A- Overview:
Warm water, salt air, sparkling white sand stretching to the horizon line, fabulous sunrises and sunsets: these are just a few guaranteed ingredients of the exceptional vacation that awaits visitors to aptly named Pleasure Island.
Gulf Shores, located on Pleasure Island, has grown since the bridge connecting the island to the mainland was constructed in 1933. Residents and visitors have been drawn to the area’s beautiful sandy beaches, mild climate and numerous business opportunities. Traditionally regarded as a tourist resort community, Gulf Shores is now home to 5000 year round residents. Tourists raise the population during the busy summer months to over 40,000, yet it retains a delightful, small town atmosphere.
The warmth of the Gulf waters makes water sports possible year round. Other popular activities are deep sea fishing, bird watching and hiking. Off the beach, families enjoy the water slides, bungee towers, miniature golf, the zoo, and the go-cart tracks. The area also boasts some of the most attractive and most challenging golf courses in the country.
This is an ideal spot for family vacation fun on the Gulf Coast. Waterfront activities occupy the Spring and Summer months. Fireworks light up the beaches on summer evenings as the City of Gulf Shores sponsors 4th of July celebrations. The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is also held in July at nearby Dauphin Island. The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival in the fall is always well attended.
Historic Fort Morgan and the battleship USS. Alabama are in nearby Mobile, and Ft. Morgan hosts Civil War day camps and reenactments in the summer. There are also plays, concerts, sporting events, historic home tours, and of course, Mardi Gras. Restaurants in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & Perdido Key serve the freshest and finest of seafood in every season.
For those seeking nature-based travel opportunities, Gulf Shores has the adventure you’re looking for! Hiking, biking, canoeing and sailing are all there within local parks and recreational facilities. Comprised mostly of quartz, Alabama’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. It is easy to lose track of time in any season exploring these shores.
The Alabama coast has mild temperatures throughout the seasons. Not surprisingly, the first and foremost activity available at all times is pure relaxation in a fabulous setting. Indoors or out, from music to history, sports to festivals, parades to plays, there are activities for the entire family in Gulf Shores at any time of the year.
B- City Information:
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Adventure Island
24559 Perdido Beach Boulevard
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 974-1500
Mini-golf, laser tag, paddle and bumper boats, simulators (NASCAR/ roller coaster) super and kiddie go-kart tracks, 100 arcade games. The Volcano erupts nightly.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
1204 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-5731
Explore the natural habitats of more than 250 animals. Elevated viewing decks offer close-up viewing of everything from alligators to giraffes, plus Reptile House, Aviary, Petting Zoo, Gift Shop, Concessions, shaded picnic area.
American Dream Cycle
328 East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-8688
Toll Free: (877) DRM-RIDE
Located at 328 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores is dedicated to helping visitors realize their dream of riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Audubon Sanctuary on Dauphin Island
109 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-2120
The sanctuary consists of 164 acres of maritime forest. Multiple walking trails provide miles of habitat for neotropical migrants.
Baldwin County Heritage Museum
25521 Highway 98
Elberta, AL 36530
(251) 986-8375
Preserving the county’s rural heritage in a rambling building that resembles a turn-of-the-century barn. Includes a working windmill and several outdoor agricultural exhibits.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
12401 Bellingrath Rd
Theodore, AL 36582
(251) 973-2217
Toll Free: (800) 247-8420
A 65 acre lushly landscaped garden and museum home displays the charm and beauty of the Old South. Located on tranquil Fowl River.
Bon Secour Nat’l Wildlife Refuge
12295 State Hwy. 180
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Office hours: 7:30am-4:00pm Monday-Friday.
(251) 540-7720
Refuge has 4-5 miles of hiking trails and beach access. Open from sunrise to sunset.
CJ Watersports, Inc.
328 East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-3599
Ride the waves on a Kawasaki Jet Ski, parasail or paddle the surf in an ocean kayak.
Claude Peteet Mariculture Center/Marine Resources Division
21055 Mildred Casey Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 968-7576
By appointment only. The center conducts studies that enhance understanding of the life history of red snapper and oysters.
The Estuarium at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab
101 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-7500
Open daily. Admission charged and group rates available. Handicapped accessible. Visual displays and interactive exhibits highlight Mobile’s estuary system.
Fort Gaines Historic Site
51 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-6992
Open seven days a week.
Fort Morgan
51 State Highway 180 West
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 540-7125
Living history demonstrations and self-guided tours.
