Gulf Shores Area Guide

Things To Do

Use these individual guides to plan beach days, family activities, boating, golf, live music and easy day trips.

Explore by Interest

Choose a category for a shorter, easier-to-read guide.

Beaches, Lakes & Lagoon Access

Public beach access, parking, Lake Shelby, Little Lagoon launches and Pirate's Cove.

Explore →

Rainy Day & Hot Day Ideas

Indoor family fun, virtual golf, shopping, museums and backup plans when the beach needs a break.

Explore →

Thrift & Antiquing Adventures

Highway 59 thrift stops plus antique and treasure-hunting routes across Baldwin County.

Explore →

Restaurants

Seafood, local favorites, casual spots, waterfront dining and places worth the short drive.

Explore →

Live Music

Find local venues, then check Gulf Music Live for who is playing tonight.

Explore →

Bike Rentals

Free Gulf State Park pedal bikes plus traditional bikes, e-bikes, trikes and delivery options.

Explore →

Dog Daycare & Boarding

Vacation-friendly dog daycare and boarding options in Gulf Shores for beach days, boat trips and other outings.

Explore →

Dolphin Cruises

Family-friendly dolphin, nature and sunset cruises from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Explore →

Boat Rentals

Pontoon, tritoon and other self-drive boat rentals for bays, islands and waterways.

Explore →

Fishing Charters

Private, family, offshore, inshore and shared fishing options.

Explore →

Mini Golf

Outdoor, indoor, glow golf and themed courses across Baldwin County.

Explore →

Family Fun Centers

Go-karts, arcades, bowling, trampolines, VR, rides and rainy-day entertainment.

Explore →

Water Parks & Splash Pads

Waterville USA, Tropic Falls and public splash-pad options.

Explore →

Indoor & Virtual Golf

Topgolf Swing Suites and full-size golf simulators in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Spanish Fort and Pensacola.

Explore →

Golf Courses

Nearby championship, resort, executive and municipal golf, plus Mobile and Pensacola-area standouts.

Explore →

Local Attractions & Nature

Fort Morgan, Gulf Coast Zoo, Alligator Alley, Blakeley and the Mobile Bay Ferry.

Explore →

Destination Fairhope

Art galleries, Arts Alley, downtown shopping, local history, antiques and the Mobile Bay waterfront.

Explore →

Overflow & Overnight Parking

Extra-vehicle parking options, private overnight lots and current Gulf Shores parking guidance.

Explore →

Mobile & Dauphin Island

Battleship Memorial Park, Bellingrath Gardens, GulfQuest, the aquarium and more.

Explore →

Pensacola & NAS

Naval Aviation Museum, Blue Angels practice and Pensacola Lighthouse.

Explore →

Need a place to stay?

See our two featured Gulf Shores condos, with reservations handled entirely on Airbnb.

Stay on Airbnb