The Underrated City in Alabama: 12 Things to Do in Gulf Shores

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Things to do in Gulf Shores Alabama

Gulf Shores Alabama

Alabama’s sugar-white sand beaches are one of the Gulf Coast's most popular destinations. This is a place where you will probably find your mind dreaming. Whether you are looking for peace and seclusion, or adrenaline and a nightlife environment, Alabama is known to deliver. Take a fishing trip, enjoy fresh and delicious local seafood or just sip a drink and watch the brilliant sunset. The Gulf Shores are a beach lover's dream vacation destination, with plenty to keep you busy day and night. Escape the chaos of your everyday life and experience the time of your life in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

With endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and discoveries, the city of Gulf Shores is one of the underrated cities in Alabama. Coupled with its pristine white beaches, it deserves to be on your list for your next getaway. Here are the top activities and destinations in Gulf Shores.

 


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12 Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Slide at Waterville USA

Are you a fan of waterslides? Heed to Waterville USA! Located at 906 Gulf Shores Pkwy, this 20-acre amusement and waterpark has the rides and thrills you’re looking for. 

You can race with other riders in their Dune Racer, a six-lane, 55-foot tall racer slide. You can practice surfing in their Flowrider. You can relax in their crystal water rivers. Or grab a tube and ride with the waves in their North Shore wave pool. Or you can scream while dropping yourself at an almost 60-foot waterslide!

Aside from waterslides, they also have a trampoline, a go-cart, an arcade, mini golf and an escape room. 

 

Go-Kart in The Track 

Not a fan of a waterpark? Not a problem. The Track is a great alternative for you. Located at 3200 Gulf Shores Parkway, The Track features six Go-Kart Tracks -  Wild Woody, Slick Track, Family Track, Super Track, Rookie Track and Kiddie Track. If you’re looking for a thrilling go-kart ride, the slick track is a must-try. 

They also have The Skycoaster ride, Spinning coaster, blaster boats, mini golf and kids country rides. Did you bring a lucky charm with you? Why not try your luck in their 5,000-square-foot Fat Daddy’s arcade?

 

Biking in Gulf State Park

Encompassing 6,150 acres of land, there are a plethora of activities to do in Gulf State Park, Alabama. One of which is biking. With a 28+ mile paved trail system, the award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is something for bikers to explore.

The trails allow you to explore the nine distinct ecosystems and discover different animal and plant species within the park boundaries. If you explore the Gopher Tortoise trail, you’ll get to see an alligator. If you want to see an elusive bobcat in person, you should explore the Rosemary Dunes trail. The park is also home to endangered species like Alabama beach mice, gopher tortoises and white-topped pitcher plants.

The park also offers kayaking, segway rides, parasailing, geocaching and camping.

 

Fishing in Gulf State Park Pier

Before Hurricane Sally destroyed some portion of the pier, The Gulf State Park pier held the title of the longest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico. Some part of the pier is destroyed and is now scheduled for renovation. But don’t fret, you can still have a great time fishing and sightseeing here.

The pier offers a tackle and bait shop, accessible rail fishing, rod and reel rentals and great scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Fish that are usually caught here are Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, Red Drum, King Mackerel, Flounder, Florida Pompano, Whiting and many more. Fish with the locals and feel the excitement of getting your first catch! 

Aside from fishing, locals and visitors come here to witness the epic sunrise and sunset.

 

See Wildlife in Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Gulf Coast Zoo is located 6 miles from the beach and is home to over 200 species, 31 sub-species and 8 endangered species. After starring in a 13-episode documentary series entitled “The Little Zoo That Could,”  Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo was dubbed as the Little Zoo.

Spanning 25 acres of land and home to various animal species, a trip to this zoo allows you to learn about wildlife from around the world. Aside from seeing and learning about different animals, the zoo has a carousel and safari ride for kids and families to enjoy.

 

Swimming in Gulf Shores Beaches

With its gorgeous white-sand beaches, hitting the beach should be part of your Gulf Shores tour.  Below are the best beaches in Gulf Shores:

Little Lagoon Beach

Do you want to escape the crowd? You can enjoy a good soak in Little Lagoon Beach without the bustling crowd. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic, go fishing or enjoy the scenery, Little Lagoon Beach is a perfect destination to connect with nature.

Gulf State Park Beach

Whether you want some thrilling water activities like kayaking and fishing or just want to go for a swim, the Gulf State Park Beach got you covered. The park’s natural beauty helps you slow down for a while and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

West Beach

Packed with exciting water sports, delicious food and live music, West Beach is a family’s favorite destination. Whether you want to take a dip, build sandcastles with kids or just want to have some quality time with your family, West Beach will never disappoint you.

 

Beaches in the Gulf Shores Alabama

 

Dolphin Watching in Gulf Shores

The waters of Gulf Shores Alabama are home to nine different species of dolphin, making it one of the best areas for dolphin watching. There are a lot of dolphin cruises to choose from which usually last for around one and a half hours.

 

Birding in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Home to over 360 species of birds, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a perfect destination for birding enthusiasts. With many different habitats like marshes, beaches, scrub forests and swamps, the 7,000 acres of land attracts a lot of birds making it a good spot for birdwatching.

