Gulf Shores is a nice little beach town by the Gulf of Mexico where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and have fun. If you are planning on visiting the United States, then Gulf Shores is a must visit a place. Apart from beaches, there are a number of top tourist attractions in Gulf Shores. From music festivals to children’s park, you can enjoy everything here. The following list of the best places to visit in Gulf Shores will give you an idea of the things you can do.
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Let's explore Gulf Shores points of interest and 15 best things to do in Gulf Shores:
1. Gulf Shores Welcome Center
The Gulf Shore Welcome Center is the perfect place to begin your trip here. If you are visiting this town for the first time, then this place will get you up to speed in no time. Here you will get to know all about the town and the history. You will also get to know the latest trend in the town and view the several art pieces exhibited there. The hosts there will tell you all about the interesting things to do and places to visit. You can walk around this place and get your hands on some brochures and tickets to programs and events. This is undoubtedly the best place to begin your journey of this town.
2. Gulf State Park
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If you like lush green parks spread over several acres then the Gulf State Park is the perfect spot for you. You can have a peaceful stroll on the green spaces and also explore the golf courses there. If you wish you can try your hand at golf by completing the 18 hole golf course. For children, there is a golf course too which makes this park a perfect spot for families. The area is beautifully maintained, and it is a pleasure to spend time in there. Without a doubt, this is one of the most favorite places for tourists to relax on a sunny day.
3. Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is something you would never want to miss. To do that you have to visit the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier. Here you can spend your day with a fishing rod, watching the beautiful sceneries. Apart from fishing you can also talk a stroll by the water and appreciate the sheer beauty of the spot. In the evenings the overhead lights shine down on the decks and make it a wonderful place to be in and enjoy the calmness. Do not miss your camera to capture the scenic beauty of the place.
4. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a very popular zoo among tourists and locals. This zoo houses more than three hundred animals, and it covers a total area of seventeen acres. This zoo opened in 1989 and had survived three hurricanes till then, which made it the subject of a documentary by Animal Planet. Children would love to see the majestic animals which include lions, tigers, bears, and leopards. You can also see wolves, monkeys and macaws and also reptiles. A family spot where you can easily spend a day observing the animals and birds in the zoo.
5. Waterville USA
If you enjoy water parks and playing in water then Waterville USA is a must visit destination for you. The best place for cooling off during summers and the park has something for everyone. There are a number of rides such as the Flowrider and the roller coaster. If you are tired after having a blast on these rides, then you can take some rest at the Wave Pool. There is also an arcade, House of Bounce, Shrimpboat village and also a mini-golf course. You can also have fun in the Nascart Go-cart. A theme park and a fun place to have some fun with your family.
6. Souvenir City
Souvenirs are necessary to remember your trips and a vacation in Gulf Shores is worth remembering. So, Souvenir City is where you will get all your souvenirs and that too in a pocket-friendly price. You can get various t-shirts, sea shells, toys, décor pieces, glass paintings, books, jewelry and also chocolates. You will find something for your friends and yourself without burning a hole throughout your pocket. Take your own time and spend a day exploring all that Souvenir City has to offer.
7. Gulf Shores Public Beach
A trip to Gulf Shores is incomplete without a visit to the beautiful beaches. The Gulf Shores Public Beach offers a suitable spot for you to rest and enjoy the sun. You will find a number of picnic tables arranged all across the beach and the attendants offer a wonderful level of hospitality. You can either take a dip into the cool waters or have a walk by the beach to appreciate the view. The sights are breathtaking, and the horizon looks absolutely mesmerizing.
8. Kiva Dunes Golf Club
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The Kiva Dunes golf club is one of the most popular golf clubs in Alabama which attracts golfers from all across the country. There are marches, lush green fields and also alligators that may surprise you. This place is suitable for professional golfers as well as casual tourists. You will surely have a memorable time as you test your golfing skills without spending much.
9. Chocolate Corner
If you love chocolate then Chocolate Corner is a place you cannot miss. Founded by one of the founding members of this island, it is being operated by the current generation of the same family. This small shop is very popular among locals as well as tourists. The wide variety of chocolates and the rich cocoa flavors of Gulf Shore will leave you wanting more. The coffee is also a favorite among the people. A box of chocolates from this shop will surely make your friends back at home very happy.
10. Gulf Shores Museum
When visiting Gulf Shores, knowing about the place will make it more interesting, and that is why visiting the Gulf Shores Museum is a good idea. This museum dates back to before the Second World War. Previously the museum was home to Valerie Cole and her family. You can see wonderful photos of the island from the 1950s and 1960s. Moreover, you can also see the photos and videos of the hurricanes that struck this island three times. This museum will let you get a step closer to the island and know the place better.
11. Beach Flight Aviation
There is nothing better than to view this amazing place from the sky. Beach Flight Aviation helps you do just that. Here you can book your seat and enjoy the view from the sky as you fly above the Ft. Morgan Peninsula. You will get an uninterrupted view from the plane, and since you will be accompanied by professional instructors, you can be sure of your safety. This adventure will surely be memorable, and the views will be worth the trip.
12. Alabama Coastal Birding Trail
Located about eighty kilometers from Gulf Shores, this birding trail provides some of the most beautiful views of a wide variety of birds. There are several species of birds, most of which are native to this place and also a few migratory birds, in the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. This is the perfect place if you wish to relax and watch some beautiful birds. Do not forget to take your camera since you can get some amazing photos of the birds in their natural habitat.
13. Gulf Adventure Center
This is an adventure center located across the Orange Beach, Lake Shelby and the Gulf State Park. If you are an adventure junky and looking for some adrenaline rush, then this is the perfect place for you. You can try your hand at zip lining that gives you a bird’s eye view of the whole city. This is one of the main attractions of the center. You can also try the Paddle Boarding and kayaking. This is a suitable place for people of all ages so a perfect place to hang out and have some fun.
14. Orange Beach Waverunner Dolphin Tour
When in Gulf Shores you definitely need to see the dolphins in the waters of the bay. Moreover, the best way to see them and get close to them is the Orange Beach Waverunner Dolphin tour. Here, you can hire jet skis and go to the spots where the dolphins are mostly found. You will be given safety instructions, and experienced guides will be accompanying you and directing you to spots where you are most likely to see a dolphin. The entire tour is truly memorable, and the encounter with dolphins is something that you will always marvel at.
15. Breakout Games
If you are interested in solving puzzles and finding clues then the Breakout Games is the perfect place for you. You will be assigned a team, and your objective will be to escape the room in an hour. The games do not require any strength and only needs to be solved using brain power. It is truly a fun way to spend time with your kids and friends. The staff is helpful and totally safe for kids.
These are some of the things that you can do in Gulf Shores. This small town offers a great getaway from the busy life and lets you connect more with nature and the surroundings.
