Gulf Shores
sights & scenes
The Southern Grind
From fluffy breakfast plates to killer cold brews and frappes, this is the kind of place that makes mornings worth waking up for—and yes, you can grab their beans to keep the good vibes brewing at home.
Buzzcatz Coffee & Sweets
Made-to-order breakfasts, homemade baked goods, specialty coffees, and indulgent ice cream—the kind of scrumptious neighborhood gem that makes every trip to Orange Beach taste a little sweeter.
Cobalt
With a breathtaking sunset over the bay as your backdrop, expect lavish brunch buffets, fresh local seafood, and sinfully good desserts that'll have you planning your next visit before the check arrives.
The Hangout
Where the highway meets the beach—delicious food, live entertainment, a foam pit, sand pile, games, and Gulf Shores' most iconic beachside atmosphere all under one roof.
Acme Oyster House
Authentic New Orleans seafood meets pure Gulf Coast fun—ice-cold raw oysters, legendary chargrilled favorites, and the epic 'Peace Maker' po'boy. Life really is more fun with seafood.
Flora-Bama Yacht Club
Almost as legendary as the famous bar across the street, the Flora-Bama Yacht Club delivers an unbeatable combo of jaw-dropping food, warm service, stunning waterfront settings, and live music — because on the Gulf Coast, it really doesn't get any better than this!
The Gulf
Stunning shipping container design, elegant rustic cuisine, and a genuinely welcoming staff—the kind of magical seaside destination that feels like a hidden gem even after everyone discovers it.
Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar
Hand-cut steaks, fresh local seafood, and a Banana Leaf Wrapped Fish so iconic it made the list of "top 100 dishes to eat before you die." This Orange Beach gem is anything but ordinary.
Tropic Falls at OWA
The Gulf Coast's ultimate year-round playground—a jaw-dropping indoor water park with 75-foot slides, a convertible glass roof, outdoor wave pool, surf simulator, and 23 theme park attractions for nonstop family fun.
Pure Aloha Adventures
Explore the stunning waters of Dauphin Island at your own pace—kayaks delivered right to your shoreline, safety equipment included, and wildlife around every bend.
Chute ‘Em Up Parasail
Soar 400 feet above the Gulf of Mexico for the most spectacular views of the coast, wildlife, and open water you've ever seen.
Gulf State Park
6,150 acres of stunning natural beauty, 28 miles of trails, and endless activities—the ultimate outdoor lover's paradise on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Kiva Dunes Golf Course
Sweeping dunes, untouched wetlands, and unpredictable coastal winds make every round a unique challenge. Golfers either call it the greatest they've ever played or the most humbling.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Just a short drive from the beach, Alabama's #1 Zoo is a peaceful kingdom of exotic wildlife. With one-on-one Animal Encounters available, the whole family gets a chance to make friends they'll never forget.
The Wharf
Orange Beach's most exciting waterfront destination. Ferris wheels, laser light shows, arcades, live music, water excursions, and world-class dining—all in one spectacular Gulf Coast setting, open year-round.
Lost Bay Helicopters
A veteran-owned aerial adventure company offering breathtaking beach tours, romantic sunset flights, thrilling flight lessons, and custom experiences—with highly skilled pilots making every ride safe and spectacular from takeoff to landing.
Perdido Key Beach Service
Elevating the beach experience since 1984 across Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores—premium rentals, generations of dedicated attendants, and a heart for the community that goes far beyond the shoreline.
Southern Charm Picnic Co.
Gorgeous beachside setups, backyard celebrations, and every detail handled from start to cleanup. All you have to do is show up, sip, and soak in the moment.
The Spa at the Beach Club
Just steps from the white sandy beach, every tailored treatment is designed to relax your mind, rejuvenate your senses, and leave you feeling flawless.
Off the Hook Charters
The Gulf Coast's most welcoming family fishing guide service—local expertise, endless patience, and a genuine passion for making every trip fun, safe, and perfectly tailored to your group.
Perdido Key Concierge
Skip the stress and straight to the fun. Every detail of your Gulf Coast getaway is handled so you can focus on what matters—enjoying it.
Baby Beach Rentals
With over 12,000 cribs delivered to Gulf Coast families, certified and sanitized baby gear is just an order away. Delivered right to your door so you can focus on beach time.
Shore Shooters Beach Photography
Stunning sunrise and sunset portrait sessions that capture the magic of your Gulf Coast vacation—no limits on images, quick 2-3 day turnaround, and packages for groups of all sizes. Just show up and smile.
Emerald Coast Chefs
Chef Josh brings coastal flavors and innovation straight to your table, crafting unforgettable meals with the Gulf Coast's finest ingredients. Because the best memories are made when good food brings people together.
Featured seasonal highlight
Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party
The Interstate Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama is the Gulf Coast's most legendary beach party—where thousands of wild and spirited fans from across the globe gather to watch competitors hurl a mullet across the Florida-Alabama state line in the most uniquely unforgettable celebration you'll ever experience!
April 24–26, 2026
Featured seasonal highlight
13th Annual Bulls on the Beach
Grab your tickets early because Bulls On The Beach is one of the Gulf Coast's most thrilling events of the year—with three nights of heart-pounding Professional Bull Riding, an unforgettable Kid's Night, and proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, it's the ultimate family adventure at the Flora-Bama!
September 10–12, 2026
Featured seasonal highlight
Annual National Shrimp Festival
The Annual National Shrimp Festival is one of the Gulf Coast's most beloved four-day celebrations—drawing over 300,000 visitors for fresh Gulf seafood, 100+ hours of live blues, rock, jazz, and country, and a stunning lineup of fine art and craft vendors that makes it an absolute must-attend event!
October 8–11, 2026
Local tips
A few pointers from our on-the-ground team.
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Discover why the Alabama Gulf Coast inspires such loyalty.
Wide white beaches, warm emerald water, and a laid-back community that makes every visitor feel immediately welcome. -
Make Gulf State Park a centerpiece of your visit.
Two miles of pristine Gulf-front beach, miles of nature trails through pine forests and wetlands, and exceptional facilities. One of the crown jewels of the Alabama state park system. -
Ask your server what came in fresh today.
Gulf Shores sits at the heart of one of the Gulf Coast's most productive fishing regions, and that one question consistently leads to the most memorable meal of any trip here. -
Explore the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
Over 7,000 acres of pristine barrier island habitat just west of the main beach area, a haven for sea turtles and migratory birds that most visitors never discover. -
Get out on the Intracoastal Waterway.
A pontoon rental, dolphin cruise, or bayside waterfront restaurant reveals a completely different and equally beautiful side of Gulf Shores that the beach alone can't show you. -
Plan around the Hangout Music Festival if your timing allows
Multi-day live music set directly on the white sand with the Gulf as the backdrop, held each May. Truly unlike anything else on the Gulf Coast calendar.