Things to do & places to visit in Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States

This resort community is known for its bright white beaches and soothing warm water. Daytime activities include scenic cruises, dolphin-watching and hiking. A great place for families, Gulf Shores has The Track, a family recreation center with bumper boats, and also the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

Gulf Shores city in Alabama, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 2:17.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Gulf Shores Welcome Center (478 reviews)
- Must stop in Gulf Shores!!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Both welcome centers are open seven days a week. The centers are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. See more..
5.0 Sandcastle University (28 reviews)
- Highly recommend!
Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Lessons & Workshops

Sand Castle University specializes in teaching tips, tricks, and secrets of building the best Sand Castles to groups of all ages and skill levels. We meet you at your beach location of choice! See more..
5.0 Pottery Central World Headquarters (14 reviews)
- Amazing store with lots of home decor
Art Galleries

Working studio open by appointment or chance. See more..
4.5 Gulf State Park (1.420 reviews)
- Best Campground on the Gulf!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Beaches

Gulf State Park's two miles of beaches greet you with plenty of white sun-kissed sand, surging surf, seagulls and sea shells, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into. Inside Gulf State Park there is a brand new Gulf Front lodge and Conference Center, beach pavilion, National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Cottages, tennis courts, camp sites, 28 miles of paved/enhance trails and a fishing pier that is 20-feet wide and extends 1,512 feet into the Gulf. This and much more make Gulf State Park the perfect in-state vacation or out-of-state adventure. See more..
4.5 Gulf State Park Fishing Pier (1.117 reviews)
- Cold and windy but nice to see
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Piers & Boardwalks

The Gulf State Park Pier offers features such as indoor seating for concession area, indoor retail area for tackle and souvenirs, comfort stations at the midpoint of the pier (seen in picture above) and wheelchair accessible rail fishing. The new pier has 2,448 feet of fishing space available along the rails. See more..
4.5 Ike's Beach Service (495 reviews)
- Exceptional and Personable
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gear Rentals

Ike’s Beach Service specializes in a wide variety of beach equipment rentals, recreation, and amusements. Availabilities include: beach chair and umbrella rentals, paddle board and kayak rentals, and beach wheelchair rentals. See more..
4.5 Gulf Shores Public Beach (461 reviews)
- Other beaches in the area.
Beaches

If you want to pay for parking, people watch, access to toilets and rentals, then go to the public beach. But know that there are other public beaches that are less crowded. We enjoyed the beach with no traffic, no seaweed, and no parking fee, BUT no amenities - on the Ft. Morgan end. The fishing beach a great for walking and shelling, too. See more..
4.5 Pirate's Island Adventure Golf (359 reviews)
- Easy to navigate & fun
Miniature Golf

A good time for a good price. My teenage girls played 18 holes and it was challenging enough for them to stay interested but not frustrated. Interesting tidbits about Blackbeard at every hole actually got a lot of conversation going in our group too. See more..
4.5 Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (278 reviews)
- Beautiful walk to the Beach. —Pine Beach Trail
Saturday: Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

A 6,000-acre nature preserve with a number of endangered species. See more..
4.5 Rouses (146 reviews)
- Local market feel
Speciality & Gift Shops

I can’t believe this place isn’t always packed! Forget the other two spots to get groceries within a half a mile. I love the bakery, well stocked produce, tons of ready made specialty foods. They cater to more local vendors and has an extensive selection of frozen bait too. Walmart is definitely cheaper but Rouses is not crowded and has everything you need. The staff is friendly and fast as well. I appreciated them being masked. See more..
4.5 Big Beach Brewing Company (141 reviews)
- Great Place
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Home of Alabama's southernmost microbrewery, Big Beach Brewing Company. House made beers for your enjoyment located right here in Gulf Shores, Alabama. See more..
4.5 Fort Morgan Road Trail (57 reviews)
- Absolutely worth a visit
Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

