A small city on the Alabama shoreline, Gulf Shores is situated right on the Gulf Coast and known for its pristine beaches, scenic nature trails and spectacular seafood, caught fresh from the ocean daily.
The beach town is filled with both cultural museums and historical landmarks — the numerous amusement parks and attractions around the city make it a great place for families, in particular.
When planning a beach vacation, Alabama may seem like an unexpected contender, but Gulf Shores will surprise you with the beauty and charm of its sunny beaches and welcoming neighborhoods.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Explore The Best of Gulf Shores
Kick off your morning at Happy Pappy’s Coffeehouse or Lickin Good Donuts to fuel up for an adventure-packed day. The main strip on Gulf Shores Parkway is lined with shops and small businesses to browse, so take some time to window-shop for souvenirs or grab whatever last-minute beach gear is needed by you and your crew.
Next up, charter a fishing boat from one of the many vendors in the city center and hunt for local fish like snappers, mackerels, redfish and trout in the Gulf of Mexico.
Once you’ve secured your catch of the day, take your winnings to a seafood restaurant (we recommend Tacky Jack’s or Mikee’s Seafood), where the kitchen staff will cook and serve your fish any way you like.
This “cook your catch” experience is a right of passage in the Gulf Shores, so add it to your itinerary right away.
After a delicious lunch, make your way to the Gulf Place Beach — the main public beach in Gulf Shores — for a few hours of downtime in the sand. If you’re traveling with family or you’re just a kid at heart, take a class at Sandcastle University and learn how to build a next-level sandcastle.
For dinner, head to Lulu’s, one of the most popular restaurants in Gulf Shores. The spirited seafood restaurant is owned by Jimmy Buffett’s sister so you won’t be surprised to find margaritas on the bar list — or, perhaps, dishes with “sista” in their names (the Crazy Sista’s Crab Dip is a winner).
Or grab drinks at the nearby Big Beach Brewing Company and enjoy the live music as your first day on the Gulf Shores comes to an end.
Saturday: Adventure Awaits in Orange Beach
Start your day with a casual breakfast at Buzzcat Coffee & Sweets, then make your way to the Gulf State Park for an outdoor adventure.
Take an energizing hike or bike ride on the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail, where you can spot wildlife along the way, from osprey to, yes, alligators. Cool off with a kayaking session in Lake Shelby or head to the Cotton Bayou beach for a quick dip in the ocean.
After a few hours at the state park, head to Bubba’s Seafood House or Live Bait Restaurant for a mouth-watering lunch by the water.
For a family-friendly outing, check out Adventure Island, which sports a long roster of thrilling experiences that will keep everyone busy with options such as go-kart racing, laser tag competitions and rounds of mini-golf.
Then head to The Wharf to catch the sunset from the top of the colorful ferris wheel, one of the tallest in the Southeast. The Wharf has countless activities to check out, including movie theaters, escape rooms and shops.
For dinner, don’t miss the Villagio Grille for Italian fusion dishes or Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar (try the banana leaf wrapped fish). Call it a day with a beachy daiquiri and live music at Island Time Daiquiris.
Sunday: Savor The Peaceful Solitude of Fort Morgan
After two action-packed days in the more crowded neighborhoods in the city, spend Sunday at the notable Fort Morgan.
Start off with breakfast at Tacky Jacks Fort Morgan location (you can’t go wrong with one of their omelets) and then head to the tip of the peninsula to visit the circa-1819 Fort Morgan Historic Site.
Take a self-guided tour at this historic military base then take a hike at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a 7,000-acre area filled with migratory birds, endangered species and native flora and fauna.
For lunch, you must try the crab claws at Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill. This casual eatery is highly popular among the local residents, thanks to its — you guessed it — sassy vibe and ridiculously-fresh seafood selection.
After filling up on the catch of the day, take it easy with some of Fort Morgan’s more leisurely activities. Set sail on a charter boat for a laid-back fishing trip, practice your swing at the Kiva Dunes Public Golf Course or simply walk along the beach.
Finally, pack a picnic dinner and head to Fort Morgan Beach, where you can catch a stunning view of the sunset. Tucked away from the throngs, Fort Morgan Beach is almost never crowded, giving you an intimate and magical beach experience — a lovely end to an incredible Gulf Shores getaway.
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