Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is a city in Alabama on the Gulf Coast. It has beautiful white sand beaches, but is quieter and cheaper than the Florida beaches nearby.

By plane
You can fly into nearby airports such as Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida. Private and corporate planes are served by the Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores.

Other options include Montgomery, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana - both of which would require a three-hour drive.

By car
The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas are easily reached from Interstates 65 and 10 as well as US Hwy 98. All three intersect with Alabama Hwy 59 (also known as Gulf Shores Parkway) which leads directly to Gulf Shores.

Distance from major cities: Atlanta, GA, 370 miles; Birmingham, AL, 274 miles; Jackson, MS, 245 miles; Memphis, TN, 480 miles; Nashville, TN, 450 miles; New Orleans, LA, 214 miles; St. Louis, MO, 632 miles.

By boat
Boaters can reach Gulf Shores and Orange Beach via the Intracoastal Waterway. The Tennessee-Tombigbee provides a link between the Intracoastal and numerous ports in the midwest. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, boaters will find numerous marinas available.

By ferry
A ferry service is available between nearby Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. The ferry landing is approximately 25 miles west of Hwy 59 on West Fort Morgan Road.

By foot
Plenty of accommodations are located directly on the beach. Guests can walk right out and enjoy the sand and water. Some are located within easy walking distance of restaurants and shops.

By car
The cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are connected by two main east-west highways. The most southern one is Highway 182 (known locally as Beach Blvd). It runs along the beach and offers great views of the water. Highway 180 (known locally as Canal Road) runs along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Coastal Xpress Shuttle offers $5 one-way rides to/from many Gulf Shores/Orange Beach night spots and hotels, etc. Call 251-923-8336 to arrange a ride

Highway 59 terminates at the public beach in Gulf Shores where it connects with Beach Blvd.

Do
The best thing to do in Gulf Shores is enjoy the beaches. There are plenty of places to park at most public beaches. Some offer facilities and picnic tables. There are many beach access area that provide pedestrian access only. These are best if you are staying nearby and don't need a car to get to the beach. It is best to be aware of the Beach Warning Flags that tell you whether it is safe to go into the ocean.

There is an unlimited amount of water sports activities available in Gulf Shores. Take your pick between waverunners, catamarans, parasailing, sailboats, boogie boards etc. at any of the numerous rental places along the beach.
 * Gulf Shores Public Beach is full of activity, and near bars and restaurants. Lifeguards on duty and picnic areas are available. Arrive early for a good spot.
 * Gulf Shores is home to the National Shrimp Festival. This outdoor event is held annually in October and features over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and plenty of shrimp. Three stages also carry music continuously throughout the festival. Over 200,000 people attend the festival annually and it has been ranked as one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and one of the top five in the state.
 * Gulf Shores is home to the National Shrimp Festival. This outdoor event is held annually in October and features over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and plenty of shrimp. Three stages also carry music continuously throughout the festival. Over 200,000 people attend the festival annually and it has been ranked as one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and one of the top five in the state.
 * Gulf Shores is home to the National Shrimp Festival. This outdoor event is held annually in October and features over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and plenty of shrimp. Three stages also carry music continuously throughout the festival. Over 200,000 people attend the festival annually and it has been ranked as one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and one of the top five in the state.
 * Gulf Shores is home to the National Shrimp Festival. This outdoor event is held annually in October and features over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and plenty of shrimp. Three stages also carry music continuously throughout the festival. Over 200,000 people attend the festival annually and it has been ranked as one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and one of the top five in the state.
 * Gulf Shores is home to the National Shrimp Festival. This outdoor event is held annually in October and features over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and plenty of shrimp. Three stages also carry music continuously throughout the festival. Over 200,000 people attend the festival annually and it has been ranked as one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and one of the top five in the state.
 * Gulf Shores is home to the National Shrimp Festival. This outdoor event is held annually in October and features over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and plenty of shrimp. Three stages also carry music continuously throughout the festival. Over 200,000 people attend the festival annually and it has been ranked as one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and one of the top five in the state.
 * Gulf Shores is home to the National Shrimp Festival. This outdoor event is held annually in October and features over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and plenty of shrimp. Three stages also carry music continuously throughout the festival. Over 200,000 people attend the festival annually and it has been ranked as one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and one of the top five in the state.
 * Gulf Shores is home to the National Shrimp Festival. This outdoor event is held annually in October and features over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and plenty of shrimp. Three stages also carry music continuously throughout the festival. Over 200,000 people attend the festival annually and it has been ranked as one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and one of the top five in the state.
 * Gulf Shores is home to the National Shrimp Festival. This outdoor event is held annually in October and features over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and plenty of shrimp. Three stages also carry music continuously throughout the festival. Over 200,000 people attend the festival annually and it has been ranked as one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and one of the top five in the state.

