![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/PIN-19-Gulf-Shores.jpg?resize=640%2C960&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Oh, and the food… You can’t forget all of the yummy food!<\/p>\n
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…<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/gulf-shores-.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Gulf State Park received the 2018 Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor!<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Gulf Shores Public Beach WEBSITE<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Gulf Shores State Park Campground WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 Get some beautiful views of the beach and\/or sunset. On occasion you might see a turtle, jellyfish, or even a shark!<\/p>\n 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\u00a0 attract sharks.<\/p>\n Gulf State Park Fishing Pier\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 20115 State Highway 135 – Gulf Shores, AL 36542\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 251.948.7275<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The zoo is open from 9-4 every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.<\/p>\n Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 204 Gulf Shores Parkway – <\/span>Gulf Shores, AL 36542\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 <\/span>251-968-5732<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo courtesy OWA Amusement Park<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n OWA Amusement Park\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 1501 South OWA Blvd. – Foley, Alabama 36535\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 251.923.2111<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n See more info & photos from our trip to OWA HERE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful hike (two miles to the beach and a quarter of a mile through the dunes).\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n You don’t want to forget:<\/p>\n Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 12295 State Highway 180 – Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 251.540.7720<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Waterville, USA is a waterpark and an amusement park in Gulf Shores.<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The Amusement Park offers kiddie rides, a bungee trampoline, Miniature Golf, and go-carts. See all of the Amusement Park Rides HERE.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n You can’t take food or drink into the park but they do serve food (or you can leave and come back.)<\/p>\n Waterville, USA\u00a0 \/\/ \u00a0906 Gulf Shores Pkwy – <\/span>Gulf Shores, Alabama\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 251.941.2106<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n There is a shaded play area to keep kiddos happy while you’re there!<\/p>\n Read HERE about Kids Eat FREE at the Tanger Outlets until the December 18, 2018!*<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n *with adult entr\u00e9e purchase – Tuesdays 4-7 only – participating restaurants<\/p>\n \u00a0Tanger Outlets\u00a0 \/\/ \u00a02601 S McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 251.943.9303<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n There is something for everyone here – even grown-ups who are just big kids.<\/p>\n The Track offers:<\/p>\n The Track Recreation Center\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 3200 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 251.270.0209<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Kids (and adults) love these indoor trampoline parks and The Factory is no exception. You and your family will have so much fun here.<\/p>\n The factory offers:<\/p>\n See all of the fun activities at The Factory HERE.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The Factory\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 18948 Oak Road West – Gulf Shores, AL 36542<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n Wahlburgers is located at OWA just a few miles north of Gulf Shores.<\/p>\n Wahlburgers Restaurant \/\/\u00a0 105 South OWA Boulevard, Suite 104-A\u00a0 – Foley, AL 36535<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n No trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast is complete without a trip to Lambert’s Caf\u00e9. 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.<\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n Lambert’s Caf\u00e9\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 2981 S McKenzie St<\/span>, Foley, AL 36535<\/span>\u00a0 \/\/ 1.251.943.7655<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE for Lambert’s Caf\u00e9\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n 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…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Lulu’s also has a gluten-free menu and a menu for those with other allergies. You can see it HERE.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Lulu’s Gulf Shores\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 200 East 25th Avenue – Gulf Shores, AL 36542\u00a0 \/\/ 251.967.5858<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/em><\/a> The restaurant has also received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence.<\/p>\n Hog Wild Beach & BBQ\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 911 Gulf Shores Parkway – Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 251.600.9453<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n See the Full Menu HERE<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The Flying Harpoon\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 112 Windmill Ridge Road – Gulf Shores, AL 36542\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 251.948.4645<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Locals and visitors both rave about S & S Seafood Market. The restaurant has even received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence. <\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n S & S Seafood Market\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 1154 West Beach Blvd – Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 251.968.3474<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Portabello’s\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 321 South McKenzie Street (Higway 59 & 98) – Foley, Alabama 36535\u00a0 \/\/ 251.943.7773<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n 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 Caf\u00e9.\u00a0\u00a0See the full MENU HERE.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The food is fantastic and you can’t beat the view!<\/p>\n Bahama Bob’s Beachside Caf\u00e9\u00a0 \/\/ \u00a0601 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542\u00a0 \/\/ 251.948.2100<\/em><\/p>\n WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n I honestly have to say that I’m a sucker for the Walking Taco and Taco Pizza! See the Full Menu HERE.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\nGulf State Park Fishing Pier<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/3DB61842-0D9F-44B6-A2A2-C6E986C7C2B9.jpeg?resize=550%2C367&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/63FD3F85-AD11-4E4B-BD96-8C9EE56E30C7.jpeg?resize=550%2C367&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nOWA<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Flying-Carousel-Wide-4.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nBon Secour National Wildlife Refuge<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Sandpiper.jpg?resize=717%2C479&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n\n
Waterville, USA<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/4EED21A1-E65F-43A7-AEF7-05D5301F1D3A.jpeg?resize=550%2C412&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nOutlet Shopping<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/taner.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nThe Track Family Recreation Center<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/GoKarts3.jpg?resize=500%2C333&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n\n
The Factory<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/factory.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n\n
<\/h2>\n
What to Eat in Gulf Shores<\/h2>\n
Wahlburgers<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Gulf-Shores-15.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nLambert’s Cafe<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/lamberts-.jpg?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nLuLu’s Gulf Shores<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Lulus-AL-GLF-SHR-6929.jpg?resize=490%2C326&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nHog Wild Beach & BBQ<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/9543D65D-ADE1-4A0B-92FA-31EC717133BD.jpeg?resize=550%2C413&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nThe Flying Harpoon<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Flying-Harpoon-.jpg?resize=550%2C309&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nS & S Seafood Market<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/s-n-s.jpg?resize=550%2C309&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nPortabello’s<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/gulf-pizza-portabellas-restaurant.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
Bahama Bob’s Beachside Caf\u00e9<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/bahama-bob.jpg?resize=550%2C412&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nFlip Flop Deli Shop<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/flip-flop.jpg?resize=550%2C413&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n
![\"Top](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/PIN-Gulf-Shores-02.jpg?resize=640%2C960&ssl=1\" "\\"Top")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"