From miles of sugar-white sand to the expansive turquoise waters of the Gulf, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are idyllic beach getaways. Beyond the breathtaking surroundings and picture-perfect outdoor scenes, there are many ways to spend your time. If you’re looking for an active vacation filled with outdoor fun and travel adventures, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach each have options for you. Take a look at some of our most popular outdoor activities.
Find Outdoor Activities
Meaher State Park
This 1,327-acre park is situated in the wetlands of the Mobile Delta and is a day-use, picnicking and scenic park...
Edward H Carroll Sr Kids Park
The newly renovated Orange Beach "Edward H. Carroll Sr." Kids Park is open to the public year-round. The kids' park...
Infinity Bicycles
We are a locally-owned company focused on providing the best bike sales, service and rentals. Our rental options include comfort...
Wind & Water Learning Center
We provide on-water educational opportunities for sailing, paddle sports, and experiential outdoor learning. The unique waterfront learning center on Wolf...
The Dog Pond
Bring man’s best friend to The Dog Pond at Gulf State Park on Lake Shelby. Check out the new agility...
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park boasts 6,150 acres of land and nature to explore when visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Visit...
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf State Park’s Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system consists of 28 miles of paved trails among nine distinct ecosystems...
Graham Creek Nature Preserve
Graham Creek Nature Preserve is home to hundreds of plant and wildlife species. This 500-acre nature park offering passive recreation...
Fort Gaines Historic Site
The well-preserved ramparts of Fort Gaines have guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. Today, the...
Sailaway Charters
At Sailaway Charters Your family can enjoy my family friendly 2 hour nature cruise which includes oystering, crabbing, shrimping, birding...
Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier
There is covered seating for the concession area and indoor retail shop with tackle and souvenirs. Signs along the pier...
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge encompasses some of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal habitats. It was established in 1980 to...
Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
The Learning Campus offers day and overnight programs throughout the year. Our trained field naturalists ensure a fun, educational and...
Claude Peteet Mariculture Center/Marine Resources Division
The Claude Peteet Mariculture Center has been utilized for many activities since its construction in 1973, including basic and applied...
Find Yourself Wandering
Active travelers gravitate to trails like the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. There are seven trails and six ecosystems where you can see bobcats, white-tailed deer, alligators and numerous birds. Be sure to bring your camera!
Another popular outdoor spot is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Depending on the time of year, you may see a monarch migration or sea turtle nesting season. There are plenty of potential wildlife sightings whenever you decide to go. At Bon Secour, you’ll have ample opportunities to learn about the refuge while having an excellent nature adventure.
Birding
You can’t visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach without hearing about the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Bird lovers consider this area a bucket list destination due to the many species that pass through the site. Hummingbirds, herons and snowy plovers are just a few birds that take to the air and water. If you want to learn more about birds, there is also an annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest in October. The festival features exhibits, raptor shows, and kids’ activities. Whether you are new to the birding world or have been birdwatching for years, it’s a festival for everyone.
History
Fort Morgan isn’t just a great excuse to get outside but also gives you a glimpse into Alabama’s rich history. The Mobile Bay Civil War Trail runs 90 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to north Mobile County. Along the way, there are opportunities to take in the natural surroundings and learn about battle sites through historical accounts. It's a beautiful journey through history as you follow military movements, battles and visit sites that show how soldiers lived during that time.