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Finding a beach destination in the USA that’s not crazy expensive or crowded is like finding a needle in a haystack, but thankfully there’s the Gulf Shores in Alabama, a city that offers pristine beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.
We were pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed our three day beach vacation there.
I didn’t even know Alabama had beaches, especially nice ones, and it reminded me so much of the Gold Coast in Australia.
In fact, Alabama has 32 miles of white sand beaches, and as it turns out, the best things to do in Gulf Shores in Alabama revolve around the water!
If you’re not sure what to do in Gulf Shores, then this guide is all about what we got up to, including where to eat and drink, and where to stay!
Things To Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama
1. Hang out on the beach
We know you’re here for a family beach vacation, so pack your lounge chairs, towels, and beach toys and find a spot on the miles of wide open Gulf Shores beaches.
We actually stayed in Orange Beach, a 10-minute drive from Gulf Shors, and it had a lovely section of soft white sand out the front of our beach cottage connecting to the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf Shores has a slogan, Leave Only Footprints, which encourages people to make sure they have removed all their beach gear by one hour after sunset each day. It’s why it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the USA.
It’s made a huge difference in cleaning up the public beaches.
The rule was created to keep the Alabama beaches pristine, but also to protect the nesting turtles who may lose their way due to a beach umbrella being in the way.
And it’s very kid-friendly here, with a cool toy box on the sand.
The surf was a little rough when we visited so we didn’t swim, but we were told it’s typically calmer and great for swimming. It’s the perfect place for water sports, such as parasailing and wind surfing. Or if you prefer to stay close to land, sea kayaking.
Check out more of our fun family beach getaway to Gulf Shores Alabama in this video:
2. Learn how to build sandcastles at Sand Castle University
While you’re at the beach, why not finally learn how to make a real sandcastle?
I’ve always wondered how my sandcastles ended up looking like the ancient crumbling ruins of a lost city. There’s just a few simple techniques to becoming a sandcastle King!
We spent an hour with Janel from Sand Castle University learning those techniques. She was an engaging teacher and wonderful with the girls.
I loved hearing about how she has created a business around something she loves.
There are so many people doing cool things around the world.
If you think you can’t build a business around what you love, then just remember Janel who creates sandcastles every day, in the glorious office of Gulf Shores, Al.
The girls had a blast building sandcastles. Definitely put this on your list of things to do in Gulf Shores with kids!
I’ll be expecting great things from them this summer. Now that we know the techniques, our sandcastles will be attracting beach goers with their cameras near and far.
3. Go bike riding in Gulf State Park
Just across the road from the beach is the gorgeous Gulf State Park, which adds to the feeling that Gulf Shores is a relaxed beachside area focused on nature.
It reminded me so much of Australia.
We grabbed rental bikes from Mark at Beach Bike Rentals to explore one of the Back Country Trails.
Mark was great at showing us the bike trail and pointing out various points of interest to see along the way like the osprey Nest and Lefty the alligator.
Lefty is not one-legged. She has all four legs, but one of her front feet is deformed (I believe it is her right foot, which is why she is called Lefty).
Unfortunately, I was not too great at following the map directions and somehow led us on the shorter trail that cut through the park instead of the longer one that took us around the lake – the best feature of the park!!
I still can’t figure out how I messed up.
I’m usually great at following maps and I really felt like I followed it right. It’s the map’s fault right?
But, the diversion led us onto the wooden boardwalk which was where we saw an alligator hiding the weeds.
It was the only one we saw on the trail. No I tell a lie. We saw Lefty the alligator babies basking on the rocks. Lefty, was no where to be seen.
The Gulf Shores State Park is a tranquil place to spend a few hours. It quickly became one of our favorite things to do in Gulf Shores.
The Gulf State Park pier is also a great place to cast a line if you’re into fishing.
I particularly loved the section that has gorgeous, overhanging moss trees like you’d see in Savannah.
4. Explore the historic Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is a National Historic Landmark that’s only a 30-minute drive from Gulf Shores, on a sentinel overlooking Mobile Bay.
Its a massive brick structure built in 1834 and played a pivotal role in the Civil War, most notably during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. It was here that Union Admiral David Farragut famously defied the fort’s torpedoes, leading the Union to victory.
Today it’s a museum with many exhibits which feature interactive displays telling its history. You can even take a guided tour of the underground tunnels.
