The Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Considered one of the Yellowhammer State’s best-kept secrets, if you’ve been dreaming of a vacation on a palm tree-laden beach with tropical blue waters lapping at its shores, then look no further than the beachside city of Gulf Shores, Alabama. There’s a lot to explore in Gulf Shores, from its love of seafood and music festivals to its wide variety of water sports available – if you haven’t experienced it yet, you’re truly missing out.

With 32 miles of quartz white sandy beaches and turquoise seas stretching as far as the eye can see, its tropical summers and mild winters make Gulf Shores the perfect vacation destination any time of year. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems of this superb Alabama vacation hotspot.

Fun In and On the Water in Gulf Shores

Where better to start our tour of Gulf Shores than on perhaps its main attraction: Gulf Shores Beach.

Boasting a glorious flat sandy beach and crystal-clear calm seas, you and the whole family can spend hours swimming and building sandcastles under the gorgeous Alabama sunshine. However, those who enjoy a little more action from their beach vacation, head to the crew at Blue Sky Parasailing and Watersports to rent jet skis or admire the spectacular views from 800 feet in the air with a daring parasailing adventure.

Of course, the thrills aren’t just limited to the idyllic beaches of Gulf Shores, as the city is also home to Waterville USA, a 20-acre waterpark packed full of rides and slides for all ages. Featuring 17 water slides, you can race your friends down the 55-foot-tall Dune Racer or catch the perfect wave on Flowrider, the park’s realistic surf and bodyboard ride machine. Add to the fact that the park has its very own onsite go-kart track and ten-pin bowling lanes, too, Waterville USA is definitely one of the top family-oriented things to do in Gulf Shores.

Gulf Shores Festivals and Events

One thing Alabama is famous for is its love of seasonal festivals, and Gulf Shores embraces that passion with both hands.

Without a doubt, Gulf Shore’s favorite foodie-inspired carnival is The Annual National Shrimp Festival, which is traditionally held in October every year and has been running for over fifty years. Celebrating the region’s wealth of fine seafood delicacies, the festival provides a variety of mouth-water shrimp-inspired dishes for everyone to try. When you add that the festival also hosts live music performances and an arts and crafts section made up of local musicians and artists, it’s worth bookmarking this festival in Gulf Shores on your calendar.

Expanding on Gulf Shore’s love of music, the city is also the location for The Hangout Music Festival on the beach. Attracting over 40,000 revelers each year, the Hangout Music Festival is held every May and treats guests to a diverse line-up of musical superstars, but includes pool and beachfront views of the main stage, along with a hammock beach, and even a wedding chapel for a truly unique way to tie the knot.

Gulf Shores: A Sporting Haven

For sports enthusiasts among you, Gulf Shores has a bounty of sporting venues and activities to ensure your vacation away is action-packed.

While there is a surplus of first-class golf courses in and around Gulf Shores, our favorite is the Craft Farms Golf Club. Designed by the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer himself, this stunning 18-hole championship golf course makes for a rewarding round of golf due to its strategically placed bunkers and water hazards as you navigate the lush, tree-lined fairways.

Afterward, a trip to Gulf Shores just wouldn’t be complete without exploring the scenic surrounds of the Gulf of Mexico and the numerous waterways nearby. The best way to sightsee is to head down to Gulf Shores Boat and Paddlesports Rental to hire stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with your friends and family and energize your vacation.

Discover the Wildlife of Gulf Shores

As you might expect, Gulf Shores is spoiled with an abundance of wildlife attractions due to its distinct inland and coastal ecosystems. Gulf Shores has everything from conservation efforts protecting nesting sea turtles to the marshes and wetlands, home to a thriving American alligator population.

However, our recommendation for family-friendly wildlife spotting has to go to the team at The Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruises. With over 50 years of introducing visitors to Gulf Shores to the native dolphin population, be sure to take the kids out on their distinctive bright yellow boat to meet them too. Alternatively, if you’re on vacation with friends or you’d prefer a romantic excursion away with your partner, you should try their excellent sunset cruise instead.

Once you’ve met the dolphins, take the kids to also see the impressive Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Here, you and the whole family can explore the zoo’s multiple enclosures, which home its resident African lions and tigers, along with its exotic creatures, including yellow anacondas, ring-tailed lemur, and, incredibly, a New Guinea singing dog.

Enjoy a Coastal Retreat on the Beaches of Gulf Shores

Fun for all the family, or an ideal playground for a vacation away with friends, you’ll appreciate the warm Alabama hospitality and the sun-kissed beaches any time of year. Kick back and relax with the locals, or hit the golf course with your friends; there are countless fun-filled ways to spend time on a trip to Gulf Shores.

Start each day with an early morning swim or a paddle before ending it witnessing one of the city’s legendary sunsets. You’ll never be short of things to do in Gulf Shores, but you’ll be sure to enjoy your vacation even more when you get a great night’s sleep every night by booking your stay at the Best Western Premier The Tides in Orange Beach, Alabama.