Escape to Alabama's
Beaches
From endless stretches of white sand to outdoor adventures for everybody to dining that will amaze you, discover your perfect vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
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Beaches
Dining
Explore the coastal landscape by foot or by wheel.
Hiking & Biking
Wade Ward Nature Park
Gulf Shores
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Gulf Shores
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Next Campground
Immerse yourself in nature–without having to sleep on the ground–in a luxe retreat at Timberline Glamping Co. in Orange Beach. Timberline’s comfortable safari tents are kitted out with real beds and linens, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, and heating/air conditioning. The glampground’s location, where Gulf State Park meets Orange Beach, offers guests the best of both worlds.
Timberline Glamping
Orange Beach
Next Campground
Looking to really get away from it all? Gulf State Park’s Outpost Campsites require a 1.5-mile hike or bike ride to access. But the effort is rewarded with a unique campground that comes with shelter and beds, so you don’t need to pack a tent or sleeping pads. The park provides three military-style canvas platform tents that each come with four cots, a shaded porch, and beach chairs, and guests share on-site bathrooms with showers. There’s water but not electricity, ensuring dark skies and great stargazing.
Outpost Campsites
Gulf State Park
Settle in at this comfortable campground and enjoy the fresh air day and night. Campsites accommodate RVs of various sizes as well as tents, and some have prime waterfront locations along Middle Lake or the canals. From the campground, it’s just a mellow 1.5-mile stroll or bike ride to the beach, and campers can easily connect to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail right from their sites. Amenities include 11 air-conditioned bathhouses with showers, a stocked camp store with bike rentals, a pool and splash pad, a nature center, volleyball and tennis/pickleball courts, and horseshoe pits.
Next Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf Shores
This corner of Alabama protects some of the last remaining untouched coastal ecosystems in the state. Explore them on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, an extensive trail network winding through Gulf State Park. This system of 26 different trails extends for 28 miles through a mix of landscapes, from palmetto-lined corridors to wetlands dotted with waving cattails. The trail links the towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and every segment is paved, multiuse, and fully ADA accessible. Hop on the Gulf Oak Ridge Trail to cruise under a tunnel of live oaks draped with Spanish moss, or skirt Lake Shelby on the Gopher Tortoise Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife: bobcats, whitetail deer, coyotes, bald eagles, osprey, and herons (to name just a few species) make their homes along the trail.
Next Trail
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Landscapes collide here: sandy beaches meet freshwater lakes meet pine-oak woods meet the mighty Gulf of Mexico. That diversity means you can enjoy outdoor activities of all kinds within the span of just a few miles. Miles of hiking and biking trails wind through an astounding variety of ecosystems, but that’s just the start. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach are also a paddler’s dream, offering canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and foilboarding. And that’s just above water. A vast artificial reef system off the Alabama coast provides habitat for a highlight reel of ocean life: sea turtles, stingrays, octopi, and a variety of tropical fish.
Hike, bike, paddle, swim, fish, camp—do it all in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Hiking & Biking
Camping
Fishing
Paddling & Boating
Diving & Snorkeling
Target these beaches for lively scenes where community meets coast.
More Action
Gulf Place Beach
Gulf Shores
Cotton
Bayou
Gulf State Park
Beach Pavilion
Gulf State Park
Head to these beaches for a quieter experience, whether you want to stroll the shoreline or nap on a bed of sand.
More Solitude
Little Lagoon Pass Park
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores Beaches
Gulf Shores
Shell and Romar Beaches
Gulf State Park
Branyon Beach
Gulf State Park
Next Beach
Get two beaches in one at Little Lagoon Pass Park, which sits right on the pass where Little Lagoon empties into the Gulf of Mexico. This means you can lounge on the white sands of the Gulf or along the placid waters of the lagoon—a great choice for families. There’s a fishing pier on the lagoon side if you want to cast a line for flounder or speckled trout, plus convenient parking, bathrooms, and showers.