We visited on a weekday morning. As a family of four, we were offered a discounted family pack admission for $20. We started with museum. Under current COVID-19 restrictions, there are a limited number of people allowed in the small museum. We waited in line a few minutes (10-15) for this. I recommend visiting the museum first in order to have a better appreciation for what you will view in the fort. The history of the site is impressive, though much of it somber. My kids, ages 8 and 11, thoroughly enjoyed exploring the fort. We packed water bottles which were much needed in the summer heat. See more..
4.5 Alabama Coastal Birding Trail (38 reviews)
- Stay on the beach
Nature & Wildlife Areas

This is a amazing place to visit. The trails go through the marsh to be able to see the different bird nesting areas an goes out to the beach. See more..
4.5 Gulf Shores Dog Park (34 reviews)
- Very nice park
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

This park is very good size, lots of tree cover, friendly folks and friendly dogs. They are well equipped with plenty of bags for picking up the dog's business. Tree cover is great for hot days and seems like tennis balls keep multiplying:) See more..
4.5 The Dog Park (20 reviews)
- Fun in the Park
Saturday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Lake side dog park at Gulf State Park's Lake Shelby. This location features picnic tables, benches. an agility course, and separate areas for large and small dogs. Restrooms are nearby within the Lake Shelby picnic area. See more..
4.5 Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church (17 reviews)
- Beautiful, welcoming church
Churches & Cathedrals

So enjoyed mass Sunday at this lovely church. Enjoyed pastor's meaningful sermon. So good to see lots of young people, especially lots of children of all ages. Hymn vocalist sang beautifully. See more..
4.5 Jeff Friend Trail (14 reviews)
- Quiet Short Hike, GREAT Scenery
Hiking Trails

This trail is the short trail in the Bon Secour NWR, and really delivers a lot of "bang for the buck". There is a pretty sizable parking lot and admission is free. This trail is easy to walk or hike and includes several benches to rest upon as you go your way around the trail. The trail includes wonderful deep woods views, as well as a marsh and the coastline of Little Lagoon. There is also a kayak/canoe launch as well. NOTE: There are no restrooms here so plan accordingly. Even at a very leisurely pace, you can hike or walk this trail in 30 minutes to an hour. See more..
4.5 St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church (3 reviews)
- Church was lifted from Santorini!
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

Church was lifted from Santorini! Or so it would appear :-). We went there for Greek orthodox good Friday and Saturday midnight mass and father Turkic Was wonderful! He is vibrant very animated and most certainly Pius. All the members were very attentive to us and kind. It was a very special Easter and wont ever forget. God bless to your congregation See more..
4.5 Indian Village Achuse (2 reviews)
- Historic Site
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

A must see if you are travelling along the route of historical sites in Alabama along the gulf. Took some pictures to show to friends that love this kind of thing. See more..
4.0 Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (1.651 reviews) from $37.00
- Cute & small zoo!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has become 'The Little Zoo That Grew' since we moved to our new 25-acre home! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to exotic animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, reptiles, kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths, to name just a few. The Zoo features a domestic barn, seasonal animal adventures, a mining sluice, and interactive animal shows during the spring and summer months. The mission of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is to create compelling experiences that connect people and community with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for the conservation of the natural world. See more..
4.0 The Track (590 reviews)
- Great way to spend a day with the family!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

The Track Family Fun Park in Gulf Shores features fun for the whole family, ranging from thrill rides like the Skycoaster to family go-kart tracks, miniature golf, bumper boats, Kids Country rides, an arcade, and more. The Track’s signature attraction is the elevated, multi-level Wild Woody go-kart track, where drivers race up three and a half stories and then circle back down with an exciting drop at the bottom. The Wild Woody, Super Track and Family Track feature both double and single karts for racing. The Spinning Coaster made its debut in 2017. With rolling curves and cars that spin while zipping along the coaster’s track, the Spinning Coaster is a great pick for a first-time roller coaster experience. See more..
4.0 Waterville USA (405 reviews)
- Great day at Waterville in Gulf Shores!
Amusement & Theme Parks

