Top 19 Things to See, Do, and Eat in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Top 19 Things to See, Do, and Eat in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Whether you love the beach, watching wildlife and animals, or fun amusement parts (or all of the above), you’ll find so many fun things to do in Gulf Shores in Alabama.
Oh, and the food… You can’t forget all of the yummy food!
We live about 5 hours from Gulf Shores and have visited several times. It is one of our favorite vacations! Here are some of our favorite things to do, see, and eat in Gulf Shores…
The Beach – Gulf State Park
What can I say? With the sugary sand beaches, Gulf Shores is wonderful. You can play all day or spend a good amount of time relaxing.
The Gulf State Park received the 2018 Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor!
There is also a campground near the beach in the Gulf State Park where you can pitch a tent or stay in your RV. The campground is great for riding bikes and they have a nice pool.
Gulf Shores Public Beach WEBSITE
Gulf Shores State Park Campground WEBSITE
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
Above photo via
You and the whole family can go fishing if you like – you can rent some fishing gear or bring your own. You can also get a fishing permit here. Get some beautiful views of the beach and/or sunset. On occasion you might see a turtle, jellyfish, or even a shark!
If you head down to the beach from the pier, it’s best to swim at least 100 yards from the pier. The waves can push you into the pier and fishing scraps are thrown back into the ocean and attract sharks.
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier // 20115 State Highway 135 – Gulf Shores, AL 36542 // 251.948.7275
WEBSITE
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Above photo via
Also know as “The Little Zoo That Could”, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a small intimate zoo but has many animals and animal encounters. Kids will love the lemur, kangaroo, and reptile (as well as other) encounters. It is a great place to spend a few hours with the family.
The zoo is open from 9-4 every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo // 204 Gulf Shores Parkway – Gulf Shores, AL 36542 // 251-968-5732
OWA
Above photo courtesy OWA Amusement Park
We had such a fun time at OWA! There were kiddie rides, thrill rides, and many rides for the whole family. It does get hot in the summertime, but they do have some splash pads where you can cool off.
I think on our next visit, we will go at night. I’d love to see this place all lit up and visit when the weather has cooled down.
OWA Amusement Park // 1501 South OWA Blvd. – Foley, Alabama 36535 // 251.923.2111
See more info & photos from our trip to OWA HERE
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Above photo via
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful hike (two miles to the beach and a quarter of a mile through the dunes). Many people finish the walk in about two hours or so. It really depends on how many stops you make and how much time you spend at the beach.
The beach feels almost secluded and you and the kiddos will love seeing all the birds, pelicans, lizards and (possibly) some stingrays. Some love to stop and watch the wildlife from the observation towers in the area.
You don’t want to forget:
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Water to Drink
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge // 12295 State Highway 180 – Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 // 251.540.7720
Waterville, USA
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Waterville, USA is a waterpark and an amusement park in Gulf Shores.
The water park has kiddie rides for the little ones and also has a wave pool, a lazy river and 17 fun slides. You can even go Boogie-boarding on the Flowrider. See all of the Water Rides HERE.
The Amusement Park offers kiddie rides, a bungee trampoline, Miniature Golf, and go-carts. See all of the Amusement Park Rides HERE.
You can’t take food or drink into the park but they do serve food (or you can leave and come back.)
Waterville, USA // 906 Gulf Shores Pkwy – Gulf Shores, Alabama // 251.941.2106
Outlet Shopping
The Tanger Outlets are located in Foley, Alabama just a few miles north of Gulf Shores. It’s always fun to take a break from the beach and look for some great deals at the outlets. See the store directory HERE.
There is a shaded play area to keep kiddos happy while you’re there!
Read HERE about Kids Eat FREE at the Tanger Outlets until the December 18, 2018!*
*with adult entrée purchase – Tuesdays 4-7 only – participating restaurants
Tanger Outlets // 2601 S McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535 // 251.943.9303
The Track Family Recreation Center
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There is something for everyone here – even grown-ups who are just big kids.
