16 Unforgettable Things To Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama Coast

Have you ever gone somewhere expecting it to be just beaches and ended up low-key falling in love with the whole place? That’s Gulf Shores. People hear “Alabama coast” and think it’s all fried seafood and sunburns—but this little beach town? It’s got layers.

There’s the obvious stuff: white sand, warm Gulf water, beach bars with cold beer and flip-flop dress codes. But then there’s the other stuff. Like kayaking through backwater swamps with herons flying overhead. Or driving ten minutes inland and finding a bakery that serves biscuits you’ll daydream about for months. Or that exact moment at sunset when the beach clears out, the air cools, and you realize—yeah, this is kind of perfect.

Gulf Shores doesn’t scream for attention. It just shows up, delivers, and lets you decide what kind of trip you want. Fast-paced? Chill? Family-friendly? Beer-in-hand-by-noon? It works for all of it.

1. Sunset Vibes at Perch at The Lodge

📍 Location: The Lodge at Gulf State Park, 21196 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Perch isn’t your average beachside dinner spot. It’s quiet-luxe, casually elegant, and exactly where you want to be when the sun starts dipping low and the sky turns peach over the water. Tucked inside The Lodge at Gulf State Park, Perch serves elevated coastal cuisine with a front-row seat to some of the best sunsets in Alabama.

The vibe here is modern Southern: think clean lines, natural wood finishes, and floor-to-ceiling views of the Gulf. Step out onto the terrace with a craft cocktail in hand (we’re talking smoked Old Fashioneds and lavender lemon gin sippers) and you’ll feel it—this is the good part of the trip.

The food? Thoughtful and bold. Gulf fish over local grits, seasonal oysters, thick-cut pork chops, and rotating specials that always feel like someone in the kitchen really cares. Service is top-tier, but not in-your-face. You’re free to linger, toast, and soak it all in.

And if you’re here for the photo ops? Let’s just say the lighting does most of the work.

2. Hit the White Sand at Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion

📍 Location: 22250 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

If you’re looking for the kind of beach day where you can actually hear the waves, skip the crowded condo fronts and head straight to the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion. This is the clean beach—the one locals whisper about when they say, “We don’t go to the public beach on weekends.”

It’s got everything you need: soft white sand, gentle surf, shady picnic spots, clean bathrooms, outdoor showers, and a massive covered pavilion that makes this a no-brainer for families, couples, or solo travelers just looking to chill without the chaos.

You won’t find tiki bars or beach rentals here, but that’s kind of the point. It’s all about low-key, low-impact, high-reward beach time. Bring a cooler, a beach blanket, a book, and a Bluetooth speaker. Stay for an hour or stay all day—there’s plenty of room to spread out, and bonus: you’re right next to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, so you can go from beach nap to nature walk in minutes.

For photographers and drone pilots, this place is a dream. The untouched shoreline and sweeping Gulf views hit differently, especially during golden hour when the shadows stretch long and the light gets soft.

3. Walk or Bike the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

📍 Location: Multiple trailheads, including Gulf State Park Pavilion, Orange Beach Sportsplex, and Rosemary Dunes Trailhead

Most people don’t come to Gulf Shores for the woods, but maybe they should. Because tucked just behind the dunes is a whole other side of the coast: quiet, wild, and full of surprises. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail winds through pine forests, over marsh bridges, around gator-filled lakes, and past towering oaks draped in moss. And it’s all paved, well-marked, and impossibly peaceful.

You’ll pass hidden freshwater lakes, butterfly gardens, maybe even a bobcat if you’re lucky. Some stretches are wide open under the sun; others feel like tunnels of trees and shade. Bring a cruiser bike or rent one from a nearby kiosk in Gulf State Park—it’s the best way to explore at your own pace.

And the light here? Unreal. Golden hour hits this place like a filter in real life, especially over the marsh bridges and glassy ponds. It’s a dream for photographers, birdwatchers, or anyone needing a break from the beach crowds.