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
65 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36633
(251) 208-6883
Toll Free: (877) 625-4FUN
Hands-on, interactive science adventure for all ages! With permanent exhibits, traveling exhibits from major science centers and the IMAX Dome experience.
Gulf Shores Amusement Park
104 West Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 948-6511
Rides, go-carts, and arcade games.
Gulf Shores Museum
244 West 19th Avenue
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 967-4733
See different Gulf Coast objects used to shrimp and fish. Learn how hurricanes form, and the devastation they cause. Special exhibits are Fishing the Lagoon & Pilot Town and the Hurricane of 1906.
Gulf State Park
20115 State Hwy 135
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-7275
Toll Free: (800) ALA-PARK
This Gulf Coast gem boasts 6,000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beach, fresh water lake, nature trails, and beach pavilion.
Historic Blakeley State Park
33707 State Hwy. 225
Spanish Fort, AL 36577-7279
(251) 626-0798
Visit the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. Enjoy 10 1/2 miles of hiking and bike trails, camping and a serene boardwalk next to the Tensaw River.
LA Watersports
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 948-7433
Pontoon boats, waverunners, kayaks, parasail, aqua trampolines and Dolphin tours.
Meaher State Park
5200 Battleship Parkway US 98
Spanish Fort, AL 36577
(251) 626-5529
Situated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay, this 1,327-acre park features two self-guided nature trails that highlight the flora & fauna of this unique area.
Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
25850 John Snook Avenue
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-8545
Showcasing early exploration and settlement of the area.
Pirates Island Adventure Golf
3201 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 968-4653
Two 18-hole courses among waterfalls, caves, tropical plants, a pirate ship and sea fog.
Sky High Parasail
19180 B County Road 10
Bear Pont Marina, Orange Beach
Foley, AL 36535
(251) 946-9000
Website: www.skyhighparasail.com
Safe! Smooth ride! Scenic inland waters.
Tiki Isle Mini-Golf and Batting Cages
East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 948-8454
18 holes of Mini-golf and batting cages.
The Track Recreation Center
3200 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-8111
Go-karts, bumper boats, Kids Kountry, arcade, mini-golf, skycoaster, bungee jumping and refreshment center.
Waterville, USA
906 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 948-2106
The ultimate in family fun, is a 20 acre Water Park and Amusement Park.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Off State Highway 180 at the 13-mile marker; 251-540-7720.
Open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.
This 6200-acre refuge with beach access protects and preserves the unique plants and animals of the Gulf Coast. Hike the scenic, four-mile Pine Beach Trail or the one-mile-loop Jeff Friend Trail. Catch bass, bluegill and bream in the 40-acre freshwater Gator Lake (canoes and electric trolling motors only). On the nearby lagoon, cast for trout and flounder or scoop up crabs. See a large migratory bird stopover in April, May, September and October.
Gulf State Park
Headquarters: 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores; 251-948-7275.
Free to enter park; individual attractions may charge a small admission or parking fee.
This Gulf Coast park offers 6000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beaches on four preserved stretches of sand. Inland, 900-acre Lake Shelby hosts freshwater fishermen, boaters, skiers and swimmers; nearby nature trails wind through the wooded land. Scheduled educational nature activities include beach walks, hikes, slide presentations and nature films. Wildlife exhibits at the Nature Center are open year-round.
Gulf-side facilities include a public pavilion, 825-ft. fishing pier and boat ramps.
Biophilia Nature Center & Native Nursery
On County Road 95, three miles east of Elberta and 1/4 mile south of U.S. Highway 98 251-987-1200 for Nature Center hours and cost of admission.
Butterflies courting and laying eggs, sparkling sundews catching bugs, and blue-tailed skinks streaking about are potential sights at the 20-acre Biophilia Nature Center and Native Nursery in Elberta. This ongoing ecological restoration project includes young forests, wildflower meadows, a carnivorous plant bog, a swamp, an 11-foot alligator, turtles, a butterfly garden, a screened butterfly room and caterpillar nursery, and a bookstore/library.
Minamac Wildflower Bog
Located five miles east of Fairhope
251-945-6157
From early April through September
Open for tours by appointment only. Admission is charged, and group rates are available
more than 300 varieties of native Southern wildflowers bloom in this five-acre preserve..
Shopping
The area offers many shops ranging from casual apparel and beachwear to upscale fashion and specialty boutiques. If you are a bargain hunter, you can find 120 factory outlet stores located in Foley.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Parks And Recreation
The nearest state park is Gulf State Park
(334-948-7275).
The 6,000 acre park area offers campsites, picnic areas, 18-hole golf course, 825-foot fishing pier, and convention center.
