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Nestled at the very tip of the Alabama panhandle and just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Pensacola, Florida, the Gulf Shores, with its white sandy beaches, sees approximately 7 million tourists visit each year.
Why not? The warm gulf water and the stunning natural beauty, as well as the multitude of museums, history, and health & beauty activities, make the Gulf Shores a destination that everyone in the family can enjoy with a bounty of things to do.
Are you heading out on your Gulf Shores vacation soon and looking into things to do? Pack the swim trunks, and let’s see what awaits you in paradise.
Best Gulf Shores Things To Do
With over 7 million visitors each year, there are plenty of things to do. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so we’ve compiled our top picks for what to do on your Gulf Shores vacation.
Water Sports
Far and away, the most popular activity when going to the Gulf Shores for vacation is, well, the shores! Many Gulf Shores visitors love to lounge on the warm sand, but if you’re into something a little more active, there are a wealth of water sports you can try.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
The Gulf Shores, protected as they are from the strong currents of the Atlantic, enjoy relatively calm waves most times of the year.
If you’ve never tried it, then (or even if you’re a seasoned veteran), we highly recommend stand-up paddleboarding while you’re out on the Gulf Shores.
Stand-up paddleboarding is the perfect combination of a relaxing day spent out in the sun and some water-related exercise. Many stand-up paddleboarders find the activity more satisfying than kayaking, as you can feel somewhat limited in the seated position mandated by the kayak.
SUPing, as its practitioners affectionately call it, is extremely popular in the Gulf Shores. There are plenty of great companies with great hourly or daily rates. Check out some of the best spots here.
Kayaking
While kayaking may not enjoy the novelty of SUPing, kayaking remains a trendy water sport on the Gulf Shores. Snuggled up into your kayak, you can explore some of the nature surrounding the Gulf Shores in a unique, meditative way.
Get on your kayak and check out some of the freshwater lakes or cypress swamps that have tourists coming back each year.
We particularly recommend Lake Shelby, a beautiful freshwater lake with incredible sights for kayakers.
Diving
If you’re ready, in the words of Lou Reed, to “take a walk on the wild side,” you might want to try your hand at scuba diving in the Gulf Shores.
Uniquely, the Gulf Shores is the home of a massive artificial reef project, whereby the Alabama Marine Resources Division has repurposed decommissioned bridge spans, tanks, old ships, and more for the purpose of reinstilling coral life on Alabama’s Gulf Shores.
Check out our favorite dive shop here, or check out a more comprehensive look at dive locations here.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
For a great day of fun and education, as well as a break from the waves, check out the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
As home to 22 critically endangered species, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo serves as a significant beacon in conservation efforts worldwide. Kids love seeing Simba, the African lion, and parents might be surprised to learn about the precious pangolin, one of the most trafficked species in the world.
With the animal encounters program, kids can touch and be touched by some of the exotic animals at the zoo, a great way to learn to respect other species and develop empathy.
Fort Morgan
Of particular interest to history buffs is Fort Morgan. Located at the tip of the Gulf Shores peninsula, and played an essential part in the action around Mobile, Alabama, during the civil war.
If you’re not a huge history fan, fret not! Fort Morgan might still be interesting for you. The drive out to Fort Morgan is beautiful, with water on both sides, while the fort, now in its current dilapidated state, is a feast for the imagination.
We don’t have the old baroque castles of Europe in the United States, but the stately, magisterial Fort Morgan comes pretty close.
Waterville USA
With over 20 acres of fun, fun, fun, Waterville USA, may just be your new home away from home. The Screamin’ Demon, Gold Rush, and Flowrider are particular favorites, but the Lazy River remains most popular with parents. That said, all the attractions at Waterville, USA are high-quality and safe.
In fact, Waterville, USA, has been in operation since 1986 and has, since that, had more than $10 million invested in its development.
In addition to the waterpark, check out the Waterville minigolf and the ever-popular Waterville 500 racing.
Beaches, Parks, and Nature
The stunning natural beauty of the Gulf Shores and the surrounding area form a large part of why guests continue to return year after year. At the center of the Gulf Shores’ continuing popularity is its lovely beach.
Gulf Shores Beach
Gulf Shores Beach forms a core section of Alabama’s Gulf State Park. With two miles of perfect white quartz sandy beach, the Gulf Shores Beach sees everything from parasailing, surfing, swimming, and suntanning.
The two miles that form the core of the Gulf State Park are only a small portion of Alabama’s gulf shore beaches. In total, Alabama has about 32 miles of white sand beaches.
Gulf Shores Beach is long, and different parts of the big beach offer various attractions to guests. Check out the list of public beach entrances and what you might see there right here.
Orange Beach
Orange Beach and Alabamans have a long love story. Orange Beach offers beautiful white sand and is known by some as a hub for water sports.
Happy Trails
Although Gulf Shores is rightly known for its beautiful beaches, there are also some excellent walks to take part in.
The vast majority of the Gulf State Park trails are paved, covering 28 miles of boardwalks and sidewalks that let guests of all ages experience the varied ecosystems still extant near the Gulf Shores.
Take the Gopher Tortoise trail along the edge of Lake Shelby if you want to try and catch sight of an alligator, or go to Rosemary Dunes by bike to get a glimpse of the bobcat.
Of particular scenic beauty are the wide-armed live oak trees wreathed in Spanish moss.
History
Besides the well-loved Fort Morgan, there are several lovely historical sites guests can familiarize themselves with during their vacation.
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
For a real taste of the term “southern hospitality,” check out the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. This antebellum structure maintains the stateliness of the deep south, even amidst a rapidly changing world.
Guided tours take you through the parlors and massive drawing rooms that once teemed with the cream of the southern crop.
Colonial Fort Conde
The first jail of Mobile, Alabama, is now a fascinating look at Alabama’s history as a “state under five flags.” A British Commandant’s old room and a French sitting room form just a part of this testament to America’s history.
Museums
Museum-lovers can find something to their liking in the Gulf Shores as well.
City of Foley Depot Museum and Model Train Exhibit
Take a look at Alabama’s industrial past with the Foley Depot Museum, in the spot of the former train station dating back to 1909.
The train lines (the Louisville and the Nashville lines) played a significant part in the industrial development of the southern part of Alabama. This museum, with its excellent model train exhibit, pays tribute to that fact.
Holmes Medical Museum
While you’re in Foley for the model train exhibit, you can also check out the medical museum, brilliantly showcasing the advances in medicine since Baldwin county’s first hospital.
Kids with a medical bent and current doctors and nurses love to see the old equipment and imagine life when those items were cutting-edge.
Health and Beauty
If you really want to dip into the high life, check out some of the world-class health & beauty attractions in the Gulf Shores.
Spas
As a beach vacation destination, Gulf Shores does not lack when it comes to high-quality spas. Gulf Shores has just what you need if you want to take a “me” day and unwind at the massage table.
Beach Yoga
It’s almost a stereotype at this point, but very few things connect us with nature better than a beach yoga session at sunrise. You can look at Orange Beach Yoga or the Glow Yoga schedule to make sure there’s time on your Gulf Shores Vacation for some sun salutations on the beach.
Conclusion
The Gulf Shores is one of those natural gems in the United States, just waiting for thousands more to discover it each year. From the stunning white sand beaches to the high-quality museums, parks, and attractions, Gulf Shores is a place with something for everyone to enjoy.
Now, what are you waiting for? Begin your search for a vacation rental so that you can sunscreen up and get out on that white sand!