Buy
Gulf Shores is filled with souvenir shops that offer classy to trashy gifts to take home. Some idea include seashells, airbrushed shirts, beach towels and various small gifts.


 * Tanger Outlet Center Hwy 59 S. Foley, AL. Just a short drive north of Gulf Shores this outlet mall has over 120 stores.
 * The Purple Octopus  Adjacent to Souvenir City; incredible collection of seashell stuff, wind chimes of all types, souveniers, homemade candy, tees, etc.
 * Island Outfitters, 428 W Beach Blvd. Large selection of island wear, swimwear, tees, beach gear, souveniers & decor.
 * Surf Style  Several Gulf Shores locations, including two adjacent to each other at "The T".  Beach shop stuff and more
 * The Wharf  Not far away, in Orange Beach off the Intracoastal; offers large selection of shopping & dining.
 * The Purple Octopus  Adjacent to Souvenir City; incredible collection of seashell stuff, wind chimes of all types, souveniers, homemade candy, tees, etc.
 * Island Outfitters, 428 W Beach Blvd. Large selection of island wear, swimwear, tees, beach gear, souveniers & decor.
 * Surf Style  Several Gulf Shores locations, including two adjacent to each other at "The T".  Beach shop stuff and more
 * The Wharf  Not far away, in Orange Beach off the Intracoastal; offers large selection of shopping & dining.

Eat

 * Gulf Island Grill- Right on East Beach Blvd; great seafood, drinks and Caribbean atmosphere.
 * Bahama Bob's Beachside Cafe- Right on the beach, about a mile from "the T", and has drinks and seafood. Be prepared for long waits during peak season dinner times but is worth it.
 * Gulf Island Grill- Right on East Beach Blvd; great seafood, drinks and Caribbean atmosphere.
 * Bahama Bob's Beachside Cafe- Right on the beach, about a mile from "the T", and has drinks and seafood. Be prepared for long waits during peak season dinner times but is worth it.
 * Gulf Island Grill- Right on East Beach Blvd; great seafood, drinks and Caribbean atmosphere.
 * Bahama Bob's Beachside Cafe- Right on the beach, about a mile from "the T", and has drinks and seafood. Be prepared for long waits during peak season dinner times but is worth it.


 * Gulf Shores Steamer- One of the few places offering great seafood that is not fried at all. Has been around a long time, for good reason.
 * Tacky Jacks  Great location by the Intracoastal; craft beers, cocktails, tropical drinks and a good variety of Gulf and American cuisine.  Locations in Orange Beach & fort Morgan, as well.  Open for Breakfast.
 * Tacky Jacks  Great location by the Intracoastal; craft beers, cocktails, tropical drinks and a good variety of Gulf and American cuisine.  Locations in Orange Beach & fort Morgan, as well.  Open for Breakfast.

Drink
Alcohol sales are now allowed on Sunday in all areas of Gulf Shores.


 * A local legend since 1956.
 * Flora-Bama Lounge On Hwy 292 on the Alabama-Florida State Line. There are usually cars lining the highway, so watch out for people crossing road. A local favorite! Legendary among locals and nationwide as a great "Roadhouse".  Is kid-friendly during the day but turns into a party at night.  Cavernous interior with many areas inside and out to eat, drink and be merry.  A bucket-list for passers by.

Sleep
Gulf Shores is full of rental properties that run from budget to luxury. Most are condominium type places that site overlooking the beaches. Beach houses are also available.

Several RV parks are located in the area. The Gulf State Park offers cabin rentals, lakeside cottages and camping.

Alabama State Park, Gulf Shores, offers another alternative for RV, cabin or tent camping. Although ravished by Katrina the campground has come a long way in its journey towards its former splendor. New trees have been planted and you'll see campers water them from the well equipped camp sites that have water, electricity and sewer hook up for your RV. Plenty of shower and rest room facilities in air conditioned buildings all clean and well cared for. The camp ground has plenty of capacity and is seldom full according to staff. Conveniently located close to the beach, depending on where in this large camp ground you pitch your RV.



Go next

 * Pensacola, Florida – see the National Naval Aviation Museum at the Naval Air Station. Well worth the drive.
 * Perdido Key
 * Orange Beach