For a dreamy beach vacation, the coastal communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are some of Alabama’s best-kept secrets, Use this map to inspire your next trip with stylish accommodations, rich biodiversity, and Gulf-to-table seafood-all with a dash of modern Southern hospitality-for an adventure filled with natural pleasures and plentiful amenities.
Gulf Shores
Explore historic sites and the outdoors.
The Hangout
Dig into live music, cocktails, and dishes with local ingredients such as Gulf shrimp
Fort Morgan
The 19th-century fort’s history spans the Civil and Spanish-American Wars, WW1, and WW2.
Gulf State Park
Swim, hike, and bike
Gulf State Park Pier
One of the Gulf’s longest fishing piers offers permits, wheelchair-accessible fishing concessions, and souvenirs.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park
This hotel is an oasis inside the state park and a model of preserving eco-diversity.
Mobile Bay Ferry
Hop aboard and appreciate sightings of the historic forts.
LuLu’s Restaurant
Relish water views, live music. seafood. an arcade, and a three-story ropes course at this family-friendly spot.
Orange Beach
Enjoy local shopping. boating, and family time.
CoastAL
Dine on tuna tacos and sip tropical cocktails to live music at this waterfront restaurant.
The Wharf
Browse boutiques, grab a meal, listen to live bands, and ride the Ferris wheel at this waterfront entertainment district.
Coastal Arts Center
Peruse fine art by Gulf Coast artists or make your own in glassblowing and ceramics classes.
Orange Beach Welcome Center
Stop in for your vacation guide and all the 411—and free Wi-Fi.
Fisher’s
Savor fine wines, craft cocktails, and local surf and turf from a James Beard Award semifinalist.
Hang Ten Helicopters
Soar over the shores on Orange Beach’s best helicopter tours. Pro tip: book a sunset trip for sublime colors.
Overland and Water Adventures
Take in natural beauty on active and laid-back outings.
Back Bay Blueway
Immerse yourself by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard on this waterway with 21 launch sites.
Alabama’s Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway
Take a leisurely drive and learn about the waters, ways, and wildlife of Alabama.