It is one of Alabama’s undisturbed coastal barrier habitats providing a “safe harbor” for different flora and fauna. There, wildlife can exist without harm. You could expect to see red foxes, deer, armadillos, bobcats and other wild animals during your trip. It also serves as a safe haven for endangered species like Green Sea Turtle, Atlantic Ridley and Loggerhead.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge has access to Little Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico. So aside from birding and seeing the wild animals in action, you can do some water activities like kayaking, canoeing,  paddleboarding and swimming.

 

Chill in Wade Ward Nature Park

If you want to see wildlife but hate the long walk, then you should stop by Wade Ward Nature Park located at 500 Gulf Shores Pkwy. This 12-acre nature park can be accessed from a sidewalk on Highway 59.

With its elevated boardwalk, you can stroll the park comfortably while enjoying the beautiful view of wetlands that connect Little Lagoon and Lake Shelby. You can expect to see pelicans, otters and occasional alligators in its shallow waters hunting for food. It is also a good place to look out for migrating and local birds.

 

Discover the Past in Gulf Shores Museum

Formerly a beach house, this tiny Gulf Shores Museum is for history buffs. They have three permanent exhibits, Portrait of a Fishing Village, Drawing a Line in a Sand and Hurricanes: What You Need to Know. The first two permanent exhibits depict the first settlers and the evolution of the town. The third permanent exhibit educates visitors on the origination of the hurricane. It includes an interactive display where you can fly through the hurricane.

Aside from permanent exhibits, there are also rotating exhibits. So contact the museum if you want to know more about their schedule. 

Another thing to look forward to during your visit is their beautiful garden shaped like a butterfly located at the back of the museum. The Nelson’s Boat Yard donated a 40-foot ship mast that was built in 1940 that you can see on display. Oyster Bay Baptist Church also donates a church steeple.

 

See Old and Historic Fortification in Fort Morgan

Named after the Revolutionary War hero, Daniel Morgan, Fort Morgan has witnessed four wars - the famous Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay, the Spanish-American War, and World Wars I and II. This historic masonry pentagonal bastion fort was designated a national historic landmark in 1960. 

Building Fort Morgan started in the year 1819 and was finished in 1834. Most of the masons who laid the more than 46 million cubic yards were enslaved African Americans during that time. 

A trip to this old fort would allow you to see the old fortification, old weapons, carriages, artillery and machinery used during the war it participated in. 

Fort Morgan also hosts events. Visit their Facebook page to know the schedule: Historic Fort Morgan

How to get to Fort Morgan? Visit for Ferry Schedule: Mobile Bay Ferry

 

Buy Arts in GCAA Art Market

Are you a fan of art? The GCAA Art Market should be on your list of destinations in Gulf Shores. Located at 309 East 21st Avenue, GCAA Art Market features original local and original art. There, you can find pastel art, pottery, acrylic art, oil paintings, wood, metal and fiber art.

 

Takeaway

How do dolphins look up close? What does a pentagonal fortification look like? How does it feel to walk in an area filled with 360 different bird species? Gulf Shores Alabama has the answer to these questions. So what are you waiting for? Heed to the city of endless discoveries - Gulf Shores Alabama!

 

Flash History of Alabama's Gulf Shores

The Alabama Gulf Coast is one of the most historic regions of the South. Long before the first European explorers arrived on the coast, the area was populated by prehistoric Native Americans. Later, historians and archaeologists concluded that the Spanish found this destination during their early 1500s explorations. In fact, the Spaniards named Mobile Bay after the local Indian tribe, Mabila.

Decades later, the French followed but surrendered to the British throughout the French and Indian War in 1763. The English then held Mobile Bay for roughly seventeen years. However, the Brits lost to Spain in the Battle of Fort Charlotte in 1780. Finally, the United States took control of the area in 1813 leading to the Battle of Fort Bowyer. As a result of the war, the U.S. created two secure defenses: Fort Morgan on the site of Fort Bowyer and Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. Nevertheless, both forts were seized by Alabama troops in 1861. Thus, the area became a Confederate stronghold, only to fall under Federal forces as a result of the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864.

Despite having endured centuries of battle, the Gulf Shores came to prosper. Now, the beaches welcome golf enthusiasts from all over the country. The Gulf Shores are also home to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo—named by Animal Planet as “The Little Zoo that Could”—which attracts many visitors to enjoy 16 acres of more than 250 exotic animals in natural habitats. Moreover, this vacation spot can cater to the "shop til you drop" philosophy with the conveniently located Tanger Outlet shopping mall stocked with over 120 true manufacturers' outlet stores.

On the other hand, kids will love Waterville USA—a family water park sporting splash fun for all! Similarly, charter boats embark on a daily basis providing visitors with the best in local fishing excursions. Foley, a town about 20 minutes from the Gulf, is a water-sports paradise as well. Of course, an absolute stop for family fun is the Gulf State Park offering public beach access. Whether you want to tan picnic, enjoy freshwater lakes, or hike this is the place to go. Have you made up your mind yet? The Gulf Shores is truly a vacation that will likely inspire you to spread the word back home to all those looking for a great vacation get-away!


Map of the Gulf Shores of Alabama

Additional Alabama Gulf Coast Articles




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