Little Lagoon Pass Park
Gulf Shores
Next Beach
The town of Gulf Shores has more than two miles of beaches with public access, so it’s easy to target a quieter patch of sand if the scene at Gulf Place (the Main Public Beach) is a little busier than you’d like. West of Gulf Place, you’ll find six more public beach access points. The beaches at 5th Street, 6th Street, 10th Street, and 12th Street offer parking, while the ones at 4th Street and 13th Street are ideal for walk-up access. Get details on each one at Gulf Shores Beaches.
Gulf Shores Beaches
Gulf Shores
Next Beach
Just east of Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach, almost to the Florida border, you’ll find the aptly named Shell Beach, which attracts beachcombers looking for giant cockles and fighting conch shells. It’s a great beach for all shell hunters, and is like a goldmine for young kids who will be amazed by the size and variety of shells here. And for the quietest, least crowded experience, head to Romar Beach, where you’ll trade bathroom and shower facilities for solitude.
Shell and Romar Beaches
Gulf State Park
Just west of the Beach Pavilion, you’ll find intimate Branyon Beach—a little tougher to get to because of limited parking, and all the more peaceful for it. Best plan: Bike there on the Gopher-Tortoise Trail (tip: check out the park’s free bike share program for rides of three hours or less, or rent a bike from Beach Bike Rentals in Orange Beach), or walk an easy mile from the state park campground. A boardwalk leads over the dunes out to the water.
Next Beach
Branyon Beach
Gulf State Park
Next Beach
Stroll right from a downtown restaurant or your vacation rental to the sand at one of Gulf Shores’ easy-access town beaches. One can’t miss option: Gulf Shores’ Main Public Beach, aka Gulf Place. Sand seekers flock to this lively spot at the end of Highway 59 for beach volleyball, picnics on the palm-shaded Town Green, and daiquiri-sipping on the deck of the beachfront Pink Pony Pub. Lifeguards are on duty during the high season, and four ADA beach access mats ensure everyone can enjoy the scene.
Gulf Place Beach
Gulf Shores
Next Beach
If you like being in the middle of the action, try the beach at Cotton Bayou, situated in Orange Beach. This spot draws more people, as it’s in the heart of Orange Beach near popular restaurants, attractions, and shopping. Like the Beach Pavilion, the amenities here are also top-notch, with bathrooms, showers, and ADA-accessible beach mats. Want a little of everything? A bit east, there’s Alabama Point East, a wide, sandy beach on the tip of a peninsula near Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach.
Cotton Bayou
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park boasts more than 3.5 miles of beautiful beaches, and its signature stretch of shore is found at the Beach Pavilion. The shoreline here is wide and uncrowded, dotted with sand dunes and waving sea oats. And the amenities are first class. A striking, open-sided shelter provides the perfect spot for a shaded picnic. A large fireplace adds coziness on cool days, and a seasonal concession stand serves up beach snacks and drinks. Plus, in fall 2024, brand-new, air-conditioned bathrooms with showers are set to open.
Next Beach
Beach Pavilion
Gulf State Park
Sugar-sand beaches, aquamarine waters, leaping dolphins, and gorgeous sunsets. Welcome to paradise, southern edition, with 32 miles of white quartz sand on the Gulf of Mexico. No wonder Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, two adjacent towns right on the coast, belong on every must-go vacation list. Whether you’re seeking a lively scene complete with beach volleyball or a quiet stretch of sand for peaceful beachcombing, you’ll find it here.
Get your fill of sand and sun
Beaches
More Action
More Solitude
The food is as good as the view at these upscale restaurants.
Waterfront Fine Dining
Pull up a table right next to the sand.
Beach Restaraunts
At this Orange Beach restaurant, a stone’s throw from the water, you’ll lounge on modern wicker couches under swaying palm trees and tuck into burgers, tacos, and seafood boils. The outdoor tables overlook Perdido Pass for a true seaside setting, and the restaurant’s use of recycled and salvaged building materials adds a nice touch. The menu changes seasonally, so check online for the latest dishes.