This isn’t just a “nice trail.” It’s a whole other chapter of your Gulf Shores trip—and one most visitors never see.

4. Catch Live Music at The Hangout

📍 Location: 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

The Hangout is loud, colorful, and chaotic in the best way—and if you’re in Gulf Shores, you’re going to end up here at least once. Maybe it’s for brunch. Maybe it’s for a sunset concert. Maybe it’s because your kids saw the giant bubble machine and dragged you in. However you get here, trust this: you’ll stay longer than you planned.

By day, it’s a family-friendly spot with beach games, a sandpit, giant swings, and high-energy staff leading dance contests and scavenger hunts. By night, the mood shifts—live bands take over, drinks start flowing, and the crowd leans into the party. They’ve got a ceiling covered in thousands of lost sunglasses, walls of quirky decor, and beach swings that double as Instagram backdrops. Even the bathrooms have personality.

And if you time your trip around Hangout Music Fest (May)? This place goes next-level, hosting pre-parties, after-parties, and surprise sets from major artists just steps from the Gulf.

The Hangout isn’t subtle—but it’s never trying to be. It’s fun, it’s loud, it’s iconic Gulf Shores. If you want to eat, dance, take selfies, and shout-laugh over a shrimp basket all in the same hour, this is your spot.

5. Have a Bougie Brunch at Ruby Slipper Café

📍 Location: 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 (just minutes from Gulf Shores)

This isn’t just brunch—it’s brunch with main character energy. At Ruby Slipper, every dish is bold, buttery, and borderline theatrical. We’re talking cinnamon swirl pancakes the size of your face, stuffed French toast dripping with cream cheese glaze, and the famous "Pig Candy Bacon" that deserves its own fan club.

And the drinks? Full-on brunch bar magic. You can’t go wrong with a classic mimosa, but let’s be honest—you’re here for the mimosa flight. Choose from flavors like raspberry, pomegranate, pineapple, and peach, all served with just enough fizz and flair to make your weekend feed look intentional. Don’t sleep on the Bloody Marys either—they’re spicy, sassy, and stacked with garnishes that practically count as a snack.

The vibe inside is loud in a friendly way: vintage wall art, neon brunch quotes, and the kind of upbeat service that makes the wait feel like part of the experience. Yes, there’s probably a line. And yes, you’ll be glad you waited.

Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette brunches, or just giving yourself the meal you deserve after a long beach week.

6. Go Crabbing After Dark on the Beach

📍 Location: Any public beach access in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach (try the beach near Gulf Place or Alabama Point)

You don’t need tickets, Wi-Fi, or a reservation for this one—just a flashlight, a plastic bucket, and a little patience. Night crabbing is an old-school beach tradition, and if you’ve never sprinted barefoot across the sand chasing ghost crabs under the stars, Gulf Shores is the place to change that.

It starts just after sunset. The beach clears out, the sky goes navy blue, and suddenly little pale crabs start skittering across the shore like they’re late for a meeting. They’re fast, silent, and surprisingly hard to catch—but that’s the whole fun. Kids love it. Adults weirdly love it more. Some people use nets or even phone flashlights, but the true DIY method is just chasing them down old-school style and gently scooping them up.

Don’t worry—you’re not catching them to keep. It’s a catch-and-release thing, part wildlife encounter, part wholesome chaos. It’s also perfect content for TikTok or Reels if you're into filming your group’s reaction the first time someone shrieks at a crab the size of a bottle cap.

It’s silly. It’s free. It’s the kind of beach memory that sticks around way longer than that $18 cocktail.

7. Savor a Southern-Style Seafood Boil at Original Oyster House

📍 Location: 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

If your beach trip doesn’t include a tray of seafood so big it needs its zip code, you’re doing it wrong. The Original Oyster House is the kind of place where you roll up in flip-flops, grab a paper bib, and dive headfirst into piles of steamed shrimp, crab legs, corn, potatoes, and hushpuppies—no shame, no fork required.

