Skip crowded Florida beaches and head to this Gulf Coast paradise instead
If you're hoping for a vacation full of gorgeous pink and purple sunsets over sugary white sand beaches and brilliant blue water, you may be surprised to find that you can get all of this and more in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
A short drive from more popular (and often more expensive) beaches on Florida's west coast, Gulf Shores offers everything you could want from a beach vacation, with a Southern twist.
The sheer variety of activities here makes it a wonderful destination for families interested in amusement parks and other activities for the kids; outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore bird sanctuaries or turtle hatching; or couples seeking a romantic getaway for two.
Getting there
While Gulf Shores does have its own airport, Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF), it mainly services private and corporate jets instead of commercial airlines.
Because of this, visitors who plan to fly should book a flight to either Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) or Pensacola International Airport (PNS). Both are about an hour away, an easy drive for those who rent a car or drive direct, though you can also take an airport shuttle from either airport.
It's also an easy drive from other popular cities such as New Orleans, which is only about three hours away.
To fully explore the region, you'll want to have a car on hand. However, basic facilities such as restaurants, groceries and gift shops are all within walking distance of most accommodations, so know that you won't really need the car once in Gulf Shores. In the city itself, you can also rely on ride-hailing services like Uber.
Related: The ultimate road trip through the coastal South
Things to do
There's a distinct vibe to the Gulf Shores area. The city is no doubt beachy, yet it also manages to be a little country at the same time.
Available activities range from more traditional beach town offerings like sunset cruises and water sports to one-of-a-kind experiences you can only find here, such as the Interstate Mullet Toss, an annual fish-themed event set for April 28 to 30 in 2023, at the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge, a community landmark since 1964.
The main draw, though, is the region's beautiful beaches. There are about 15 different entrances here between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
There's even Gulf State Park, which features both a beach as well as undeveloped marshland areas guests can hike through and camp in.
The Orange Beach area provides a number of shopping experiences like The Wharf, an outdoor mall with an amphitheater, a Ferris wheel and a working marina.
Families looking for a thrill won't want to miss the Waterville USA water and amusement park, which offers a variety of rides like waterslides and simulated surfing alongside drier activities like mini golf and gocarts.
One of the most anticipated things to do in Gulf Shores is the annual Hangout Music Festival, a three-day event featuring top musical acts. The festival, held May 19 to 21 in 2023, often draws impressive crowds thanks to its beachfront location and performances from big names like Post Malone, The Lumineers, Cardi B, Hozier and others.
When to go
Although prices and temperatures are pretty high during the busy summer months, it's still the best time to visit Gulf Shores. You'll enjoy ideal conditions for swimming, sunbathing and more at the region's beaches.
The summer months (plus May, September and October) are terrific for viewing wildlife, too. This is when three different species of endangered sea turtles come to shore to lay their eggs. Visitors can watch the turtles from a safe distance but are not permitted to disturb them or the nests they leave behind.
Note that this time of year coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, so you'll need to be prepared, especially from June to November. Keep an eye on the weather as you lock in details for your trip, and consider buying travel insurance just in case a storm derails your plans.
Related: 3 timely tips for finding and using travel insurance this summer
Where to sleep
There are several hotels in the area, including the Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach Beachfront, which is a few miles from the abovementioned Waterville USA. Rates start at $169 or between 38,000 and 159,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park is another Hilton property that puts guests right on the pristine beaches of the state park. Rates here start at $542 or between 45,000 and 205,000 Hilton Honors points, depending on the time of year. Other properties in the area include Best Western and Holiday Inn Express.
There are also hundreds of reasonably priced vacation rentals, ranging in size from cozy studios to multibedroom properties ideal for families and larger groups.
Related: When a vacation rental makes more sense than a hotel
Where to eat
There's no shortage of great food here, especially if you crave fresh-caught Gulf fish and shrimp.
Head to LuLu's, where colorful picnic benches and an enormous outdoor jungle gym await diners. It's run by Jimmy Buffet's sister, so expect a fun atmosphere similar to what you'll find at the Margaritaville chain of restaurants.
Looking for something fancier? Try Fisher's Upstairs, helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chef Bill Briand. Known for its upscale Southern coastal cuisine, such as its shrimp and cornbread-stuffed quail, as well as its gorgeous location on the marina in Orange Beach, it's the perfect location for a romantic night out or to celebrate a special occasion.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.