Other parks in the area include
Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
334-540-7720
Meyer Park
334-968-4420
Johnnie Sims Park
canal park & kids park
334-968-4420
Wade Ward Nature Park
334-968-4420
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
January
Alabama Mysteries and Legends
Location: Adult Activity Center, Gulf Shores
Free Admission
251-968-1465
Mad Hatters Ball
Location: Holiday Inn White Sands Resorts, Gulf Shores.
251-967-4737
Dress is casual, and food will be provided. Cash bar will be available. Music, dancing and a hat competition in several different categories. All proceeds go towards buying school clothes for the children in need of assistance in Pleasure Island.
Pine Needle Basket Weaving Session 2
Location: Biophilia Nature Center 12695 County Road 95, Elberta
251 987-1200
February
Historic Sites of Alabama
Location: Adult Activity Center, Gulf Shores
Free Admission
251-968-1465
Gulf Shores Womens Club Annual Tour of Homes
251-948-6333
House tour hours: 10 am – 4 pm.
Tickets available at Jubilee Gifts, Gulf Shores
Red Snapper Seafood Festival
251-974-5790
Grilled and fried fish plates, fried shrimp plates and grilled chicken plates will be for sale. Plates include coleslaw, corn fritters, grits, tea or coffee. Soft drinks and water will also be available at an additional charge. Don’t miss the Hogs and Hotrods Exhibition! In addition to food, there will be arts and crafts, onsite music, a silent auction and souvenir t-shirts for sale. The Orange Beach Sportsplex located on Public Works Road, just south of Canal Road (AL Hwy. 180), approximately 3 miles west of Orange Beach Blvd. (AL Hwy. 161). From 10 AM to 5 PM.
White Sands 5K Sweetheart Run/Walk
Location: Starting at Ribs & Reds Restaurant. Post race party at Ribs & Reds Restaurant, Gulf Shores.
251-962-4066
Here is your chance to have a super fun-filled weekend at our beautiful beach and contribute to a worthy cause. L.A. Fleet Feet Run Club and Ribs & Reds Restaurant present the 2003 White Sands 5K Sweetheart Run and Walk for the kids of Baldwin County. Race starts at 8:00 a.m. T-shirts to all registrants. Variety of age groups.
Paragon Ragtime Orchestra
Location: Erie Meyer Civic Center, Gulf Shores
251-968-1172
March
Annual “Taste of the Colony”
251-861-6992
Explore life on Isle Dauphine in the 1700-1800’s. authentic camping in the fort, candle-dipping, open-hearth cooking and tasting, blacksmith demonstrations and more.
Annual Foley Mardi Gras Parade .
251-943-5630
Other Mardi Gras Parades:
Krewe de Spaniards Parade
Location: Spanish Fort
Shadow Barons Parade
Location: Daphne
Floral Parade
Location: Mobile
Knights of Mobile Parade
Location: Mobile
Mystics of Time Parade
Location: Mobile
Arrival of King Elexis
Location: Foot of Government Street, Mobile
Mardi Gras Parades, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
251-968-6904
Call for route.
Pleasure Island Festival of Art
Location: Lake Shelby, Gulf Shores
Free to public.
251-981-1852
More than 50 artists will exhibit their works on the banks of Gulf State Park’s Lake Shelby.
Soldiers of Fort Morgan-1834-1944
Location: Fort Morgan
251-540-7127
Annual Historic Mobile Homes Tours
Admission
Representing Mobile’s rich & diverse architectural past. Experience Creole cottages, Federal-style townhouses, Greek Revival mansions and turn-of-the-century Victorian & Neo-Classical residences.
Annual Outdoor Art Show
251-928-2228
Over 150 exhibitors from all over the country will be exhibiting works in over 20 different mediums!
Azalea Trail Run 10K / 1 & 2-Miler
(251) 473-7223
April
A Civil War Living History Weekend
251-861-6992
Hosted by the 45th Alabama Regiment, you will experience a weekend of the soldiers lives during the Civil War. There will be Roll Call, Mail & Pay Calls, Company Drills, Camp Life Impressions, Displays and Camp cooking.
Annual Alabama State Chili Cook Off
Location: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
251-968-5731
May
Annual Art in the Park
Location: John B. Foley Park (Corner of Al Hwy 59 and U.S. Hwy 98)
251-943-4381
Artists and craft persons from the tri-state area present their art for show and sale. Entertainment and food booths are also available.
June
Fort Morgan Candlelight Tour
Location: Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores
Price of admission.
