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Overview 

Gulf Shores is a coastal town in Alabama that is halfway between Tallahassee, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana. It is the spot where Alabama meets the Gulf of Mexico. Not far from Florida’s Emerald Coast, Gulf Shores has imposing sugar-white sand beaches, and is much tranquil and less expensive than the nearby Florida beaches. While Florida attracts a lot of visitors, Gulf Shores is fast becoming a tourist destination to contend with. 

Things to Do

Gulf Shores’ major attractions are its amazing beaches. Most public places offer plenty of parking spaces while some provide picnic tables and other beach facilities. There are a number of beach areas that allow pedestrian access only. This is an advantage for people who are staying nearby and just need to walk to get to the beach. You always need to take heed of the Beach Warning Flags that tell whether the ocean is safe for swimming. A wide selection of water sports activities abound in the area. You can choose among the sailboats, catamarans, wave runners, boogie boards, parasailing and others at any of the rental shops on the beach area.

Exploring the City

Apart from its white beaches, Gulf Shores also offers other exciting attractions–from amusement parks to nature reserves. Go to Dauphin Island and visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary as well as the historic Fort Gaines, or just go fishing on its pier. The entire family will surely love the Adventure Island Amusement Park with its go-karts, mini golf, paddle boats, laser tag, coaster and “active” volcano. Be awed at the Gulf Coast Exploreum with its IMAX theater and hands-on science displays. Other attractions to explore and to lookout for include the Waterville USA water park, a huge Ferris Wheel at the Wharf, hot air balloon companies, and various museums. 

Accommodation Tips

Accommodation is not a problem in Gulf Shores. This coastal city is full of lodging places that range from budget to luxurious. You can choose from its array of hotels, motels, condominiums, bed & breakfasts and RV campgrounds. Most are beach house rentals and condos that have magnificent views of the caost. The Gulf Shores Plantations is a 70-acre resort along the Gulf and has 600 units and 7 swimming pools. A number of RV parks are also available within the resort.

Best Hotel Accommodations

Gulf Shores Plantation is an affordable Gulf Shores resort that is fronted by a sugar-white beach with indoor and outdoor pools, putting green, tennis court and shuffleboard. The Best Western on the Beach offers first-class Gulf-view lodgings that include a beachfront condo, two cottages, and indoor and outdoor pools. You can also stay at the brand new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott that is along the street fronting the beach. It provides free shuttles, in-room fridge, coffee maker, microwave, and iron and ironing board. You can also stay at the Gulf Resort State Park, and camp out or stay in one of its cabins. The resort park boasts 2 miles of sparkling white beach, an 18-hole golf course, a 900-acre lake for water skiing, swimming and fishing, and as well as amazing nature trails.