My family had a wonderful time at Waterville Park today, Friday July 22. 2022. It was my granddaughters first time visiting aWaterpark. The young lady/attendant at the Flow Rider/ Surf board was excellent. I observed how patient and interactive she was with all the children today at 4:30pm. Definetely a grest experience for all the young surfers. Thank you for a great day! See more..
4.0 Gulf Shores Museum (50 reviews)
- Museum
Spent < 1 hour History Museums

in expensive place, good for kids, quick and easy to do ; great on a rainy day, gives you hurricane experience See more..
4.0 National Shrimp Festival (48 reviews)
- Recreation
Spent More than 3 hours Food & Drink Festivals

Great music, food especially shrimp, beautiful day,I would like to tell people to be sure to go to the festival next year. Parking and traffic control was handled with no problems. This festival was a highlight of my trip in the south this year. See more..
4.0 Mo's Landing Park (5 reviews)
- Lovely little park!!
Parks

Lagoon Park was built on a pair of privately owned sites purchased by the City of Gulf Shores, where a convenience store and private boat launch known as Mo's Landing and RV Park used to be. The park is 1.8 miles west of Highway 59 on Fort Morgan Road (Highway 180). The restroom deck overlooking the Lagoon provides a good resting point for cyclists, walkers, and joggers on the 5.3 mile paved bike path and walking trail that winds between the trees on the north side of Fort Morgan Road. Two concrete boat ramps, parking for both vehicles and boat trailers, and restrooms are available for public use. In addition to the public boat ramps that provide access for fishing, sports, and recreational boating, the park also provides a fine access point for kayaks and canoes to the north shores of Little Lagoon, which are characterized by single family homes in pine tree sheltered properties with piers and boathouses extending into the shallow waters. See more..
4.0 Gulf Coast Tennis Club (5 reviews)
- Top Notch Facility
Sports Complexes
Gulf Coast Tennis Club features indoor, temperature controlled, Italian red clay courts derived from imported crushed red brick. The dynamic surface awards players the unique experience marked by a more accurate ball bounce, longer rallies and a ability to slide. Indirect lighting and 45-foot ceilings highlight the four individual fenced courts, grass walkways and observation deck. See more..
4.0 Fort Morgan RV Park (4 reviews)
- Awesome RV park
Parks

Captain Rob and Sue are the best. Pet friendly, lots of shaded sotes and well maintained. Love coming here and will be back soon! See more..
4.0 Lagoon Pass Park (2 reviews)
- Easy Beach Access
Parks

This small park, located away from the most crowded Gulf Shores beaches, offers an easy way to access the public beaches and avoid the worst of the crowds. The park is located a short drive west of the main beach access area in Gulf Shores at Little Lagoon Pass, right before you cross the Lee Callaway Bridge. The parking lot is rather small so go early in peak season to secure a spot. They have public restrooms as well. From the parking lot, you can set up your beach day either on the lagoon or on the Gulf of Mexico. See more..
4.0 Gulf Shores United Methodist Church (2 reviews)
- Large Methodist Church
Churches & Cathedrals

Gulf Shores United Methodist Church is a beautiful large church. There is a prayer tower and a auxiliary facility in an adjacent strip mall. See more..
3.5 Wade Ward Nature Park (22 reviews)
- Nice raised Board Walk
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Piers & Boardwalks • Observation Decks & Towers • Scenic Walking Areas

Heard that Wade Ward Nature Park can have some birds. Hard place to find parking for, but I figured that the Diner didn't mind an extra vehicle.. Nice raised 1/3 mile round trip board walk over some wet lands and marshes. This afternoon we saw only a couple of Pelicans and some ducks and some small birds that I am still not sure of. If you walk it at a leisurely pace maybe a half hour, so if in the area and can find parking do the walk !!~ See more..