251-540-7202
Costumed interpreters tell the story of Fort Morgan’s early Civil War service through historic vignettes that are based on actual events. Candlelight tour starts at 7:00 p.m
Annual Low Country Boil
Location: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores
251-968-5731
This is an “all you can eat” Cajun picnic, served on tables, buffet style. Drinks are sold separately. Money from this fund raiser goes toward Zoo improvements
Fort Morgan Civil War Day Camp for Kids
Location: Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores
Fee.
251-540-7202
For a day, young soldiers from ages 9-12 experience the life of an Artilleryman from 1861-1864.
July
A Fort Morgan Big Bang Celebration!
July 4 Annually
Location: Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores
Price of admission.
251-540-7202
Experience Fort Morgan’s own brand of celebrating Independence Day! Cannons will be fired celebrating the Nation’s Independence.
Independence Day Celebration
Location: Fort Morgan
251-540-7127
Fort Morgan Civil War Day Camp for Kids
Location: Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores
Fee.
251-540-7202
For a day, young soldiers from ages 9-12 experience the life of an Artilleryman from 1861-1864.
Annual Watermelon Seed Spittin’ Tournament
Location: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores
251-968-5731
August
Civil War Living History
251-540-7127
Demonstrations commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay
September
Annual Shrimp Festival Golf Scramble
251-968-6904
Annual Sandman Triathlon
Location: Lake Shelby, Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores
251-968-2000
Starts at 7:30am. Swim .6 miles, Bike 15.8 miles, Run 4 miles.
Annual Lost Bay Regatta
Location: Pirate’s Cove Marina, Josephine
251-987-1119
The race will begin at 1:00 pm on the main of Perdido Bay. All pre-race registration and celebration will be held at the Point Yacht Club facilities. The race is open to monohull sailboats 20 ft. or longer.
Greek Fest
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 50 South Ann Street, Mobile
251-438-9888
11am-10pm Thursday 11am-11pm Friday and Saturday.
Live, Laugh, Sing and Dance
October
Annual “Colonial Isle Dauphine:
251-861-6992
A living history weekend exploring life on the Gulf Coast before the Fort was built.
Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo
Location: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores
251-968-5731
Honeybee Festival
Location: Robertsdale
251-947-8950
Robertsdale will start their annual Honeybee Festival with a parade at 10:00 am.
Annual National Shrimp Festival
Location: Gulf Shores Public Beach
Free to public.
251-968-6904
From Arts & Crafts, music, entertainment, and the Food, we guarantee this is one event you won’t want to miss!
The 50th Coast Artillery at Mobile Point in World War II
Location: Fort Morgan
540-7127
Uniformed interpreters depict the garrison of Fort Morgan during its last period of active military service.
Annual Shrimp Festival 10K Run
Lake Shelby, Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores
251-968-2000
World War II at Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan
251-540-7127
Annual “Boo at the Zoo” Kid’s Halloween & Costume Party
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores
251-968-5731
Annual Renaissance Festival “GATALOP 20”
Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island
251-861-6992
See Knights in armor as they storm the castle, view melee’s and sieges, watch The Lords and Ladies, and visit a Medieval merchant
November
Annual “Ladies Encampment”
251-861-6992
A Civil War Ladies workshop hosted by the 21st Alabama Ladies Aid Society. See the women go about their daily lives during the Civil War period.
Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremonies
Location: Fort Morgan
251-540-7127
Fort Morgan uniformed interpreters will honor all of our veterans, past and present.
Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival
850-492-7664
Musicians from all over the world bring magical music to the Gulf Coast. Music of all genres wil be heard throughout the festival.
Annual TRIM-A-TREE Grand Opening
Foley Performing Arts Association, 119 W. Laurel Ave.in Foley
251-943-4381
Over 250 southeastern fine artists and craftsmen have created one of a kind ornaments and decorations to be sold on consignment. Grand Opening Nov. 14-15, 10am-5pm with lunch served on the 14th. The event continues through Dec. 23. Hours Dec. 17-23:10-4.
Zoolabration Fall Festival
Location: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores
251-968-5731
Annual “Christmas at the Fort”
Admission
251-861-6992
Experience the 1861 Christmas with the Confederate garrison. A living history weekend for the whole family.
Sandy Claws
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores
251-968-5731
Nautical Night of Lights Boat Parade
Orange Beach
251-968-6904
Lighted boat parade featuring holiday decorations
Annual Symphony By The Sea
Location: Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach
251-981-9811 ext. 103
Christmas concert will feature the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in an elegant evening of traditional and classical holiday music.