry A ferry service is available between nearby Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. The ferry landing is approximately 25 miles west of Hwy 59 on West Fort Morgan Road.

Getting around

By foot Plenty of accommodations are located directly on the beach. Guests can walk right out and enjoy the sand and water. Some are located within easy walking distance of restaurants and shops.

By car The cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are connected by two main east-west highways. The most southern one is Highway 182 (known locally as Beach Blvd). It runs along the beach and offers great views of the water. Highway 180 (known locally as Canal Road) runs along the Intracoastal Waterway. Coastal Xpress Shuttle offers $5 one-way rides to/from many Gulf Shores/Orange Beach night spots and hotels, etc. Call 251-923-8336 to arrange a ride Highway 59 terminates at the public beach in Gulf Shores where it connects with Beach Blvd.

See

Fort Morgan, 51 Hwy 180 West, ☏ +1 251 540-7127. Museum 9-5 daily. Fort hours vary by season. $3 for adults. $1 for children. A fort has been at this site on and off since the 1500s. The present fortification date from 1834 to WWII and played a vital part in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Historical tours are given daily in the summer. 1 Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, 20499 Oak Rd E, ☏ +1 251 256-7008, [email protected]. 9AM-4PM, daily. The Zoo features many exotic animals, including lions, monkeys and bears. There is also a petting zoo, reptile house and in the summer there are daily animal shows. Adults $19.95, Seniors (55+) and Military $16.95, Children (3-12) $14.95. Children under 2 are free. (updated Feb 2021) Gulf Shores Museum, 244 West 19th Avenue, ☏ +1 251-968-1473. Learn about Gulf Coast weather with a video on the Hurricane Hunters. Great exhibition on shrimping and fishing. Free. Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum, 25850 John M Snook Avenue, Orange Beach, ☏ +1 251-981-8545. Tu Th 9AM–4PM. Collection of local artifacts and items that tell the area's Native American and fishing history. Free. (updated Jun 2017)

Do

The best thing to do in Gulf Shores is enjoy the beaches. There are plenty of places to park at most public beaches. Some offer facilities and picnic tables. There are many beach access area that provide pedestrian access only. These are best if you are staying nearby and don't need a car to get to the beach. It is best to be aware of the Beach Warning Flags that tell you whether it is safe to go into the ocean. There is an unlimited amount of water sports activities available in Gulf Shores. Take your pick between waverunners, catamarans, parasailing, sailboats, boogie boards etc. at any of the numerous rental places along the beach.

Gulf Shores Public Beach is full of activity, and near bars and restaurants. Lifeguards on duty and picnic areas are available. Arrive early for a good spot. 1 Gulf State Park, 20115 State Park Rd (6 miles east of Hwy 59), ☏ +1 251 948-7275. A great beach for families and away from the hustle of the other beaches. Facilities are minimal and a small parking fee is charged. (updated Feb 2021) 2 Waterville USA, 906 Gulf Shores Pkwy, ☏ +1 251 948-2106. A 25 acre water and fun park. It has waterslides that are for the kiddies and the daredevils. There is miniature golf, go-karts, an arcade, and small carnival rides for younger children. (updated Feb 2021) Golf. Numerous courses at varying rates. Gulf State Park has an affordable course. Look up Soldiers Creek, Lost Key and Glenlakes for great courses at very fair prices. Cotton Creek and Cypress bend are both Arnold Palmer designs. Many more. Adventure Island, 24559 Perdido Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 251-974-1500. Fun for the entire family with mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts and arcade. 3 Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, 12295 Hwy 180, ☏ +1 251-540-7720, [email protected]. sunrise - sunset. Great location for hiking with more than six miles of trails. Amazing beach access - worth the hike. Free. (updated Feb 2021) Ferris Wheel at The Wharf, 4985 Wharf Parkway, ☏ +1 251-224-1000. M-Sa 10A

Buy

Gulf Shores is filled with souvenir shops that offer classy to trashy gifts to take home. Some idea include seashells, airbrushed shirts, beach towels and various small gifts.

Tanger Outlet Center Hwy 59 S. Foley, AL. Just a short drive north of Gulf Shores this outlet mall has over 120 stores. Alvin's Island Gulf Shores, 100 West Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 251-948-3121. With locations in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the perfect spot for swimwear and souvenirs. Alvin's Island Orange Beach, 24949 Perdido Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 251-974-1123. Bayou Village, 701 Gulf Shores Parkway. Shops include Original Oyster House, Original Oyster House Trading Company, Sharkey's Arcade, Jubilee Gifts & Apparel, Ocean Eddie's, Taylors Serendipity, Cleopatra's Oasis and Blonde John's Surf, Skate & Skim. Souvenir City of Gulf Shores, 217 Gulf Shores Parkway, ☏ +1 251-948-7280. 7 days, 8AM - 11PM. A tradition for vacationers. Family owned since 1956. (updated Nov 2019) The Purple Octopus [1] Adjacent to Souvenir City; incredible collection of seashell stuff, wind chimes of all types, souvenirs, homemade candy and tees. Island Outfitters, 428 W Beach Blvd. Large selection of island wear, swimwear, tees, beach gear, souvenirs & decor. Surf Style [2] Several Gulf Shores locations, including two adjacent to each other at "The T". Beach shop stuff and more The Wharf [3] Not far away, in Orange Beach off the Intracoastal; offers large selection of shopping & dining. 1 Pelican Place at Craft Farms, 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy, ☏ +1 251 975-0554, [email protected]. (updated Feb 2021)

Eat

DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen, 138 W. 1st Ave. Gulf style seafood, steaks, pasta, and salads. Decent prices. Sea-n-Suds, 405 East Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 251 948-7894. Value priced sandwiches, seafood and beer on the beach. Friendly and somewhat nostalgic atmosphere, bringing customers back to the days of boardwalks and piers. It can get really busy in the tourist season