Next Spot
The Gulf
Orange Beach
Love seafood? Wait until you see what’s on the menu. Ultra-fresh seafood—often caught the same day it’s served, from the waterways just outside the windows—reigns supreme in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. From classics like shrimp po’boys and pan-seared salmon to original takes like local oysters in Creole sauce and snapper BLTs, you’ll find all your favorites and then some. But that’s not all you’ll find in this vibrant culinary scene. Beach hangouts, excellent surf-and-turf restaurants, Italian eateries, and multi-level bars with live music are all here, too. Vacation never tasted so good.
If you believe you should eat well on vacation, you’ve come to the right place.
food & Drink
Music & Fun
Waterfront Fine Dining
Beach Restaurants
On the western side of Gulf Shores, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge provides a quiet sanctuary for rare and threatened creatures. The refuge protects neotropical songbirds as they migrate through the area in spring and fall, provides crucial habitat for the endangered Alabama beach mouse, and hosts nesting loggerhead, green, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. A network of hiker-only trails weaves through Bon Secour’s variety of ecosystems, including sand dunes, marshes, and maritime forests. Highlights: The Jeff Friend Trail, a 1-miler that loops through the coastal woods; Gator Lake Trail, a 2-mile, dune ridge-walk to a peaceful lake; and Pine Beach Trail, a 4-mile out-and-back that connects a saltwater lagoon and a freshwater lake.
Next Trail
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Gulf Shores
Find a dose of nature right in the middle of everything, just inland from the Gulf Shores public beach. Wade Ward Nature Park, an oasis of wetlands located between developed areas, offers wildlife and humans alike a peaceful refuge. Stroll the elevated boardwalk to scope for otters, pelicans, and maybe even a gator, or scan the skies for a variety of birds—this park is part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
Next Trail
Wade Ward Nature Park
Gulf Shores
Sand, sun, and a night under the stars.
Camping
Timberline Glamping
Orange Beach
Outpost Campsites
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf Shores
Head to these lively spots when you feel like more than a meal.
Music & Fun
Next Spot
For a deep-sea adventure, you can’t beat an offshore charter trip. During the spring and summer mackerel migration, trolling in waters a bit nearer to shore gives you a shot at catching Spanish and kings. Heading up to 30 miles offshore, on the other hand, gets you to the artificial reefs and species like amberjack, vermilion snapper, and triggerfish.
Offshore Fishing
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Get into redfish, flounder, and trout territory by setting out in a boat for inshore fishing. The area’s quiet bays are perfect for calm floats—think Perdido Bay, Wolf Bay, and Bon Secour Bay. No boat? No problem. A number of outfitters run guided charter trips. Zeke's Landing offers full-service inshore trips in small vessels.
Inshore Fishing
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The fish are always biting on Alabama Beaches, whether you’re casting right into the surf or heading miles offshore. The newly renovated Gulf State Park Pier is a favorite spot for on-shore angling. Locals and travelers alike come here to try their luck catching Spanish mackerel, flounder, Florida pompano, and more. Plus, the logistics are easy: You can buy a fishing license, rent a rod and reel, and buy bait—all on-site.
Next Spot
Gulf State Park Pier
Gulf Shores
Next Paddle
Looking for something with a little more zip? The coastal conditions here have made Gulf Shores & Orange Beach a hotbed for foilboarding, which allows you to “surf” on top of the water. Foilboards (also called hydrofoils) have a fin or foil that lifts the board out of the water, so you’re cruising above the surface. It’s as wild as it sounds. Beginning foilboarders should head for the back bays of Orange Beach, while more experienced riders can surf the Gulf waters. Rentals and lessons are available from Foil Gulf Coast.
Foilboarding
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Next Paddle
No other wildlife sighting thrills quite like spotting dolphins playing in the bright-blue waters off the coast of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Booking a dolphin cruise from one of the many tour operators in both towns is the best way to get a good look at these amazing creatures. Options range from sailboats and catboats to tour boats and glass-bottomed vessels.
Dolphin Cruising
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Next Paddle
The state park’s boat launches concentrate in Lake Shelby and Middle Lake, calm waters where boat and paddleboard rentals are available. The Orange Beach Trail is the longest, from Cotton Bayou on the Gulf of Mexico all the way into the far reaches of Wolf Bay, farther inland. Launch here to explore a chain of islands or simply paddle up to several waterfront restaurants for a lunch break. Or both!