The Track offers:
- Several Go-Carts/Tracks
- Blaster Bumper Boats
- Miniature Golf
- Arcade
- Carousel
- Mini Ferris Wheel
- Mini Airplanes
- Mini Train
- Mini Spin Top Ride
- Swings
- Sky Coaster
- Spin Coaster
The Track Recreation Center // 3200 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 // 251.270.0209
The Factory
Above photo via
Kids (and adults) love these indoor trampoline parks and The Factory is no exception. You and your family will have so much fun here.
The factory offers:
- Trampolines & Open Jump
- Foam Pit
- Trapeze
- Mega Slide
- Flight Similator
- Ninja Obstacle Course
- Extreme Dodgeball
- Arcade
See all of the fun activities at The Factory HERE.
The Factory // 18948 Oak Road West – Gulf Shores, AL 36542
What to Eat in Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores (and nearby Foley) have lots of restaurants to choose from. There are lots of fast food restaurants and the normal restaurant chains. There are also several specialty and locally owned restaurants where you can try something new. Here are some of our favorites.
Wahlburgers
We loved Wahlburgers! The burgers are so good! My stepdaughter said the Original was the best hamburger that she has ever had. I had the Dorchester with a gluten-free bun and it was fantastic. I cannot wait to eat here again!
Wahlburgers is located at OWA just a few miles north of Gulf Shores.
Wahlburgers Restaurant // 105 South OWA Boulevard, Suite 104-A – Foley, AL 36535
Lambert’s Cafe
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No trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast is complete without a trip to Lambert’s Café. The restaurant has a very casual, laid-back atmosphere and you are guaranteed to get plenty of food to eat and to have lots of fun. Lambert’s offers delicious home-cooked meals with huge portions.
They even come around before your meal to offer “pass arounds” like fried okra and potatoes and onions. They are known as “Home of the Throwed Rolls” because they literally throw you hot, fresh yeast rolls before and during your meal!
Lambert’s Café // 2981 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535 // 1.251.943.7655
LuLu’s Gulf Shores
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If you’re looking for a fun, casual place for a seafood dinner, then you will love Lulu’s (aka Jimmy Buffett’s sister). There can be quite a wait time during the busy season, but there is plenty to do while you wait. Just outside the restaurant is an adult rope course, a child’s rope course, an arcade, an area to play volleyball, a sandy play area…
Lulu’s also has a gluten-free menu and a menu for those with other allergies. You can see it HERE.
Lulu’s Gulf Shores // 200 East 25th Avenue – Gulf Shores, AL 36542 // 251.967.5858
Hog Wild Beach & BBQ
Above photo via
If you’ve had your fill of Gulf Coast seafood (is that really possible?) and you’re craving some stick-to-your-ribs BBQ, you have to head to Hog Wild Beach & BBQ! They have won the top 10 BBQ in Alabama and top 5 Fries in the state and have been featured on the Food Network. The restaurant has also received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence.
Hog Wild Beach & BBQ // 911 Gulf Shores Parkway – Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 // 251.600.9453
The Flying Harpoon
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If you like seafood, you will be in heaven at The Flying Harpoon. You’ll love the casual, laid-back atmosphere and the food is fantastic! This is a small restaurant with limited parking, but it is worth the effort to get a table. Locals and visitors both rave about the Po’boys!
See the Full Menu HERE
The Flying Harpoon // 112 Windmill Ridge Road – Gulf Shores, AL 36542 // 251.948.4645
S & S Seafood Market
Above photo via
Locals and visitors both rave about S & S Seafood Market. The restaurant has even received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence.
Try the crab, crab cocktail fingers, fried shrimp, and/or the crab cakes – you can thank me later! Order a variety of fish, pick it up, and take it back to your room or rental for a heavenly seafood buffet. You can also pick up some Smoked Tuna Dip to take back to your condo and have for lunch the next day.
S & S Seafood Market // 1154 West Beach Blvd – Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 // 251.968.3474
WEBSITE
Portabello’s
Above photo via
If you have already eaten your weight in seafood and you start craving some delicious Italian food, you gotta head over to Portabello’s in Foley.
