20 Fun Things To Do In Gulf Shores Alabama

1. Wander Through Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park sits in Gulf Shores Alabama offering plenty to discover as a natural getaway. The park spans 6,000 acres and touches the Gulf of Mexico and pristine white beaches.

Visitors can enjoy many hiking and biking paths, like the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail System. These simple routes wind through different landscapes such as woods, swamps, and seaside hills. Also, wildlife watchers can spot creatures like birds, turtles, and other local animals in the park. This makes Gulf State Park a hot spot in Alabama's Gulf Shores.

2. Relax On The Sands Of Gulf Shores Public Beach

Gulf Shores Public Beach lies in Gulf Shores Alabama. This sandy stretch welcomes people to spend a day in the sun and unwind.

The beach has soft white sand and clear warm water offering visitors a fantastic time by the sea. People can swim, play beach volleyball, or catch some rays. The area offers restrooms, showers, and places to eat outdoors.

You'll see lots of restaurants and shops close by. Gulf Shores public beaches get praise for their cleanliness and good upkeep. This spot draws crowds who come to see pretty sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

3. Make A Stop At Gulf Shores Welcome Center

The Gulf Shores Welcome Center in Gulf Shores Alabama ranks among the top attractions in Gulf Shores Alabama. Are you aware that it serves as an information hub and offers assistance giving visitors to the area a warm welcome?

Step inside and you'll meet helpful staff eager to provide maps, pamphlets, and tips on local sights, eateries, and places to stay. The center often showcases displays about the area's natural wonders, past, and cultural events. It's a great place to start to get pumped up and map out your trip.

4. Check Out Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, Alabama draws in animal enthusiasts and families. People know it as the "Little Zoo That Could." It houses a range of exotic and native animals, including elephants, lions, monkeys, and reptiles.

The zoo provides hands-on experiences like animal encounters. These allow visitors to get close to some animals and learn about how they act and where they live. The zoo also offers educational info and events to get visitors involved and make them more aware of wildlife protection.

5. Navigate Pirate's Island Adventure Golf

Pirate Island Adventure Golf pulls you into an imaginary world of sea robbers with its playful buccaneer theme. The miniature golf course provides two 18-hole journeys each filled with intricate and enjoyable pirate-inspired obstacles. This spot makes you feel as if you've walked into a pirate story from a book.

Expect to navigate tight tunnels with attractions like treasure chests, tall pirate ships, and elaborate pirate castles. The course is landscaped with tropical landscaping, adding to the dramatic feel and visual appeal.

In addition to a small golf course, Pirates Island Adventure Golf typically offers family-friendly facilities and a relaxed atmosphere. The blend of creativity, challenge, and fun ensures that a visit to Pirates Island is memorable and enjoyable.

6. Experience The Wonders Of Adventure Island

Adventure Island in Gulf Shores Alabama, buzzes with fun for the whole family. This amusement park packs in loads of attractions to keep everyone happy, no matter their age.

Friends can challenge each other on speedy go-kart tracks, try their luck at mini-golf on courses with cool themes, or get wet in bumper boats. The arcade boasts a mix of old-school and new games, while laser tag cranks up the competitive spirit. Adventure Island also has a handy snack bar for when you need to refuel. All this adds up to a day out that'll stick in your memory.

7. Discover The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

The Bon Secours National Wildlife Refuge on the Alabama Gulf Coast extends over 7,000 acres and features an abundance of biodiversity and wildlife. Established in 1980, the refuge includes coastal marshes, and dunes, with trees, providing important species diversity habitat.

Visitors can watch wildlife, including sea turtles migratory birds, and the endangered Alabama coastal otter. What's more, it offers many hiking trails that take you to untouched beaches and beautiful views. Thus, Bon Secours plays an important role at the National Wildlife Refuge in preserving the coastal environment and providing conservation support services.

8. Take A Trip To Gulf State Park Fishing Pier

You'll be hard-pressed to find a longer fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico than the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It extends 1,540 feet to the bay. People can take in sweeping views of the beach and ocean from here. This spot also draws in folks who just want to enjoy the scenery.

To fish, the pier has a cleaning station and seats catering to both expert and veteran anglers. You can catch redfish, pompano, and Spanish mackerel here. A tiny food booth at the harbor offers snacks and beverages to enhance your visit. Besides fishing, the harbor lets you spot dolphins and watch stunning sunsets across the bay.

9. Tour Gulf Shores Museum

Are you searching for fun things to do in Gulf Shores AL? Then you should check out the Gulf Shores Museum. It's housed in an old building full of charm and shows many displays that highlight the area's culture and history.

Visitors can dig into the region's sea-related past, including how fishing and boating on the Gulf Coast have shaped the area. You'll also find items from the first people who settled here, details about how the region grew, and displays about the unique animals and natural areas along the Gulf Coast.

The museum doesn't just stick to its usual exhibits. It often puts on special events and learning sessions making it a lively spot to learn and get involved with the community.

10. Embark On The Track

Situated in Gulf Shores Alabama, Track stands out as a lively family resort that has activities to entertain people of all ages. Guests can take part in exciting go-kart races on courses built for children and grown-ups or test their skills on designed mini golf courses.

Interestingly, the fun continues with bumper cars, arcade games, and exciting skyscraper rides, which offer panoramic views of the area. With new attractions such as a Ferris wheel and interactive games, The Track provides a fun and exciting environment that provides a memorable experience for the whole family.

