Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores, AL
General Information

Population: 5,044 year round residents, and 40,944 tourists.

Location: On the Gulf of Mexico's Pleasure Island, in southwestern Alabama.
 

Time Zone Gulf Shores is in the central time zone. When it is noon in New York City; it is 11:00 AM in Gulf Shores.
 

Elevation: 2 feet

Business Hours

Banks are usually open weekdays 9 to 3 and some Saturday mornings; the post office from 8 to 5 weekdays and often on Saturday mornings. Shops in urban and suburban areas, particularly in indoor and smaller malls, typically open at 9 or 10 daily and stay open until anywhere from 6 to 10 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 5 or 6 on Sundays.

 

Emergencies

Ambulance, Fire , Police ( 911).
The Nearest Hospital Is South Baldwin Regional Medical Center (800-580-Docs) Located In Foley.
South Baldwin Hospital offers 24 hour emergency services (334-952-3400).
Numerous medical professionals practice in the area providing both family practice and specialized care.

 

Taxes

The sales tax in Alabama is 4% with local options to impose additional increments. In Gulf Shores, lodgings are taxed 5% and meals in a restaurant 9.5%.

 

Tipping

At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at more expensive establishments. The same goes for taxi drivers, bartenders, and hairdressers.

 

Telephones

The country code for the United States is 1. The area code in Gulf Shores is 251.