The Alabama Guide
Gulf Shores, AL
Alabama's best-known beach town, with white sand Gulf beaches, Gulf State Park and an easy, family-friendly pace.
48 places This weekend in Gulf Shores
Today in Gulf Shores
- Tonight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 69°
- Sunday Showers And Thunderstorms Likely 77°
- Sunday Night Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy 67°
Forecast: National Weather Service
Tides
- High 3:21 AM 1.7 ft
- Low 3:53 PM 0 ft
Predictions: NOAA CO-OPS
Gulf Shores is the southernmost town in Alabama and the heart of what locals call Pleasure Island. The public beach at the end of Highway 59 is the town’s front porch, and just east, Gulf State Park protects miles of dunes, lakes and maritime forest between the condos. It is a family beach town at heart, busiest in summer and around spring break, quieter and arguably nicer in fall when the water is still warm. To the west, Highway 180 runs out the Fort Morgan peninsula past the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge to Fort Morgan itself.
Rent bikes and ride the Backcountry Trail through Gulf State Park, walk the park’s fishing pier into the Gulf, and give kids an afternoon at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. For family fun, there are water parks and mini golf near the beach, and charter boats leave for deep sea fishing. Royal red shrimp, oysters and fresh Gulf fish are on every menu, so lean into the seafood restaurants, and finish with ice cream. In the evening, the beach bars along the Gulf are low key; browse bars and nightlife for more.
Gulf Shores questions, answered
What do the beach flags mean in Gulf Shores?
Gulf Shores flies the standard beach warning flags. Yellow means medium hazard with moderate surf or currents, red means high hazard with strong surf or currents, and double red flags mean the water is closed to the public. Entering the Gulf under double red flags is illegal within Gulf Shores and Orange Beach city limits. A purple flag means dangerous marine life is present. Call 251-968-SURF for daily conditions.
Where are the public beaches in Gulf Shores?
The main Gulf Shores Public Beach at Gulf Place, at the foot of Highway 59, has parking, restrooms and showers. The Gulf State Park Pavilion on East Beach Boulevard offers a big stretch of beach inside the state park. West Beach Boulevard has smaller public access points at several numbered streets, plus Lagoon Pass Park. Out toward Fort Morgan, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge has quieter beach reached by trail.
When is the best time to visit Gulf Shores?
September and October are local favorites: the water is warm, crowds thin out after Labor Day, and the National Shrimp Festival takes over the public beach in October. Late spring is also lovely. Summer is peak season, with the highest prices and heat. Hurricane season runs June through November, so travel insurance is worth considering.
How do I get to Gulf Shores?
Pensacola International (PNS) is the closest major airport, about an hour east. Mobile Regional (MOB) is about an hour and a half northwest. By car, take I-10 to the Foley Beach Express or Alabama 59 south through Foley. From the west, the Mobile Bay Ferry runs from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan when weather allows.
Where should I stay in Gulf Shores?
Most visitors rent a beachfront condo or house, especially for a week or more. The Lodge at Gulf State Park sits right on the beach inside the park, and smaller local places to stay are scattered from West Beach to the Fort Morgan peninsula. Staying west of Highway 59 tends to be quieter, while the area around the public beach puts restaurants within walking distance.
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