Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores, AL
Things To Do

American Dream Cycle
328 East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-8688
Toll Free: (877) DRM-RIDE
Located at 328 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, is dedicated to helping visitors realize their dream of riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Audubon Sanctuary on Dauphin Island
109 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251) 861-2120

The sanctuary consists of 164 acres of maritime forest. Multiple walking trails provide miles of habitat for neotropical migrants.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home
12401 Bellingrath Rd
Theodore, AL 36582
(251) 973-2217
Toll Free: (800) 247-8420

A 65 acre lushly landscaped garden and museum home displays the charm and beauty of the Old South. Located on tranquil Fowl River.

Biophilia Nature Center, Native Nursery
12695 County Road 95
Elberta, AL 36530
(251) 987-1200

Carnivorous plants, wildflowers, plant and butterfly nurseries, turtles, forests, and nature library/bookstore with the resident biologist of this private 20-acre ecological restoration project.

CJ Watersports, Inc.
328 East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-3599

Ride the waves on a Kawasaki Jet Ski, parasail or paddle the surf in an ocean kayak.

Gulf State Park
20115 State Hwy 135
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-7275
Toll Free: (800) ALA-PARK

This Gulf Coast gem boasts 6,000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beach, fresh water lake, nature trails, and beach pavilion.

Historic Blakeley State Park
33707 State Hwy. 225
Spanish Fort, AL 36577-7279
(251) 626-0798

Visit the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. Enjoy 10 1/2 miles of hiking and bike trails, camping and a serene boardwalk next to the Tensaw River.

LA Watersports
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
(251) 948-7433

Pontoon boats, waverunners, kayaks, parasail, aquatrampolines and Dolphin tours.

Landmark Tours
Fairhope, AL 36533
(251) 928-0207

Day tours given aboard luxury buses.

Meaher State Park
5200 Battleship Parkway US 98
Spanish Fort, AL 36577
(251) 626-5529

Situated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay, this 1,327-acre park features two self-guided nature trails that highlight the flora & fauna of this unique area.

Minimac Wildflower Bog & Minimac Country Gardens
13199 Mac Cartee Lane
Silverhill, AL 36576
(251) 945-6157

From early April through September, more than 300 varieties of native Southern wildflowers bloom in this five-acre preserve.

Mobile Bay Ferry
400 W Roman ST
Pensacola, FL 32501
(251) 540-7787

Vehicle/passenger ferry operating between Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan. Daily departures every 1 1/2 hours. Call for rates and schedule.

Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
25850 John Snook Avenue
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-8545

Showcasing early exploration and settlement of the area.

Sky High Parasail
19180 B County Road 10
Bear Pont Marina, Orange Beach
Foley, AL 36535
(251) 946-9000
Website: www.skyhighparasail.com

Safe! Smooth ride! Scenic inland waters.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Off State Highway 180 at the 13-mile marker; 251-540-7720. Open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. This 6200-acre refuge with beach access protects and preserves the unique plants and animals of the Gulf Coast. Hike the scenic, four-mile Pine Beach Trail or the one-mile-loop Jeff Friend Trail. Catch bass, bluegill and bream in the 40-acre freshwater Gator Lake (canoes and electric trolling motors only). On the nearby lagoon, cast for trout and flounder or scoop up crabs. See a large migratory bird stopover in April, May, September and October.

Gulf State Park

Headquarters: 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores; 251-948-7275. Free to enter park; individual attractions may charge a small admission or parking fee.

This Gulf Coast park offers 6000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beaches on four preserved stretches of sand. Inland, 900-acre Lake Shelby hosts freshwater fishermen, boaters, skiers and swimmers; nearby nature trails wind through the wooded land. Scheduled educational nature activities include beach walks, hikes, slide presentations and nature films. Wildlife exhibits at the Nature Center are open year-round.

Gulf-side facilities include a public pavilion, 825-ft. fishing pier and boat ramps.

Biophilia Nature Center & Native Nursery
On County Road 95, three miles east of Elberta and 1/4 mile south of U.S. Highway 98 251-987-1200 for Nature Center hours and cost of admission.

Butterflies courting and laying eggs, sparkling sundews catching bugs, and blue-tailed skinks streaking about are potential sights at the 20-acre Biophilia Nature Center and Native Nursery in Elberta. This ongoing ecological restoration project includes young forests, wildflower meadows, a carnivorous plant bog, a swamp, an 11-foot alligator, turtles, a butterfly garden, a screened butterfly room and caterpillar nursery, and a bookstore/library.

Minamac Wildflower Bog
Located five miles east of Fairhope
251-945-6157
From early April through September Open for tours by appointment only. Admission is charged, and group rates are available more than 300 varieties of native Southern wildflowers bloom in this five-acre preserve..

Shopping
The area offers many shops ranging from casual apparel and beachwear to upscale fashion and specialty boutiques. If you are a bargain hunter, you can find 120 factory outlet stores located in Foley.