The sugar-white sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are excited to welcome you back for another fall getaway. Whether you’re traveling with your families, your significant other or a group of old friends, Alabama’s shores offer the perfect escape.
As we navigate such unprecedented times, finding a destination that has a plethora of healthy outdoor activities is more important than ever. Fortunately, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers just that. Starting at the beach, guests will find 32 miles of expansive coastline, making it easy to have some fun in the sun while also staying safe. The beaches in Alabama line the pristine turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Salty, refreshing and beautiful, hours spent in the Gulf feel like seconds.
It’s been often said that “fresh air will do you good,” and there are a multitude of ways to get some fresh air off the beach when vacationing on Alabama’s coast. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are two fantastic parks to bike and hike in the destination. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, located throughout and around Gulf State Park, is a 28+ mile paved trail system that allow hikers and bikers to experience a variety of unique ecosystems. Off the trail, there are several lookout spots for guests to sit, chat and enjoy the beauty surrounding them. Another popular spot for hikers is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Housing some of Alabama’s last untouched wildlife habitat, the refuge has several trails of various terrains and lengths to choose from. One of the most popular is the Pine Beach Trail, a two miler that takes hikers directly to the beach.
From kayaking and paddleboarding to fishing, diving and snorkeling, the waterways in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach can be explored from the surface to the depths of the area’s deepest dive site. One of the things that makes this destination so unique is the large number of waterways that encompass it. With the saltwaters of the Gulf, freshwater lakes, back bays and rivers, visitors have plenty of locations to get out on the water.
All of this fresh air and exploration would make anyone hungry. Nobody does food like the South, and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are no exception. Seafood is king of the culinary scene on the Gulf Coast and the destination is home to dozens of restaurants who know just how to cook it. Whether its oysters on the half-shell, Royal Red shrimp or the fresh catch of the day, there is simply so much to savor when it comes to fresh Gulf seafood. Not a fish lover? Not to worry! Visitors will also find plenty of fantastic spots for burgers, BBQ, vegan eats and more.
And, finally, at the end of a day of exploration, nothing feels better than settling into comfortable, homey accommodations. Every guest can find a lodging option that best suits their needs whether that be a hi-rise condo, nationally-branded hotel, private beach house or cozy campground. It should be noted that though fall isn’t high season on Alabama’s beaches, it’s best to book accommodations well in advance.