Travel Alabama The Best Things To Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama By Jenna Sims Jenna Sims Jenna Sims is a Digital Editor for Southern Living and joined the team in 2014. She writes, produces, and ideates content with a focus on email growth and commerce content. She covers a range of topics in the lifestyle space from holiday gift guides to new product launches to tips for cooking with your air fryer. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on June 27, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism No matter how many times you visit this coastal Alabama town, you'll find yourself planning your next trip before you've even reached I-65 on your way home. Their signature catchphrase "Small Town, Big Beach" can be seen around town, and gives you a glimpse of what kind of place Gulf Shores really is. While the white quartz sand and rolling waters of the Gulf of Mexico are the main attraction, there's plenty more to do and see in Gulf Shores, Alabama. 01 of 06 Need Things to Do in Gulf Shores? Here are our Recommendations 02 of 06 Enjoy Plenty of Beach Time Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Whether you want to sit in a chair just close enough for the waves to hit your toes, enjoy the sights from above with a parasail ride, or walk up and down the beach during sunset, Gulf Shores is an ideal destination for enjoying fun in the sun year-round. Throughout the city, you'll find 9 public access points that lead to the beach, including the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion and Gulf Place, the main public beach. The city's "Leave Only Footprints" campaign is working to ensure that the beaches stay as beautiful as they are now for many years to come. 03 of 06 Explore at Gulf State Park Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism In addition to two miles of beachfront, Gulf State Park is also home to the largest fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico and 25 miles of paved trails for walking and biking. The park also offers various lodging options including campsites, lakeside cottages, and The Lodge at Gulf State Park. 04 of 06 Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is one of the most popular family attractions in the region and is home to over 600 animals. Featured on the Animal Planet Show " The Little Zoo That Could", which shared the story of the zoo's recovery after Hurricane Ivan, The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will soon be known as "The Little Zoo That Grew" when it moves to its new 25+ acre property in late 2019. 05 of 06 Have Dinner by the Water Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Throughout Gulf Shores, you'll find no shortage of restaurants with beautiful views of the water, fun family atmospheres, and fresh Gulf seafood. On the beach, you can find The Hangout, Bahama Bob's Beachside Cafe, and Perch at Gulf State Park, just to name a few of our favorites. On the canal, Lucy Buffet's Lulu's and Tacky Jacks also offer beautiful water views with glimpses of boats as they pass by. 06 of 06 Attend a Festival Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Throughout the year, Gulf Shores is home to many annual events and festivals. You can plan your visit during the Annual Shrimp Festival, Hangout Music Festival, and more. You can find a full list of annual events here. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit