Location: Gulf Shores
Top Things to do in Gulf Shores
Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Gulf Shores, Alabama (AL)
This resort community is known for its bright white beaches and soothing warm water. Daytime activities include scenic cruises, dolphin-watching and hiking. A great place for families, Gulf Shores has The Track, a family recreation center with bumper boats, and also the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Restaurants in Gulf Shores
1. Gulf Shores Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 461 reviews
Both welcome centers are open seven days a week. The centers are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Reviewed By B3704NFcindyw
Beautiful facility and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I would recommend anyone visiting Gulf Shores to stop by the Gulf Shores Welcome Center and pick up brochures on local attractions, restaurants and lodging. Their friendly staff will be more than happy to accommodate your travel needs!!
2. Cool Change Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Private Charter Fishing trips for small and large groups. We offer 4,5,6,8,10,and 12hrs fishing trips, great Family fun and also trips for the serious angler. We catch FISH! And have fun doing it.Kid friendly. Accomadate up to 17 passengers. All Bait, tackle, instructions and Licenses included.
3. Island Life Beach Rentals and Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Island Life Rentals offers stand up paddle boards, kayaks and also have fishing charter service. Free pickup and delivery!
4. Coastal Segway Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 102 reviews
Coastal Segway Adventures is a tour company located in the Gulf State Park. They offer guided segway tours, bike rentals, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, and paddle boat rentals.
5. Island Marine Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 68 reviews
Enjoy a guided inshore fishing expedition with 7th generation local & Coast Guard licensed Captain Joe Buskens. With a lifetime of local fishing knowledge in Gulf Shores, AL you will be sure to have a great fishing experience with Captain Joe! Fully Customized 24ft Bay Boat.
6. Lost Bay Helicopters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Lost Bay Helicopters is a local, veteran owned and operated company that provides tours, commercial services, and flight training in the Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach area
7. Ike’s Parasail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Ike’s Parasail is a water sport recreation company based on the Alabama Gulf Coast. We specialize in parasail adventures but also offer banana boat rides, paddle board rentals, and kayak rentals.
8. Back Bay Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Come explore the beautiful water of the Alabama Gulf Coast with Back Bay Charters! A Private VIP charter for up to 6 guests. Dolphin, fishing, sunsets, beaches, islands, bars, restaurant and sightseeing cruises available. Customize your boat tour for just your party. Perfect for any special occasion or just a great way to see the beautiful Alabama coast. Owner and Captain Matt Swiggum, has been exploring the ocean most of his life. For Matt it began at the age of 12 on a family snorkeling vacation in Jamaica. His love for marine life quickly advanced into SCUBA DIVING and from there his career path. Matt spent 5 years in the Gulf of Mexico as a Commercial Diver. Matt has a broad knowledge of ocean and marine life. His passion is sharing his love of the ocean with everyone who boards the boat. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
9. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
A 6,000-acre nature preserve with a number of endangered species.
Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States
Bon Secour NWR is one of the best kept secrets on the entire Alabama Gulf Coast. The Refuge is located a few miles down the Fort Morgan Peninsula Highway 180 (aka Fort Morgan Road) from Gulf Shores. The Refuge consists of a really nice Nature Center and two great hiking trails. The Jeff Friend Trail is the shorter trail and runs partially along Little Lagoon and also features a kayak/canoe launch. The Pine Beach Trail is the longer trail and is very diverse including deep woods, Little Lagoon and even the Gulf beach area. BSNWR is fantastic for hiking, birding or just enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you are a local or a visitor, invest some time here if you are looking for some diverse outdoor activity away from the crowded beaches and attractions. This would be a great option for spending at least part of a day doing something a bit different from typical "beach vacation" fare. NOTE: As an added bonus, admission is entirely FREE! Also be aware the only public restrooms are at the Nature Center and part of the way down the Pine Beach Trail. There are no restrooms at the Jeff Friend Trail.
10. Gulf State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,366 reviews
Gulf State Park's two miles of beaches greet you with plenty of white sun-kissed sand, surging surf, seagulls and sea shells, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into. Inside Gulf State Park there is a brand new Gulf Front lodge and Conference Center, beach pavilion, National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Cottages, tennis courts, camp sites, 28 miles of paved/enhance trails and a fishing pier that is 20-feet wide and extends 1,512 feet into the Gulf. This and much more make Gulf State Park the perfect in-state vacation or out-of-state adventure.
Reviewed By cyberbubba - Gulf Shores, United States
Gulf State Park is just more beautiful spot to add to the long list of amazing places to see in Gulf Shores, AL. The pier is all new and twice as big since the last hurricane with a great bar/restaurant and a great place to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Gulf. There's an awesome campground with a ton of amenities, trails and more trails, bike trails, State park hotel resort by Hilton with amazing restaurant, beach front parking with boardwalk vendors and so much more. I would check several other reviews as the Gulf State Park has much more to offer than I covered here. The area is very well maintained and very scenic. There is ample parking and lots of people for fishing off the pier or on the beach with their families and friends. There is tons of beach access for miles and miles. The Gulf State Park Pavilion, for example, has terrific huge beach access. Love it, love it, love it!! We were on this beach when they ran us off @ 5pm a few weeks ago. We were here when for the re-open @ 5pm. Absolutely perfect beach day with 78° sunny day with nice northerly breeze, sweet!!! There's lots of parking and everyone is just happy to have our feet in the sand, wind in our faces & those waves. Ahhhh This uncrowded, natural beach is six miles east of Highway 59 on Beach Pkwy, with beautiful crystaline sand dunes and sea oats. There's lots of room to spread out, making it a great place for families with lots of gear. Surf fishing is a popular activity here. The beach pavilion features air-conditioned restrooms, private showers, a snack bar, plenty of shady spots to sit and eat, and even a huge fireplace for chilly days. There is a $6 fee to park all day ($12 for large vans) (residents park free so do veterans just see Beach Pavilion attendant or pick up an annual pass at Park office headquarters) and there's plenty of spaces, and lots of room for large vehicles and RVs. There's also a BBQ joint seasonally :-) The pavilion is also popular for weddings, reunions and other gatherings but you must call the Park HQ for rental information. The hours are 7:00 a.m. to Sunset, 7 days a week Bottom line; Gulf State Park's beautiful Beach Pavilion is a great place for you to enjoy a day at the beach! SWEET!
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