Visit Gulf State Park
Gulf Shores 3 hrs
Explore trails, fish from the pier, or relax on the park's beaches.
Where to stay
Hotels in Gulf Shores
Book direct on our own Gulf Shores hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.
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At a glance
Climate
Temperate
Languages
English
Local currency
USD
(USD)
Local time
(GMT-5)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
West Beach
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
15-20% expected
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
90 · Outstanding
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Fresh Gulf Seafood
Shrimp and Grits
Key Lime Pie
Fried Oysters
When to visit Gulf Shores
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: June, July
Busiest: May-Aug
-
Jan40
Cool, quiet
-
Feb50
Cool, warming
-
Mar70
Pleasant, spring break
-
Apr80
Warm, less crowded
-
May90
Hot, peak season
-
Jun95
Hot, humid, busy
-
Jul95
Very hot, very busy
-
Aug90
Hot, humid, busy
-
Sept75
Warm, hurricane risk
-
Oct80
Pleasant, fall break
-
Nov60
Cool, quiet
-
Dec50
Cool, holiday events
Things to do in Gulf Shores
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
2 places
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Gulf Shores 3 hrs
Meet a variety of animals at the 'Little Zoo That Could'.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Dolphin Cruise
Orange Beach 2 hrs
Spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat on a scenic boat tour.
Parasailing Adventure
Gulf Shores 1 hr
Soar high above the Gulf for breathtaking panoramic views.
Best in the evening
1 place
Explore The Wharf
Orange Beach 3 hrs
Dine, shop, and enjoy entertainment at this vibrant waterfront complex.
Any time of day
2 places
Relax on Gulf Shores Public Beach
Gulf Shores 4 hrs
Enjoy the soft white sands and emerald waters of the main beach.
OWA Parks & Resort
Foley 5 hrs
Enjoy thrilling rides at the amusement park and splash at the water park.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Gulf Shores
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Mobile Area Multi-Attraction Pass
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Dizzy Dauphin Island Scavenger Hunt
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Gulf Shores, Orange Beach Area Multi-Attraction Pass
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Gulf Shores
Straight-line distance from the centre of Gulf Shores.
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