11. Uncover The Wonders Of The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail

The Alabama Coastal Bird Trail sits in Gulf Shores Alabama. Bird lovers and nature fans enjoy this hike. The path winds through coastal marshes, salt flats, and woods. This gives people a chance to see many birds. You might spot Rosette Spoonbills, Peregrine Falcons different herons, and hawks.

The trail has boardwalks, lookout towers, and signs with facts. You'll see beautiful coast views and learn about local birds. Both expert birders and casual visitors can use the trail. It's a great way to soak up the natural beauty of Alabama's Gulf Coast.

12. Delve Into The Gulf State Park Nature Center

Isn't it exciting that Gulf State Park Nature Center blends educational displays with hands-on exhibits? Yes, it shows off the area's diverse ecosystems like coastal wetlands, woodlands, and shorelines. Here, people can explore various exhibits that spotlight local wildlife, plants, and the region's unique environmental features.

The center also puts on educational events guided walks in nature, and classes to boost knowledge and admiration for the natural world. Besides its indoor displays, the Nature Center gives visitors a chance to use scenic paths and elevated walkways letting them see the park's natural beauty up close.

13. Set Sail With Orange Beach Cat Boat Tours

Orange Beach Cat Boat Tours in Gulf Shores Alabama gives you a simple way to check out the amazing waters and coastal views in the area. These tours use catamaran-style boats that are known to be stable and roomy, so you can have a comfy and fun ride.

During your trip, you'll catch amazing sights of the Gulf of Mexico, see local animals, and soak in the quiet of Orange Beach. Some trips offer you the chance to snorkel, take a dip, or just relax on the boat. This gives you a shot to soak up the area's natural charm and have a blast out on the water.

14. Visit Pottery Central World Headquarters

Pottery Central World Headquarters in Gulf Shores Alabama, stands out as a special place with a big collection of pottery and ceramics. This spot works as a store and a gallery showing many handmade pottery pieces from nearby artists.

People who visit can check out different styles and ways of making pottery, from old-school to new-age, and buy one-of-a-kind pieces to make their homes look better. The place also puts on shows and classes at times. It gives art lovers a nice place to see the skill and imagination that goes into each piece of pottery.

15. Check Out The Wharf Amphitheater

The Wharf Amphitheater in Gulf Shores Alabama, draws people as a prime open-air entertainment venue with its ideal spot and variety of shows. Set beside the Intracoastal Waterway, the amphitheater provides stunning sights of the area around it.

The venue has an open-air layout with a big main stage and lots of seats fitting thousands of people. Its design gives audiences a close-up yet grand experience to enjoy shows in a laid-back pretty setting. Also, the Wharf Amphitheater puts on different kinds of events such as music concerts, festivals, and community gatherings bringing in famous artists and giving local talents a chance to perform.

16. Unleash Fun At Gulf Shores Dog Park

Gulf Shores Alabama has a Dog Park that dog owners and their pets love. The park sits in a beautiful spot with a big fence. Here, dogs can run around, play, and socialize without leashes.

The park also has separate spaces for large and small dogs to keep all pets safe and happy. You'll spot shaded areas for pet owners, garbage cans, and drinking fountains for both dogs and humans. Due to its friendly atmosphere and clean setting, Gulf Shores Dog Park allows pets to have fun and owners to connect with other dog lovers.

17. Venture Into Fort Morgan RV Park

The Fort Morgan RV Park sits close to the historic Fort Morgan State Historic Site and the Gulf of Mexico. This park offers spacious well-kept RV spots with full hookups, including water, power, and sewer connections.

Visitors to the Fort Morgan RV Park can make use of various facilities. These include tidy restrooms and showers, washing machines and dryers, and a store stocked with essentials. The park also boasts a big welcoming pool ideal to cool off when it's hot, and a common area for people to hang out or unwind.

18. Conquer The Course At Kiva Dunes Golf Course

Kiva Dunes Golf Course sits in Gulf Shores Alabama giving golf enthusiasts a top-notch experience through Jerry Pate's careful design. This well-known architect has created a course that combines tough play with breathtaking views. Nestled on the Gulf Coast, it shows coastal dunes, wetlands, and wooded areas making for a diverse and eye-catching landscape.

Players enjoy amazing sights of the natural setting as they make their way through the course's well-planned holes. The place has a nice clubhouse with a pro shop, places to eat, and spaces for events, plus a driving range and area to work on your short game. Known for its design and great playing conditions, many rank Kiva Dunes as one of the best public courses in Alabama.

19. Wander Through Wade Ward Nature Park

Wade Ward Nature Park sits in Gulf Shores Alabama. This park offers a calm and pretty spot that draws nature fans and outdoor buffs. Spanning 100 acres, it boasts many paths that snake through thick woods wet areas, and salt flats. Folks can hike, watch birds, and soak in the quiet of nature here.

You'll find well-kept hiking trails and walkways in the park. These give easy access to nice views and spots to see wildlife. Visitors can check out all sorts of plants and animals, from tall cypress trees to many types of birds. The park also has places to picnic and signs that teach you things, which makes it great for families to visit and learn about the local ecosystem.

20. Connect With The Community At Gulf Shores United Methodist Church

Gulf Shores United Methodist Church in Gulf Shores, Alabama serves as a lively and welcoming place for both locals and tourists. People know this church for its warm and open environment. It provides many different ministries, community service programs, and chances to learn.

The church plays a big role in local outreach and helps out by offering programs and events. These are meant to boost spiritual development and bring the community closer together. With its beautiful coastal setting, it offers programs and services that meet the needs of its congregation and surrounding community.