Gulf State Park and Orange Beach Trails
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The Alabama Beaches’ kayaking and paddleboarding options are so rich and varied, they have their own trail network, the Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway. Stretching 30 miles from Fort Morgan in the west to Orange Beach in the east, the system encompasses four distinct trails and 21 launch sites. Fort Morgan Trail on the western end dips into Mobile Bay, where you can paddle past a Civil War-era fort and Bon Secour Bay. Little Lagoon Trail, which covers 10 miles with three launches, is known for great kayak fishing and a sandy bottom.
Next Paddle
Fort Morgan and Little Lagoon Trails
Gulf Shores
Next Dive
This easy-access site is great for snorkelers of all levels. Just head a few hundred feet out into the Gulf to reach the Orange Beach Snorkeling Reefs, three man-made (aka circalittoral) reefs constructed to make homes for marine creatures like red drum, grouper, crabs, and sheepshead. The reefs are an average of only eight feet deep and can be reached from Romar Beach, Alabama Point, and the Gulf State Park Pavilion.
Orange Beach Snorkeling Reefs
Romar Beach, Alabama Point, & Gulf State Park Pavilion.
Next Dive
Closer to shore, The Jetties at Alabama Point offer superb snorkeling and diving, with up to 25 feet of visibility in ideal conditions. The rock-and-concrete jetties, built to protect Perdido Pass from the tides, also provide habitat for crabs, octopi, sea urchins, stingrays, and tropical fish. Reach the site right from Alabama Point Beach.
The Jetties at Alabama Point
Alabama Point Beach
Next Dive
A decade ago, locals organized an effort to create a new offshore dive site, and the results are spectacular. Poseidon's Playground is located three miles offshore in about 40 feet of water, and consists of donated statues, following a global trend to install art underwater for marine life and divers to enjoy. The 1-acre dive site features underwater statues of Poseidon, Venus of the Sea, and Apollo—the perfect photo ops for new divers.
Poseidon’s Playground
Gulf Shores
Discover a whole new world under the waves. In 1920, the Whiskey, a 200-foot Spanish rum runner, sunk just off the Gulf Shores coast. Today, the Whiskey Wreck is a stellar spot for snorkelers and beginner divers. It’s a shore dive, just 150 yards off the beach (and Bahama Bob’s Cafe), and because the ship sank in about 20 feet of water, it’s easy to see the wreck and its marine life.
Next Dive
The Whiskey Wreck
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Find opportunities for every type of angler.
Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Inshore Fishing
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Gulf State Park Pier
Gulf Shores
Explore the extensive network of water trails, see dolphins, and more.
Paddling & Boating
Dolphin Cruising
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Gulf State Park and Orange Beach Trails
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Fort Morgan and Little Lagoon Trails
Gulf Shores
Foilboarding
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Diving & Snorkeling
Diving & Snorkeling
The Jetties at Alabama Point
Alabama Point Beach
Poseidon’s Playground
Gulf Shores
The Whiskey Wreck
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Orange Beach Snorkeling Reefs
Romar Beach, Alabama Point, & Gulf State Park Pavilion.
Woodside
Gulf State Park
Lulu’s
Gulf Shores
Tacky Jack’s
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Flora-Bama
Orange Beach
The Hangout
Gulf Shores
CoastAL Orange Beach
Orange Beach
The Gulf
Orange Beach
You’ll find the ultimate beach scene at The Hangout on the Gulf Shores Main Public Beach. With its fire pits, sand play area, foam pit, and live music, you’ll find plenty of reasons to linger even beyond the tasty Wagyu burgers, shrimp and grits, and plentiful cocktails. Got kids? They’ll love the Pirates and Princesses live breakfast show, performed all summer.
Next Spot
The Hangout
Gulf Shores
Here, you’ll sit on a large patio under bistro lights, feet from the Gulf—and colorful sunsets. The menu overflows with gumbo, fresh oysters, and fish of all kinds, and the open-air bar serves signature cocktails. And as if that’s not enough, CoastAL also offers live music, so it’s a great place to catch local musicians as well.