It’s busy. It’s casual. It’s always a little noisy. But that’s the vibe—family-style chaos meets Gulf Coast feast. You’ll crack shells, pass lemon wedges, and probably steal something off your friend’s plate. The views out over the bay make it even better, especially around sunset when the light hits the water and everything slows down (except the waitlist).

Don’t sleep on the oysters—they come raw, baked, grilled, or “Cajun Rockefeller’d” and are consistently ranked among the best in the state. And yes, there’s a salad bar, but c’mon—you’re here for the seafood.

8. Snap the Insta-Famous Pink House: “The Pretty Place” Airbnb

📍 Location: Orange Beach, AL (exact address shared with guests upon booking via karta.com)

If Barbie had a beach house, this would be it. Flamingo floaties in the pool. Pink shutters, doors, and outdoor furniture. An actual pastel bike rack. “The Pretty Place” is pure coastal fantasy wrapped in cotton candy-colored siding, and it’s become a destination in its own right.

You can rent it via Karta.com, or just swing by and admire from a respectful distance (remember—it’s someone’s temporary home). Either way, it’s worth checking out, especially if you’re already in the Orange Beach area. The exterior is a photo op waiting to happen, and the details are next-level: tropical landscaping, pink hammocks, and beach decor that leans playful, not tacky.

Inside, it’s just as extra: neon signs, mid-century pastel furniture, cheeky wall art, and kitchenware that color matches with your outfits. It’s part girls’ trip HQ, part influencer dreamscape, and weirdly, still manages to feel like a legit place to unwind.

If you’re planning a bachelorette weekend, a content creation trip, or just love a good aesthetic moment, this one’s a no-brainer.

9. Explore The Wharf at Orange Beach

📍 Location: 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

If you want that feeling of walking through a summer night with no plan—just twinkle lights overhead, music in the background, and a frozen drink in hand—The Wharf delivers. This isn’t just a shopping plaza; it’s a full-on experience that blends chill coastal charm with a little sparkle and spectacle.

You’ve got restaurants, boutiques, an amphitheater that hosts national concerts, and yes—a full-sized Ferris wheel that lights up at night like something out of a beachside fairytale. The main promenade is where it all comes together: kids dashing through splash pads, couples browsing art galleries, and friend groups laughing over oversized margaritas on restaurant patios.

The real showstopper, though, is the SPECTRA Light Show—a synchronized mix of LED lights, music, and fountain effects that happens nightly. It’s cheesy in the best way, and worth planning your evening around.

10. Get Salty with a Bloody Mary at Tacky Jack’s

📍 Location: 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (with additional locations in Orange Beach and Fort Morgan)

You can spot a Tacky Jack’s Bloody Mary from across the deck—and not just because of the size. These aren’t drinks. They’re events. We’re talking bacon strips, boiled shrimp, olives, jalapeños, pickles, celery, lime, sometimes even a slider jammed into a tall glass of spicy, tomato-y goodness.

But don’t let the garnish steal all the credit. The base mix is solid, bold, tangy, and just the right kick to wake you up after a late beach night. Pair it with their famous “Farmer’s Omelet” or fish tacos if you’re rolling into brunch a little past noon.

The setting? Totally no-frills and full of character. You’re sitting on a multi-level wooden deck, paint peeling just enough to be charming, with handwritten notes and names covering the beams and railings. It’s colorful, chaotic, and very Gulf Shores. You’ll probably sit near someone in a swimsuit, someone in fishing boots, and someone taking selfies with their drink—because this place really does welcome everyone.

If you’re not into Bloody Marys, don’t worry—they’ve got frozen bushwhackers and mimosas, too. But if you’re going to do it, go full send. Order the big one. Take the photo. Get the shrimp. You’re on vacation.

11. Capture the Murals and Mosaic Art at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach

📍 Location: 26389 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

You’ll come here expecting a gallery and leave feeling like you stumbled into a creative sanctuary. The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is one of those places that doesn’t show off—but still impresses the hell out of you.