5. Take the kids to Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great shout for anyone looking for a fun day out with children.
It has a diverse range of animals, from playful primates to majestic big cats like lions and tigers, as well as some animals from as far as Australia! We were happy to see some kangaroos, it made us feel right at home!
Our kids also loved looking at the lemurs, who are so playful and funny, and you can even feed them too! They also love the sloths.
There are also engaging keeper talks and animal encounters making it educational as well as enjoyable. Would you hold one of the snakes?
6. Get your thrills on at The Track
The Track is one of the top attractions in Gulf Shores for kids. It’s an amusement park packed with fun for the entire family.
Challenge each other to some arcade games, or take your smaller kids on the mini ferris wheel.
The skycoaster, go-karts, and bumper boats are also great fun!
7. Look out for pelicans on Alabama Coastal Birding Trail (Little Lagoon Pass Park)
The Alabama Gulf Coast is not just about beaches, but it has an abundance of migratory sea birds who flock here every year, so if you’re into birding, be sure to walk along one of the nature trails along Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, a 200-mile trail on a wildlife refuge from Baldwin to Mobile and back.
A beautiful section in Gulf Shores is called Little Lagoon Pass Park, which is perfect for families with kids. It’s only about 5.3-miles long and offers direct beach access.
It has shallow waters in the lagoon, which attracts pelicans, as well as gulls and other sea birds looking for an easy dinner. It’s a great spot to stop and watch the birds feasting in the waters.
8. Splash around at Waterville USA
If you’re visiting in the summer and the heat is getting too much, head to Waterville, an amusement park and water park in Gulf Shores.
Mom and dad will enjoy floating on the relaxing lazy river while the kids get their thrills on with the water slides.
9. Go on a dolphin cruise
That’s right, Alabama has dolphins! A dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores is a great way to not only look for dolphins, but to admire the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The dolphins are known to be playful and love showing off for passengers. Some will do acrobatic leaps and swim along next to the boat.
Dolphin cruises are a great opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
10. Have a blast at Hangout Music Festival
Hangout Music Festival is an annual music festival held in the Gulf Shores every year in May.
It’s been running for about 15 years and is a very family-friendly music festival as all ages are welcome, and children under 5 can attend FREE.
This 3-day festival is held on the beach at Gulf Shores, and has had big name artists such as Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Lana Del Rey, Calvin Harris and more play on their stages.
Places to Eat & Drink
Now you know what to do in the Gulf Shores, here are some places to dine at. These are all places we’ve visited and enjoyed!
The Gulf, Orange Beach
Our favorite beach bar on coastal Alabama is The Gulf on Orange Beach.
The Guff is a seafood restaurant that has fused together everything that makes a beach bar great from the countries around the world who do them great.
The menu has a Mexican flair with fresh and locally caught seafood – their fish burger is a winner!
It has an Asian and Australian flavor with different seating areas and chilled out couches, palm trees, tiki flames, and fire pits. And just a good time US vibe and innovation.
The Gulf is a series of shipping containers reclaimed, recycled and salvaged building materials that contrast with the natural setting.
Cool tunes playing, incredible views of Alabama Point, and friendly service.
We went for diner one night and immediately connected to the vibe even in the dark and vowed to return the next day to take daylight photos.
We couldn’t help ourselves but to sit down with the views and a few glasses of wine. We could have stayed there all evening.
Definitely one of the best casual places to eat in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, and when we return to rent a beach house for a couple of weeks, the Gulf will be my evening event.
The Hangout
Another cool beach hangout, is The Hangout on Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores and co-incidentally is owned by the same people who own The Gulf.
Do they have style or what?
It reminded me of having lunch at one of our Surf Clubs on the beach back in Australia, and is one of the most popular Gulf Shores restaurants for the views, and seafood!
The Hangout inspiration came from the old boardwalk hangout that was here in the 50’s. You can see a photograph of it hanging on the wall.
It’s also where the annual Hangout Music Festival was created, which now draws 50,000+ people.
Lulu’s
For a quieter spot away from the beach and on the river, head to Lulu’s.
I loved the vibe of this place.
There’s an outdoor sand area with toys for the kids and in the seasonal months, a high ropes course, making it one of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores with kids!
There’s also a sand volleyball court and boat slips for boat-friendly dining.
Parents you can definitely come relax here with a few tacos and margaritas and know that your kids are having a great time – there’s live, nightly music.