Next Spot
CoastAL Orange Beach
Orange Beach
Louisiana Lagniappe
Orange Beach
Zeke’s Restaurant
Alabama Point Beach
Cobalt
Orange Beach
Perch
Gulf State Park
Not only can you order seafood boils and lobster rolls at this iconic Orange Beach establishment, but the chef will also cook up your catch of the day. And since Zeke's also operates a marina and fishing charters, it’s a full-service operation, from casting to cleaning to cooking.
Next Spot
Zeke’s Restaurant
Alabama Point Beach
This Orange Beach hotspot offers waterfront tables with views of Perdido Pass. The contemporary coastal cuisine features classic surf-or-turf plates plus pizza, oysters, and pasta. Pull up a seat at happy hour (3 to 5 p.m.) and try the Cobalt Caviar, a blend of black beans, edamame, corn, red onion, Roma tomatoes, and cilantro served with Firecracker Shrimp, lightly dusted, fried, and tossed in spicy remoulade sauce.
Next Spot
Cobalt
Orange Beach
Steaks, seafood, and glorious waterfront sunsets are on the menu at the chic Perch, located inside the Lodge at Gulf State Park. Chefs focus on local seafood and regional produce, and the comfortable outdoor deck overlooks the Gulf.
Next Spot
Perch
Gulf State Park
Creole dishes mixed with seafood classics and steak await at Louisiana Lagniappe in Orange Beach, a classy spot with tables right on a canal off Cotton Bayou. Not familiar with the term Lagniappe? It’s a small gift that merchants give to customers when a purchase is made, and no doubt you’ll feel like you received something special here.
Next Spot
Louisiana Lagniappe
Orange Beach
At this mellow spot in Gulf State Park, guests enjoy backyard games like ping-pong and cornhole while hanging out in the al fresco dining area. Start with Cajun-inspired seafood or fried chicken, finish with s’mores at the fire pit.
Next Spot
Woodside
Gulf State Park
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, Lulu's is a destination unto itself: Besides the food (coastal with a southern twist, with lots of options for special diets), there’s also a ropes course and beach arcade.
Next Spot
Lulu’s
Gulf Shores
Go big at Tacky Jack's, a collection of three colorful waterfront bars at Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach: There are upper-deck patios, boat-in access, and live music.
Next Spot
Tacky Jack’s
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Technically located just over the Florida border, Flora-Bama of Orange Beach is an institution dating back to the 1960s. The self-proclaimed honky tonk boasts five different stages for live acts and several beachfront bars on top of its oyster bar and casual grill.
Next Spot
Flora-Bama
Orange Beach
Outdoors
Next Spot
Next Beach
Next Beach
Head to these beaches for a quieter experience, whether you want to stroll the shoreline or nap on a bed of sand.
More Solitude
Beach Pavilion
Gulf State Park
Branyon Beach
Gulf State Park
Branyon Beach
Gulf State Park
Branyon Beach
Gulf State Park
Just west of the Beach Pavilion, you’ll find intimate Branyon Beach—a little tougher to get to because of limited parking, and all the more peaceful for it. Best plan: Bike there on the Gopher-Tortoise Trail (tip: check out the park’s free bike share program for rides of three hours or less, or rent a bike from Beach Bike Rentals in Orange Beach), or walk an easy mile from the state park campground. A boardwalk leads over the dunes out to the water.
Next Beach
Beach Pavilion
Gulf State Park
Just east of Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach, almost to the Florida border, you’ll find the aptly named Shell Beach, which attracts beachcombers looking for giant cockles and fighting conch shells. It’s a great beach for all shell hunters, and is like a goldmine for young kids who will be amazed by the size and variety of shells here. And for the quietest, least crowded experience, head to Romar Beach, where you’ll trade bathroom and shower facilities for solitude.
