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
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Come experience Bellingrath Gardens and Home, the naturally breathtaking historic manor home and pleasure gardens located in southern Mobile County...
Wade Ward Nature Park
Wade Ward Nature Park is a public pedestrian access to a pocket of natural wetlands and waterways found in Gulf...
Baldwin County Bicentennial Park
The Baldwin County Bicentennial Park is a 367-acre area in North Baldwin County that offers a unique family experience of...
Sailaway Charters
At Sailaway Charters Your family can enjoy my family friendly 2 hour nature cruise which includes oystering, crabbing, shrimping, birding...
Gulf Shores Bike Rentals
Gulf Shores Bike Rentals is a safe 6 block ride down the sidewalk to get to one of the trailhead...
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...
Gulf State Park Lake Shelby
If you're looking for a little lakefront beach activity, try basking by Lake Shelby. This 900-acre freshwater lake is perfect...
Meyer Park
Meyer Park is a 12-acre park located within the heart of downtown Gulf Shores. This park features a shaded playground...
Gulf State Park Interpretive Center
Adjacent to the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion, at the east pedestrian bridge, the Interpretative Center is the gateway to...
Orange Beach Dog Park
Our unleashed dog park in Orange Beach is a ¾-acre shaded area with double-gate entry and separate fencing for small...
Historic Blakeley State Park
Historic Blakeley State Park encompasses 2,100+ acres of the largest National Register Historic Site in the eastern United States. The...
The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Alabama Aquarium, formerly known as the Estuarium, will give you a hands-on learning experience exploring the habitats of coastal...
Gulf Shores Dog Park
The Gulf Shores Dog Park features a large fenced-in green space to accommodate small and large dogs. Seating, waste bag...
Five Rivers Delta Resource Center
Where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakeley rivers flow into Mobile Bay stands an incredible facility for outdoor recreation...
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.