Lulu’s is owned by Jimmy Buffets sister so except that tropical vibe.
Ruby Slipper Cafe
If you love eggs benedict, go here!
We started off one morning with breakfast at the Ruby Slipper Cafe who are well known for their eggs bennie.
We ordered a serving of their hot smoked salmon bennie made on giant, fluffy southern-style biscuits!
And our kids enjoyed their French toast sticks, fried and tossed in cinnamon sugar served with bacon – they look like a game of Jenga.
The Ruby Slipper Cafe is family owned and originated in New Orleans.
“The Ruby Slipper Café was inspired by a powerful sense of homecoming when we returned to New Orleans after Katrina to be back with family and friends again.”
They have since expanded across the Southern Gulf Region since opening in 2008.
Hog Wild Beach & Barbecue
Love barbecue? How about Southern barbecue with a beachy twist!
Hog Wild rank in the Top 10 BBQ restaurants in Alabama, and Top 5 for wings.
We can vouch for their wings, some of the best wings we’ve had in the US – finger licking good!
City Donut
Ok, we don’t normally allow our kids to have donuts for breakfast, but we were on vacation, at the beach!
We’re typically health conscious with what we eat, especially breakfast, but of course we allow our kids a treat here and there.
So one morning we headed straight for City Donut, another family-owned local business who have been serving donuts, and espresso for breakfast since 2013.
Be warned, as a fresh bakery, they make all their donuts just hours before opening and they do sell out for the day, so don’t sleep in too late!
I know you’re on vacation, but once they sell out for the day, they close up shop!
Cobalt
We were hoping to catch a sunset here during dinner on our first night in Orange Beach, but we were late arriving from our previous destination.
Cobalt Restaurant has prime position under the Perdido Bay Bridge, with undoubtedly spectacular views of the bay.
Unfortunately it was dark once we arrived so we couldn’t appreciate their full-potential, but just sitting outside again by the water was enough!
Cobalt is one of the best Orange Beach restaurants that offers fresh local seafood, caught daily, in an open air dining room.
Flora-Bama
Our friends from New Orleans first told us about Flora-Bama. They said it’s an experience you just have to have in Orange Beach and the Gulf Shores region.
And they couldn’t stop raving about their specialty drink, a Bushwacker.
They said, “you just have to get bushwhacked with a Bushwhacker drink at the Flora-Bama beach bar on the Florida-Alabama border!
Geez it’s strong. We settled for one bushwacker!
What’s in this drink? Five liquors in one frozen drink:
- white rum
- dark rum
- amoretto
- dark creme de cacao
- kahlua.
And this bar is crazy interesting, I could imagine the crowds in peak season at sunset, as it’s one of the most famous beach bars in the USA.
Where To Stay In Gulf Shores
There are plenty of vacation rentals in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, although the stretch of them isn’t overbearing like you’d find in other beach towns.
We only had three nights, and I wish it were longer, but we stayed at the Cottages at Romar Beach, which was perfect for our family of four.
I want a beach cottage exactly like the one we stayed in.
I’m not sure if Kalyra or I said it first, but we definitely are in alignment with our home style and vision. (And yes we have been looking for beach style homes in Raleigh since!!)
Nothing beats the casual comfort, and practicality, of a beach vacation home.
This cottage was in an enclave of Orange Beach vacation rentals in between a couple of high rise condos.
It was so lovely to be a one minute walk to the beach – although they have some larger beach homes right on the beach front for rent as well.
It was cozy and comfortable and so stylish. We seriously did not spend enough time there to fully appreciate it.
And for those moments you don’t want to hit the sand, there was a pool too.
Final Thoughts
Alabama is a state that has surprised me on many levels. It’s a unique state and it’s hard to describe but they do lifestyle and entertainment things with such creative and fun flair.
There is all the cool space in Huntsville, plus it has some of the coolest nightlife spots I’ve discovered.
Mobile is a city similar to New Orleans, that French sophistication and revelry on a smaller scale, and then you have the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Gorgeous beaches, wonderful weather, laid back and unpretentious vibe.
Mind you, we visited in the quiet season (February) so found it to be magical without the crowds. It is probably a different story when the tourists come in the middle of summer.
But, still we found ourselves saying many times, “let’s come back here and rent a beach house for a couple of weeks and just chill.”
What do you think? Would you take a vacation to Gulf Shores? Let us know in the comments.
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