Next Beach
Branyon Beach
Gulf State Park
The town of Gulf Shores has more than two miles of beaches with public access, so it’s easy to target a quieter patch of sand if the scene at Gulf Place (the Main Public Beach) is a little busier than you’d like. West of Gulf Place, you’ll find six more public beach access points. The beaches at 5th Street, 6th Street, 10th Street, and 12th Street offer parking, while the ones at 4th Street and 13th Street are ideal for walk-up access. Get details on each one at Gulf Shores Beaches.
Next Beach
Branyon Beach
Gulf State Park
Get two beaches in one at Little Lagoon Pass Park, which sits right on the pass where Little Lagoon empties into the Gulf of Mexico. This means you can lounge on the white sands of the Gulf or along the placid waters of the lagoon—a great choice for families. There’s a fishing pier on the lagoon side if you want to cast a line for flounder or speckled trout, plus convenient parking, bathrooms, and showers.
Next Beach
Branyon Beach
Gulf State Park
Beach Pavilion
Gulf State Park
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Gulf Shores
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf ShoresGulf State Park Campground
This corner of Alabama protects some of the last remaining untouched coastal ecosystems in the state. Explore them on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, an extensive trail network winding through Gulf State Park. This system of 26 different trails extends for 28 miles through a mix of landscapes, from palmetto-lined corridors to wetlands dotted with waving cattails. The trail links the towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and every segment is paved, multiuse, and fully ADA accessible. Hop on the Gulf Oak Ridge Trail to cruise under a tunnel of live oaks draped with Spanish moss, or skirt Lake Shelby on the Gopher Tortoise Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife: bobcats, whitetail deer, coyotes, bald eagles, osprey, and herons (to name just a few species) make their homes along the trail.
Next Beach
Beach Pavilion
Gulf State Park
On the western side of Gulf Shores, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge provides a quiet sanctuary for rare and threatened creatures. The refuge protects neotropical songbirds as they migrate through the area in spring and fall, provides crucial habitat for the endangered Alabama beach mouse, and hosts nesting loggerhead, green, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. A network of hiker-only trails weaves through Bon Secour’s variety of ecosystems, including sand dunes, marshes, and maritime forests. Highlights: The Jeff Friend Trail, a 1-miler that loops through the coastal woods; Gator Lake Trail, a 2-mile, dune ridge-walk to a peaceful lake; and Pine Beach Trail, a 4-mile out-and-back that connects a saltwater lagoon and a freshwater lake.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Find a dose of nature right in the middle of everything, just inland from the Gulf Shores public beach. Wade Ward Nature Park, an oasis of wetlands located between developed areas, offers wildlife and humans alike a peaceful refuge. Stroll the elevated boardwalk to scope for otters, pelicans, and maybe even a gator, or scan the skies for a variety of birds—this park is part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Settle in at this comfortable campground and enjoy the fresh air day and night. Campsites accommodate RVs of various sizes as well as tents, and some have prime waterfront locations along Middle Lake or the canals. From the campground, it’s just a mellow 1.5-mile stroll or bike ride to the beach, and campers can easily connect to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail right from their sites. Amenities include 11 air-conditioned bathhouses with showers, a stocked camp store with bike rentals, a pool and splash pad, a nature center, volleyball and tennis/pickleball courts, and horseshoe pits.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Looking to really get away from it all? Gulf State Park’s Outpost Campsites require a 1.5-mile hike or bike ride to access. But the effort is rewarded with a unique campground that comes with shelter and beds, so you don’t need to pack a tent or sleeping pads. The park provides three military-style canvas platform tents that each come with four cots, a shaded porch, and beach chairs, and guests share on-site bathrooms with showers. There’s water but not electricity, ensuring dark skies and great stargazing.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Immerse yourself in nature–without having to sleep on the ground–in a luxe retreat at Timberline Glamping Co. in Orange Beach. Timberline’s comfortable safari tents are kitted out with real beds and linens, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, and heating/air conditioning. The glampground’s location, where Gulf State Park meets Orange Beach, offers guests the best of both worlds.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
