If you are looking for a fun family adventure for you and your family, look no further. Gulf Shores has it all for you, from white sand beaches and bicycle trails to historical sites and amusement parks. Boasting diverse culinary delights, tourist attractions, and exciting activities on land and sea, this place caters to all types of travelers.
Explore aquatic life on a dolphin-viewing or fishing charter boat. Enjoy a stroll down the two-mile-long beach. Whatever activity you prefer, you can easily customize the perfect vacation. Here are some of the best attractions in Gulf Shore that you need to visit.
Gulf State Park
Outdoor recreation is the main attraction of Gulf State Park. The park boasts of hiking trails and beaches. If you want to engage in more exciting and physical activities, you can rent bikes, kayaks, Segways, and paddleboards as well.
The park offers paddleboard lessons for visitors. Although, you might want to keep your wits about you when you are on the trails, as one or two residential alligators are known to lounge around there.
The pier is an excellent spot for fishing. If you don’t have any clue about fishing but still want to try it out, don’t worry. The Angler Academy teaches beginners the basics of fishing.
Suppose you are bringing your kids with you. In that case, there are fun activities to keep the little tykes entertained.
Campsites and other vacation rentals are available for accommodations. You can easily commune with nature while still enjoying the comforts of home.
Gulf State Park Pier
If you like to fish or watch people, the Gulf State Park Pier is a must-visit for you. This 1,540-foot-long public pier is open all day.
Find something to eat at one of the numerous restaurants lined up on the pier. Nothing says a spectacular time than dining out with good food and friendly locals.
You don’t have to worry if you haven’t brought your fishing gear. You can rent fishing equipment easily. Once you are all settled in, you can fish to your heart’s content with only pelicans as competition. You may also see sharks now and then, as these aquatic predators are attracted to the fish leftovers cleaned on-site.
The Beach
The Gulf Shore features white sand beaches that stretch for miles. Spend the day surfing the turquoise waters or lie back and enjoy the salt breeze. The beaches can stay remarkably uncrowded, even during peak times, making it the perfect area to relax and de-stress for a while. You can take Instagram-perfect beach photos during sunset or sunrise.
You may want to bring a packed lunch and some snacks if you plan to spend the entire day at the beach. There aren’t a lot of restaurants around the beach community.
Sailaway Charters Eco-Tours
Learn more about crabs, shrimp, and oysters as you sail on Sailaway Charters and explore Longs Bayou and Wolf Bay. It is an adventure that gives you an in-depth look into the local ecosystem. Learn about the more than 1.5 million bushels of blue crabs Alabama produces annually. The tour guides also explain the life cycle of oysters that can be found as well.
You also get a chance to watch for dolphins since they tend to swim alongside the boat and interact with humans. It is truly an unforgettable experience to have with your family.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Rich wildlife thrives in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Established to protect endangered species in the area, you can observe wildlife you may not encounter otherwise in other regions.
One of the Gulf Shore’s missions is to revive the sea turtle population. The refuge spearheads the turtle nesting program in the city.
If you happen to visit around spring or fall, you may be able to see many species of migratory songbirds. It is a perfect spot to explore with your children and appreciate the wonders of nature and animals.
The Bottom Line
Laughter, good times, and turquoise waters: those are just some of the things found in Gulf Shores. At the end of an exhilarating and action-packed day, you and your family will want nothing more than to relax in your home away from home. There are a lot of lodging options in the area you can choose from. A good vacation promises comfortable amenities for you and your family. Choose from hundreds of different vacation properties or Airbnb listings that suit your family’s needs. The Gulf Shore has all types of accommodations to cater to travelers who pass through this picturesque city.