From pizza to pasta dishes, Portabello’s offers a variety of Italian favorites. You can even build your own pizza or pasta. The lasagna and garlic knots seem to be a favorites amongst locals and tourists alike.
If you’re really feeling adventurous, try the Gulf Pizza (pictured above). It is made with a sun-dried tomato pesto sauce, spinach, artichokes, and shrimp. See the full menu HERE.
Portabello’s // 321 South McKenzie Street (Higway 59 & 98) – Foley, Alabama 36535 // 251.943.7773
WEBSITE
Bahama Bob’s Beachside Café
Above photo via
From the Seafood Gumbo to the Pecan Crusted Whitefish to the steamed Crab Legs, there are so many delicious seafood options at Bahama Bob’s Beachside Café. See the full MENU HERE.
The food is fantastic and you can’t beat the view!
Bahama Bob’s Beachside Café // 601 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 // 251.948.2100
Flip Flop Deli Shop
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Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a late evening snack, Flip Flop Deli offers delicious deli food at reasonable prices. You gotta try the HUGE Cub Club Sandwich, an ice cream cone, and/or a specialty espresso drink.
I honestly have to say that I’m a sucker for the Walking Taco and Taco Pizza! See the Full Menu HERE.
Flip Flop Deli Shop // 524 West Beach Blvd – Gulf Shores, AL 36542 // 251.540.2188
Writing this post is making me want to head back to Gulf Shores (even though we were just there last month)! Have you been to Gulf Shores? Any fun activities you recommend? Or, any restaurants we need to know about? Let us know in the comments!
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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This looks like a great trip!
Oh,the food! I have to go!
Beautiful places with yummy food ideas
Wow! I had no idea there was that much stuff to do and so much delicious looking food!
This looks like a great trip just to eat 🙂 plus all the bonus stuff. Awesome article
Never been to Alabama before but this post made me want to go now!
You put delectable seafood and gorgeous beach pictures and sell me on the place! Helpful list..thanks for this one!
Wow, so many places to visit and things to do! I love seafood and the beach and I will definitely checkout OWA and Waterville, USA. Thanks for all of the great suggestions!
I’d love to visit the south-especially to eat! I imagine the cuisine is fantastic
Wow great list – lots to do. Everything looks fun and right up my street but I think I would like the beach and wildlife refuge the most.
Waterville park has grabbed my eye, the most. I don’t know….it looks so cool!
Looks like yous had a blast there. oh my goodness, look at those tasty and mouthwatering dishes. it is amazing <3
Looks like an awesome place! Would love to bring the family. They would love it there.
Wow there is soooo much in this article! I really love Lambert’s cafe and would go to the one in Missouri quite a bit when I lived in Saint Louis.
Awesome places! Wow! That’s a lot of good food! Alabama is a great place!
Oh my goodness, I got so hungry reading about the restaurants, I was ready to drive down to Gulf Shores just to eat! Definitely going to check out as many as I can.
We were just there. I wish I’d have thought of the zoo!
What a fun trip. It looks like you had a great time. Such beautiful photos…I definitely want to visit!
I’m going to Alabama this summer and will have to see if we’re going to be near here. I have a friend who moved there and she’s excited to show me all of her favorite spots. I hope we can fit in some of these too.
There looks like there is so much to do here. You have provided a great list of things for people to choose from that I am sure will help out anyone that is visiting.
I never really thought about going to Alabama before, it looks beautiful though. May need to add it to my want to do list.
I know I’m a little biased because I live in Alabama – but I thinks it’s a beautiful state and I especially love the beaches!
Ooooh, you covered eats and treats and fun stuff to do. I am bookmarking this for the next time I am in the area. Thanks!
Girl…you know I have to “research” all of the good food!
These all look like amazing places! We are finally settled into Tampa, Fl and I am already itching to explore up the gulf coast so I hope to check these out soon!
That sounds like a dream road trip, Trina! I hope this helps when you get to Gulf Shores!
WOW – I didn’t realize there was so much to do there! Alabama hasn’t really been on my list as I wasn’t sure what to fill my time with, but now I know I could!
Oh yeah, after going to Gulf Shores, you can drive North and go to Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL.