When most Americans think of long stretches of white sand, they probably think of Florida or Hawaii—when they could be thinking of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Set along the Gulf of Mexico, this small coastal Alabama resort town has enormous visitor appeal and many things to do. With 32 miles (51 kilometers) of beaches—technically 15 public-access beaches—there’s more than enough room to spread out and beach bum. Visitors will also find inland adventures at spots like Gulf State Park and endless fresh seafood to boot.
When to visit Gulf Shores depends on what you’re looking for. Many will say March–May is the time to visit, with warming temps and quieter, shoulder-season crowds. Fall, aka September–November, is popular, too, but that’s the tail end of hurricane season, which begins in June. Despite the possibility of hurricanes and toasty temps, summer is also a popular time.
Most visitors will arrive at Gulf Shores with a personal vehicle—the nearest major airport is Pensacola, Florida, about an hour away (the Gulf Shores Airport primarily serves charters and private jets). If you don’t have a car, you can utilize various shuttle companies, taxis, and rideshare services, or you can stick to the waterfront, where hotels, restaurants, and great views all congregate for easy on-foot access.
If you’re just looking to spend your days noshing on seafood boils and lounging on the beach, we get it. But to mix it up, don’t miss the area’s inland gems: Spots like Gulf State Park and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge have beautiful trails, fascinating ecosystems, and incredible wildlife, like sea turtles. Day trips to spots like Dauphin Island, well-loved for its birding, are also worth your time.