There’s a full fine art gallery with rotating exhibits, locally made pottery and blown glass for sale, and outdoor installations that feel designed for slow strolls and spontaneous photo ops. The mosaic benches, painted swings, and colorful murals scattered throughout the grounds are perfect for casual content creators—or just a peaceful place to sit and breathe in that bay breeze.

Want to go hands-on? You can book a glass-blowing or pottery class and make something with your own two sandy hands. Or just grab a coffee from a nearby café and wander—there are oak trees, walking paths, and dockside swings where time seems to hit pause.

12. Celebrate Shrimp Fest (October) or the Hangout Fest (May)

📍 Location: Gulf Place Public Beach, 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Shrimp Fest is all about food, art, and small-town charm with big beach energy. Picture rows of vendors serving fresh Gulf shrimp every way imaginable—grilled, fried, skewered, dunked in butter, you name it. Add in local artists, live music, and cool weather? You've got the perfect excuse to extend your summer just a little longer.

Hangout Fest, on the other hand, is a whole vibe. Think main stage on the sand, crowds dancing waist-deep in the surf, and late-night sets with the Gulf breeze rolling in. It’s part music festival, part beach party, part Instagram fever dream—and somehow it still feels pretty chill between sets. Expect beach games, brand activations, food trucks, and more inflatable flamingos than should be legally allowed in one zip code.

If you're the kind of traveler who loves your beach trip with a side of live music, street food, and viral moments waiting to happen, plan your visit around one of these weekends. Just book your lodging early—like, now.

13. Take a Hot Sauce Flight at Pepper Palace

📍 Location: The Wharf, 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 (inside The Wharf shopping complex)

Wander into Pepper Palace at The Wharf expecting a few novelty sauces and end up in a full-blown taste-test adventure. This place is a hidden gem for heat lovers and curious snackers alike, offering hot sauce “flights” that go from mild mango-habanero all the way to ghost pepper-level insanity.

You’ll find everything from sweet heat and smoky BBQ rubs to garlic-parmesan wing sauce and pineapple salsa. But the real stars are the super-hots: think Scorpion Pepper, Carolina Reaper, and the infamous “Flatline,” which staff only offer with a side-eye and a verbal warning.

Here’s how it usually goes: you start confident, laughing with your friends, stacking mini pretzel samples with reckless optimism. Then you hit that one sauce that makes your ears sweat, your pride falter, and someone starts filming.

It’s ridiculous. It’s painful. And it’s weirdly fun. Especially if you lean into the experience, and maybe buy a bottle or two to prank your cousin back home.

Don’t worry: they also sell ice-cold salsa and sauces that are all flavor, no fire, if that’s more your vibe. But come on… you’re at the beach. Take the dare.

14. Get Lost in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

📍 Location: 12295 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Just 20 minutes from the souvenir shops and frozen drinks of Gulf Shores, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge feels like another world. No resorts, no beach bars, no noise—just dunes, maritime forests, and miles of untouched Gulf shoreline that let you experience the Alabama coast the way it looked a hundred years ago.

You can hike trails like Pine Beach Trail, a 4-mile out-and-back that winds through salt marshes, freshwater lakes, and finally opens up to a completely undeveloped beach. You might spot osprey overhead, deer in the brush, or even gator tracks near the water’s edge. Come early and you’ll likely have the trail—and the view—to yourself.

This isn’t an adrenaline stop. It’s a take-your-time, let-your-phone-die kind of place. Bring water, wear sunscreen, and don’t expect cell service. What you get instead is wild beauty, total quiet, and that rare feeling of finding something most travelers miss.

If you need a mental reset—or just want your slice of beach without anyone yelling into a Bluetooth speaker—Bon Secour is where you go.

15. Treat Yourself at Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream

📍 Location: 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

You can smell it before you even walk in. That sweet, buttery mix of fresh waffle cones and fudge—it kind of grabs you by the soul. Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream is as locally loved as it gets, and it’s the kind of place where choosing a flavor becomes the hardest part of your vacation.