The fish are always biting on Alabama Beaches, whether you’re casting right into the surf or heading miles offshore. The newly renovated Gulf State Park Pier is a favorite spot for on-shore angling. Locals and travelers alike come here to try their luck catching Spanish mackerel, flounder, Florida pompano, and more. Plus, the logistics are easy: You can buy a fishing license, rent a rod and reel, and buy bait—all on-site.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
For a deep-sea adventure, you can’t beat an offshore charter trip. During the spring and summer mackerel migration, trolling in waters a bit nearer to shore gives you a shot at catching Spanish and kings. Heading up to 30 miles offshore, on the other hand, gets you to the artificial reefs and species like amberjack, vermilion snapper, and triggerfish.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
Get into redfish, flounder, and trout territory by setting out in a boat for inshore fishing. The area’s quiet bays are perfect for calm floats—think Perdido Bay, Wolf Bay, and Bon Secour Bay. No boat? No problem. A number of outfitters run guided charter trips. Zeke's Landing offers full-service inshore trips in small vessels.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores
The Alabama Beaches’ kayaking and paddleboarding options are so rich and varied, they have their own trail network, the Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway. Stretching 30 miles from Fort Morgan in the west to Orange Beach in the east, the system encompasses four distinct trails and 21 launch sites. Fort Morgan Trail on the western end dips into Mobile Bay, where you can paddle past a Civil War-era fort and Bon Secour Bay. Little Lagoon Trail, which covers 10 miles with three launches, is known for great kayak fishing and a sandy bottom.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores
Gulf State Park Pier
The state park’s boat launches concentrate in Lake Shelby and Middle Lake, calm waters where boat and paddleboard rentals are available. The Orange Beach Trail is the longest, from Cotton Bayou on the Gulf of Mexico all the way into the far reaches of Wolf Bay, farther inland. Launch here to explore a chain of islands or simply paddle up to several waterfront restaurants for a lunch break. Or both!
Next Beach
Gulf Shores
Gulf State Park Pier
Looking for something with a little more zip? The coastal conditions here have made Gulf Shores & Orange Beach a hotbed for foilboarding, which allows you to “surf” on top of the water. Foilboards (also called hydrofoils) have a fin or foil that lifts the board out of the water, so you’re cruising above the surface. It’s as wild as it sounds. Beginning foilboarders should head for the back bays of Orange Beach, while more experienced riders can surf the Gulf waters. Rentals and lessons are available from Foil Gulf Coast.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores
Gulf State Park Pier
No other wildlife sighting thrills quite like spotting dolphins playing in the bright-blue waters off the coast of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Booking a dolphin cruise from one of the many tour operators in both towns is the best way to get a good look at these amazing creatures. Options range from sailboats and catboats to tour boats and glass-bottomed vessels.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores
Gulf State Park Pier
Discover a whole new world under the waves. In 1920, the Whiskey, a 200-foot Spanish rum runner, sunk just off the Gulf Shores coast. Today, the Whiskey Wreck is a stellar spot for snorkelers and beginner divers. It’s a shore dive, just 150 yards off the beach (and Bahama Bob’s Cafe), and because the ship sank in about 20 feet of water, it’s easy to see the wreck and its marine life.
Next Beach
Gulf Shores
Fort Morgan and Little Lagoon Trails
This easy-access site is great for snorkelers of all levels. Just head a few hundred feet out into the Gulf to reach the Orange Beach Snorkeling Reefs, three man-made (aka circalittoral) reefs constructed to make homes for marine creatures like red drum, grouper, crabs, and sheepshead. The reefs are an average of only eight feet deep and can be reached from Romar Beach, Alabama Point, and the Gulf State Park Pavilion.
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Gulf Shores
Fort Morgan and Little Lagoon Trails
Closer to shore, The Jetties at Alabama Point offer superb snorkeling and diving, with up to 25 feet of visibility in ideal conditions. The rock-and-concrete jetties, built to protect Perdido Pass from the tides, also provide habitat for crabs, octopi, sea urchins, stingrays, and tropical fish. Reach the site right from Alabama Point Beach.
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Gulf Shores
Fort Morgan and Little Lagoon Trails
A decade ago, locals organized an effort to create a new offshore dive site, and the results are spectacular. Poseidon's Playground is located three miles offshore in about 40 feet of water, and consists of donated statues, following a global trend to install art underwater for marine life and divers to enjoy. The 1-acre dive site features underwater statues of Poseidon, Venus of the Sea, and Apollo—the perfect photo ops for new divers.
