Guest guide
Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Beaches, parks, family fun, fresh seafood and history, plus the local know-how that makes a beach trip easy. Everything here is a short drive from Coastal Shores.
Things to do
Hit the Beach
Gulf Shores Public Beach
The heart of the beach scene sits where Highway 59 meets the Gulf, with The Hangout next door. It is the classic spot for people-watching, sunsets and festivals.
Gulf State Park beaches
For a quieter day, the state park’s Gulf-front beaches are often less crowded than the busier stretches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Bring the gear
Coastal Shores provides Tommy Bahama beach chairs and a beach caddy, so you only need towels, sunscreen and a cooler.
Things to do
Gulf State Park
6,150 acres to explore
Alabama’s southernmost state park sits between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, with beaches, spring-fed lakes, a campground, a nature center and a butterfly garden.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
About 28 miles of paved trails wind through coastal forest, marsh and dunes. Bring or rent bikes; it is one of the best ways to see wildlife like ospreys and the occasional alligator.
Gulf State Park Pier
One of the longest fishing piers on the Gulf. Even if you don’t fish, walk out to watch pelicans and look for dolphins.
Things to do
Family Fun
Waterville USA
A 20-acre water park and amusement park a quarter mile from the beach on Gulf Shores Parkway. The water park runs in summer and the amusement rides roughly March through September; check their site for hours.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
A 25-acre zoo about five miles north of the beaches, with lions, bears, tigers, monkeys, a reptile house, an aviary and a petting zoo.
The Wharf in Orange Beach
An entertainment district with a giant Ferris wheel, marina, movie theater, shopping, restaurants and a concert amphitheater. Great on a rainy afternoon or after dark.
OWA Parks & Resort in Foley
A theme park, an indoor water park and an outdoor wave pool, with restaurants and shopping, a short drive north.
Things to do
Eat & Drink
The Hangout
Just about a mile from Coastal Shores, the beachfront Hangout is a Gulf Shores institution for casual food, drinks and live music.
LuLu’s at Homeport Marina
Lucy Buffett’s open-air restaurant on the Intracoastal Waterway is known for seafood, live music and a sandy play area for kids.
Gulf seafood
Look for local favorites like peel-and-eat shrimp, fried crab claws and oysters. Or grab fresh seafood and cook it in the house’s fully stocked kitchen.
Things to do
Nature & Wildlife
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
About 7,000 acres of undisturbed coastal habitat on the Fort Morgan peninsula, with walking trails, lookout points and a quiet beach. Entry is free; the refuge is open sunrise to sunset; trails are foot-traffic only and pets are not allowed.
Birding
Bon Secour hosts more than 360 species of migratory birds, especially in spring and fall. Gulf State Park and Fort Morgan are on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail too.
Dolphin cruises
Sightseeing cruises from local marinas are a favorite way to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, brown pelicans and ospreys.
Things to do
History
Fort Morgan State Historic Site
Completed in 1834 at the mouth of Mobile Bay, the fort saw action in the Civil War, including the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay, and served through both World Wars. It is about 22 miles west on Highway 180. Grounds are open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and the museum 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Mobile Bay Ferry
From Fort Morgan, the ferry crosses to Dauphin Island in about 40 minutes, a scenic shortcut that passes both Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines.
Things to do
On the Water
Fishing
Cast from the Gulf State Park Pier or the beach, or book an inshore or deep-sea charter from the Orange Beach marinas.
Kayaks & paddleboards
The back bays, lakes and the Intracoastal Waterway are calmer than the Gulf and great for paddling. Bon Secour even has a kayak launch.
Things to do
Annual Events
National Shrimp Festival (October)
Held since 1971 at the public beach where Highway 59 meets East Beach Boulevard, Shrimp Fest normally brings four days of seafood, art and live music with free entry. Confirm dates before you plan around it; the 2026 festival was canceled.
Hangout Music Festival (May)
The beach music festival took 2026 off; the City of Gulf Shores has approved its return in 2027.
Useful information
Know Before You Go
A few local rules and tips that keep everyone safe and the beach beautiful.
Beach Warning Flags
- YellowMedium hazard: moderate surf and/or currents. Use caution.
- RedHigh hazard: high surf and/or strong currents.
- Double RedWater closed to the public. Entering the Gulf is illegal and can bring a fine.
- PurpleDangerous marine life, such as jellyfish or stingrays, is present.
Conditions change daily and the absence of a red flag doesn’t guarantee safe water. Gulf Shores conditions: 251-968-SURF (7873) · Text ALBEACHES to 888-777. No lifeguards on public beaches October–February.
Leave Only Footprints
- Take all chairs, tents, toys and coolers off the beach by sunset each day.
- Fill in any holes you dig before you leave.
- Pack out your trash.
- Keep pets off the beach.
- Stay off the dunes and sea oats, home to the endangered Alabama beach mouse.
Sea Turtle Season
From May 1 to October 31, sea turtles nest on Alabama’s beaches and hatchlings follow moonlight to the water.
- Turn off lights facing the beach at night and close blinds.
- Use a red light, not a flashlight or flash, on the beach after dark.
- Never disturb nests, tracks or hatchlings.
- Report sightings: 1-866-SEA-TURT.
Getting Here
Pensacola International (PNS) is the closest major airport; Mobile is the other common choice. Jack Edwards National Airport (JKA) in Gulf Shores serves private and charter flights. A car is the easiest way to get around.
Rainy-day ideas
A movie at The Wharf, OWA’s indoor water park, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or a board-game night around the big dining table.
What do the beach flags mean in Gulf Shores?
Yellow means moderate surf or currents, red means high surf or strong currents, double red means the water is closed to the public, and purple means dangerous marine life is present. For current conditions call 251-968-SURF (7873) or text ALBEACHES to 888-777.
Are there lifeguards on Gulf Shores beaches?
Not year-round. There are no lifeguards on duty on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach public beaches from October through February.
When is sea turtle nesting season?
May 1 through October 31. Keep lights that face the beach off at night, close blinds, and never disturb nests or tracks. Report sea turtle sightings to 1-866-SEA-TURT (1-866-732-8878).
What is Leave Only Footprints?
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach require beachgoers to remove all belongings, including chairs, tents, toys and coolers, from the beach by sunset each day, and to keep pets off the beach and people off the dunes.
What is the closest airport to Gulf Shores?
Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is the closest major commercial airport. Mobile is the other common option. Jack Edwards National Airport (JKA) in Gulf Shores mainly serves private and charter flights.
How far is Coastal Shores from The Hangout?
About one mile.
Your home base
Stay close to it all at Coastal Shores
Sleeps 10 · 3 bedrooms with private baths · community pool · about a mile from The Hangout.
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