Gulf Shores – Eight Sites You Have to Visit

Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a city with much to offer. Even the locals are in constant amazement of their unique corner of the world. Whether passing through or planning a longer stay, here are some of the sites you won’t want to miss.

A trip to Gulf Shores can make for a superb vacation. There’s a lot to see and so much to do in the region. It’s best to plan in advance to make sure that you can hit all the top Gulf Shores attractions.

You wouldn’t want to miss out on anything exciting, right? To make things easier for you, here are the tourist hotspots you might not want to miss.

1. Gulf State Park

The main draw of Alabama’s Gulf State Park is recreation. You can find many hiking trails, the main beach, and the pier within the park.

Many activities await you in the park. That’s in addition to various facilities, such as kayak and bike rentals and paddleboard lessons.

You may also check out some of the live animal interactions and guided beach walks on offer. The park has so many Gulf Shores attractions that it’s a must-visit.

If you’re an avid angler, you’ll be glad to know of its connection to the pier. It’s also home to one of the best beaches on this part of the coast. And it’s one of the easiest places to find various cruises you can join in.

2. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Gulf Coast Zoo is popular with both tourists and locals thanks to the over 300 animals on exhibit. Here you can see local primates and felines, as well as more exotic animals.

The zoo also offers plenty of shade and a picnic area. It’s also possible to team up with zookeepers and learn how they care for some of the animals. This and other interactive animal encounters will cost extra, but you’ll get unique experiences hard to find elsewhere in return.

3. The Wharf

Are you looking for something more exciting than feeding kangaroos? Then how about ziplining through the air from The Warf? Gulf Shores has unique zipline courses, one of which spans over 6,000ft.

The highest tower you can start from has a height of 115ft. The Wharf, otherwise known as the Warf in Orange Beach, allows you to soar at speeds of over 30mph. Don’t forget to check out the wetlands, treetops, and everything else in between as you do so.

It’s a great way to take in the Gulf Shores and get your dose of adrenaline at the same time. If you decide to traverse the entire course, prepare to spend well over two hours.

4. The Museums

For history buffs, the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum is one of the most popular attractions. While the museum is small in comparison to those in big cities, it’s still packed with memorabilia.

Here you can see many local artifacts on display and unique historical exhibits. Visiting the museum is also one of the best ways to learn about local history. It’s easily among the top Gulf Shores attractions for tourists.

The Gulf Shores Museum, on the other hand, also offers some insight into hurricanes and storms. As you may know, both of these natural events are no strangers to any of the Gulf states.

5. The Fort Morgan Trail

This attraction consists of two parts. 

The first part is the trail itself. The road to Fort Morgan is nothing short of amazing and takes you through the unique local landscape.

At the end of the road, you have the fort itself. Fort Morgan is a historic site – one of great importance in the American Civil War. Despite its construction in the 1860s, the US military used the fort on and off until 1947.

It saw use in three important wars, including the two World Wars. Today, you can take a guided tour at the fort after sightseeing on the Fort Morgan trail.

6. Waterville USA

One of the best things to do in Gulf Shores is to enjoy the rides at the Waterville waterpark. The massive theme park offers roller coasters, water rides, Go-Karts… You name it.

It’s perfect for families who want to have some fun. Tourists flock to it in the warm seasons, so it may not be the best place to unwind. But you can engage in hours of exciting activities and fun for all ages.

7. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge covers a massive plot of land. It spans well over 6,000 acres and acts as a sanctuary for many species of flora and fauna. It’s also a popular stop for migratory birds, so it’s a hit with birdwatchers.

There are four major trail networks that you can take as part of the guided tours. Not only that, but there are also protected habitats you can observe from a fair distance.

For nature lovers, this is one of the most popular attractions in Gulf Shores. It offers truly amazing and raw nature experiences.

8. Gulf Shores Public Beach

To many, this is the primary attraction in the city. Do note that the public beach is not as well-groomed as others along the Gulf of Mexico. That said, it’s still clean and offers plenty of space between the water and buildings.

There’s something very interesting about this almost wild beach. And you really have to be there to experience it. Perhaps that is why some areas of the public beach draw in bigger crowds.

Still, it’s the best place in the area to get a tan and go for a swim.

Historic Sites, Theme Parks, and Nature Abound

Gulf Shores offers a bit of everything. It’s rare to find a destination that meets so many tourist requirements and does it well, too. Nature lovers and thrill-seekers can surely discover something new to do every day.

Families can have fun or enjoy plenty of quiet time. You can also interact with animals like never before. And what’s most surprising? Gulf Shores has gotten hit by hurricanes so many times and lived to tell the tale.

The city still stands as a tourist hotspot. All of its landmarks are available for visit and its wildlife is well-taken care of. That’s why it may take more than one trip to appreciate all that it has to offer.