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Gulf Shores
Fort Morgan and Little Lagoon Trails
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The Gulf
Orange Beach
The Gulf
Orange Beach
At this Orange Beach restaurant, a stone’s throw from the water, you’ll lounge on modern wicker couches under swaying palm trees and tuck into burgers, tacos, and seafood boils. The outdoor tables overlook Perdido Pass for a true seaside setting, and the restaurant’s use of recycled and salvaged building materials adds a nice touch. The menu changes seasonally, so check online for the latest dishes.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Here, you’ll sit on a large patio under bistro lights, feet from the Gulf—and colorful sunsets. The menu overflows with gumbo, fresh oysters, and fish of all kinds, and the open-air bar serves signature cocktails. And as if that’s not enough, CoastAL also offers live music, so it’s a great place to catch local musicians as well.
Orange Beach
The Gulf
Next Spot
You’ll find the ultimate beach scene at The Hangout on the Gulf Shores Main Public Beach. With its fire pits, sand play area, foam pit, and live music, you’ll find plenty of reasons to linger even beyond the tasty Wagyu burgers, shrimp and grits, and plentiful cocktails. Got kids? They’ll love the Pirates and Princesses live breakfast show, performed all summer.
Orange Beach
CoastAL Orange Beach
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Steaks, seafood, and glorious waterfront sunsets are on the menu at the chic Perch, located inside the Lodge at Gulf State Park. Chefs focus on local seafood and regional produce, and the comfortable outdoor deck overlooks the Gulf.
Orange Beach
The Gulf
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This Orange Beach hotspot offers waterfront tables with views of Perdido Pass. The contemporary coastal cuisine features classic surf-or-turf plates plus pizza, oysters, and pasta. Pull up a seat at happy hour (3 to 5 p.m.) and try the Cobalt Caviar, a blend of black beans, edamame, corn, red onion, Roma tomatoes, and cilantro served with Firecracker Shrimp, lightly dusted, fried, and tossed in spicy remoulade sauce.
Gulf State Park
Perch
Next Spot
Not only can you order seafood boils and lobster rolls at this iconic Orange Beach establishment, but the chef will also cook up your catch of the day. And since Zeke's also operates a marina and fishing charters, it’s a full-service operation, from casting to cleaning to cooking.
Orange Beach
Cobalt
Next Spot
Creole dishes mixed with seafood classics and steak await at Louisiana Lagniappe in Orange Beach, a classy spot with tables right on a canal off Cotton Bayou. Not familiar with the term Lagniappe? It’s a small gift that merchants give to customers when a purchase is made, and no doubt you’ll feel like you received something special here.
Alabama Point Beach
Zeke’s Restaurant
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Technically located just over the Florida border, Flora-Bama of Orange Beach is an institution dating back to the 1960s. The self-proclaimed honky tonk boasts five different stages for live acts and several beachfront bars on top of its oyster bar and casual grill.
Orange Beach
Louisiana Lagniappe
Next Spot
Go big at Tacky Jack's, a collection of three colorful waterfront bars at Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach: There are upper-deck patios, boat-in access, and live music.
Orange Beach
Flora-Bama
Next Spot
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, Lulu's is a destination unto itself: Besides the food (coastal with a southern twist, with lots of options for special diets), there’s also a ropes course and beach arcade.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Tacky Jack’s
Next Spot
At this mellow spot in Gulf State Park, guests enjoy backyard games like ping-pong and cornhole while hanging out in the al fresco dining area. Start with Cajun-inspired seafood or fried chicken, finish with s’mores at the fire pit.
Gulf Shores
Lulu’s
Next Spot
The Gulf
Orange Beach
Perch
Gulf State Park
Perch
Gulf State Park
Perch
Gulf State Park
Perch
Gulf State Park
Flora-Bama
Orange Beach
Flora-Bama
Orange Beach
Flora-Bama
Orange Beach
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