The lineup changes often, but you can almost always count on southern classics like banana pudding, butter pecan, peach cobbler, dreamsicle, and chocolate peanut butter swirl. Everything is hand-scooped, portioned generously, and served in a no-frills, nostalgia-packed little shop with a loyal fanbase that stretches across generations of beachgoers.

Yes, there’s usually a line. And yes, it moves fast—because the staff has the system down. Order a double scoop in a waffle cone, grab a couple of napkins (you’ll need them), and take your cone out front to pose by the old-school sign for the must-have Gulf Shores photo op.

Matt’s is the kind of place you remember—not because it’s fancy, but because it’s exactly what ice cream is supposed to be. Cold, simple, a little messy, and best eaten in the sun.

16. Get a Drone-Worthy Aerial View from the Hummingbird Zipline Course

📍 Location: The Wharf, 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

You can only see so much from sea level. If you want the full scope of Gulf Shores—bay, boats, rooftops, palm trees, and that endless blue horizon—you’ve got to take to the sky. The Hummingbird Zipline Course at The Wharf is the best way to do just that, combining adrenaline and aerial views in a way that feels part thrill ride, part nature documentary.

The experience starts with a short ground training, then it’s harness-up, heart-rate-up, and off you go. Each line gives you a different perspective: soaring over wetlands, zipping past rooftops, and flying above treetops with breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The guides are funny, reassuring, and seriously good at what they do, so even first-timers feel at ease.

If you’re into content creation, this one’s a goldmine. The GoPro footage from the longer runs? Pure cinematic magic. And if you’ve got a drone operator in your group? Even better—this is the kind of high-flying backdrop that makes your vacation recap reel actually go viral.

Whether you’re 13 or 73, the mix of natural beauty and low-stakes thrill makes this one of Gulf Shores’ most unexpected gems. It’s not just about the ride—it’s about that moment in the air when everything goes quiet, and you realize… yep, this place is kind of perfect from up here.

Conclusion

Gulf Shores doesn’t need to shout to get noticed. It shows up quietly—with soft white sand, slow Southern smiles, and a laid-back rhythm that lets you breathe. Sure, the beaches are gorgeous, and the seafood is fresh enough to make you reconsider your life choices, but it’s the little moments that stick: chasing ghost crabs under starry skies, sipping a craft cocktail while the sun melts into the Gulf, or soaring above the treetops on a zipline and realizing just how lucky you are to be here.

It’s easy to fill your days with beaches and booms, but don’t miss the quieter corners, the hidden trails, and the moments that don’t make the highlight reels but somehow matter most.

Pack your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and maybe a bucket for crabs: you’re about to discover that Gulf Shores is not just a destination. It’s a feeling you’ll carry long after the sand’s washed off your feet.

FAQs

1. What is Gulf Shores, Alabama, known for?

Gulf Shores is best known for its sugar-white sandy beaches, fresh Gulf seafood, family-friendly attractions, and outdoor adventures like fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.

2. Is Gulf Shores worth visiting?

Yes! Gulf Shores offers a laid-back beach atmosphere combined with plenty of activities—from ziplining and festivals to peaceful nature reserves—making it a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers.

3. How far is Gulf Shores from Orange Beach?

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are neighboring towns along Alabama’s coast, about a 15- to 20-minute drive apart, connected by scenic coastal highways and shared beach access.

4. When is the best time to visit Gulf Shores?

The best times are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, crowds are thinner, and accommodations tend to be more affordable.

5. Are there family-friendly things to do in Gulf Shores?

Absolutely. Gulf Shores has plenty of family-friendly options, including beach activities, The Hangout with its games and live music, wildlife refuges, and educational experiences like the Coastal Arts Center.

6. What outdoor activities are popular in Gulf Shores?

Popular outdoor activities include beachcombing, kayaking, hiking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, ziplining, deep-sea fishing, and wildlife watching at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

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