Gulf Shores Alabama located on the Gulf Coast is home to Vacation Rentals, Homes and Condos both inland and on the white sandy beaches. It has beautiful white sand beaches, for family or honeymoons but is quieter and cheaper than most Florida beaches nearby. Most first time visitors have heard about the beautiful white sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Gulf Shores Vacation rentals are perhaps the best bet when traveling with families. There is great fishing and golfing very close by in most areas within minutes.

By Plane You can fly into nearby airports such as Mobile, Montgomery, or Pensacola. However, it might be cheapest to fly into New Orleans, rent a car and drive the 3 hours over to Gulf Shores

By Car Hwy 59 dead ends at the beach and runs north to catch Interstate 10 and Interstate 65. Hwy 182 goes east to the Florida State Line. The road becomes 292 and continues to Pensacola, FL.

By Ferry A ferry service is available from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island. The ferry landing is approximately 25 miles west of Hwy 59 on West Fort Morgan Road.

Fort Morgan 51 Hwy 180 West. (251) 540-7127. Museum 9-5 daily. Fort hours vary by season. $3 for adults. $1 for children. A fort has been at this site on and off since the 1500s. The present fortification date from 1834 to WWII and played a vital part in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Historical tours are given daily in the summer.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, (251) 968-5731. Open daily 9-4. $8.80 for adults $6.00 for children. Children under 2 are free. The Zoo features many exotic animals, including lions, monkeys and bears. There is also a petting zoo, reptile house and in the summer there are daily animal shows.

What to do The best thing to do in Gulf Shores is enjoy the beaches. There are plenty of places to park at most public beaches. Some offer facilities and picnic tables. There are many beach access areas that provide pedestrian access only. These are best if you are staying nearby and don't need a car to get to the beach. It is best to be aware of the Beach Warning Flags that tell you whether it is safe to go into the ocean. Gulf Shores Public Beach is full of activity and is conveniently located near bars and restaurants. Lifeguards on duty and picnic areas are available. Arrive early for a good spot.

Gulf State Park 6 miles east of Hwy 59. A great beach for families and away from the hustle of the other beaches. Facilities are minimal and a small parking fee is charged.  There is an unlimited amount of water sports activities available in Gulf Shores. Take your pick between wave runners, catamarans, parasailing, sailboats, boogie boards etc. at any of the numerous rental places along the beach.

Waterville USA Hwy 59 North. A 25 acre water and fun park. It has waterslides that are for the kiddies and the daredevils. There is miniature golf, go-karts, an arcade, and small carnival rides for younger children.

Alligator Alley, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Adventure Island, Waterville USA, Wales West Light Railway & Family Fun Park, Sweet Home Cheese Farm, Mobile Bay Ferry, Landmark Tours should fill your trip with fun and adventure. Golf There are numerous courses at varying rates. Gulf State Park has an affordable course. Look up Soldiers Creek, Lost Key and Glen lakes for great courses at very fair prices. Cotton Creek and Cypress bend are both Arnold Palmer designs. There are too many to name but you will not have to look far.

Gulf Shores is filled with souvenir shops that offer classy to trashy gifts to take home. Some ideas include seashells, airbrushed shirts, beach towels and various small gifts. Tanger Outlet Center Hwy 59 S. Foley, AL. Just a short drive north of Gulf Shores this outlet mall has over 120 stores.  Souvenir City Hwy 59 S. A fixture in Gulf Shores since 1956. Great place for all your souvenir needs.

Where to eat DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen - 138 W. 1st Ave. - Gulf style seafood, steaks, pasta, and salads. Wolf Bay Lodge 9050 Pinewood Ave, Elberta, AL (251) 987-5129. While technically not in Gulf Shores, this place offers up the best seafood around in an unpretentious, comfortable setting with gigantic servings of soft shell crab, flounder, shrimp and other seafood favorites. The wait can be long, but it's worth it! Gulf Shores Steamer 124 West 1st Ave.(251) 948-6344. A great selection of steamed seafood is on hand at this extremely casual restaurant. They served up platters of freshly steamed seafood, sandwiches and sushi with some great appetizers including crab dip, smoked tuna dip and raw oysters. Hazel's Nook 120 East Fort Morgan Road, (251) 968-7065. Famous for its breakfast. Home cooking and kid friendly. Sea-n-Suds 405 East Beach Blvd., 251 948 7894Value priced sandwiches, seafood and beer on the beach. Friendly and somewhat nostalgic atmosphere, bringing customers back to the days of boardwalks and piers. Everything is kept neat and simple, and the food is comforting and delicious. It can get really busy in the tourist season, so enjoy sitting out on the porch while you're waiting for a table!

Accommodations Gulf Shores is full of vacation rental homes and condos for rent. Most are condominium type places that site overlooking the beaches. The are plenty of beach houses are also available as well. Most tourists do gravitate towards the beach in peak season. It is always going to be that way, because most visitors want to spend the majority of their vacation time as close as possible to the Gulf of Mexico. Realizing that the beach is a must do for most people; there are still many special attraction to staying off the beach.  During peak times, most of the lodging on the beach is booked well in advance. If you have a favorite place to stay, book it well in advance...

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