Gulf Shores is one of the most underrated places I have visited! It’s chic, fun, relaxing, and boasts beautiful beaches! From nice accommodations, delicious food, experiences, and spa offerings, Gulf Shores, AL has everything you need for a memorable trip. I went on a girls’ trip with my friends, but it’s also an excellent destination for families or couples. I’d love to go back with my hubby sometime soon.
When people think about Gulf Shores, Alabama, they usually imagine sandy beaches and sunny days, and honestly, they’re not wrong.
But after spending time here, I realized Gulf Shores offers way more than just a pretty shoreline. It’s one of those places where you can slow down, breathe a little deeper, and enjoy every part of your day, whether you’re having a spa day, a picnic on the beach, devouring fresh Gulf seafood, or simply relaxing at your beach rental.
In this guide, I’m sharing some of the best things to do in Gulf Shores, from low-key adventures to memory-making moments you won’t want to miss. So, read on for some of the top things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with your girls or even your partner.
1. Eat AMAZING Seafood
If you are a seafood lover like me, you are going to be in paradise. From casual to upscale restaurants, every meal that we had was delicious.
For dinners, Voyagers is great for a fancy night out, Top Sail Steamers is an excellent choice if you want to cultivate togetherness and cook/eat at home, and Villaggio Grill is a good option if you want something in between. I loved the scallops there. My friends were obsessed with the crab legs at the Picnic, but I preferred the ones at Zeke’s Landing. (They loved how the ones at Picnic were seasoned, but I felt the quality was so good at Zeke’s Landing that the true crab test was able to stand on its own.)
Last but certainly not least, The Gulf, this casual yet chic seaside spot, had one of the best fish sandwiches, the Snapper BLT, I have ever had.
Below are the addresses of each restaurant mentioned:
Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort
27200 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561
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It’s a fine-dining experience that still captures the laid-back vibe of a cozy beach town. The seasonal menu showcases locally sourced produce, sustainable seafood, and organic meats — all thoughtfully prepared to highlight the fresh, coastal flavors of the region.
Picnic Beach Alabama
128 E 1st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
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This spot emphasizes fresh, clean ingredients — from nourishing green juices to thoughtfully crafted organic cocktails. The crab legs were a standout — my friends were obsessed!
Topsail Steamer (you make this at home)
1544 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
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They make it easy to bring the coastal flavors to your beach house with their Seafood Steam Pots — portioned for any group size, ready for you to steam and enjoy at your convenience.
The Gulf
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561
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The Gulf is a casual-chic seaside spot where the laid-back beach vibes meet great food, drinks, and warm, friendly service — all set against a stunning backdrop of sun, sand, and lush coastal views. Highly recommend the Snapper BLT — it was delicious!
Villaggio Grill
4790 Main Street, Suite F 108-B, Orange Beach, AL 36561 (located in the Wharf)
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A local favorite that blends the fresh flavors of Gulf seafood with the cozy richness of Italian-inspired dishes. We especially loved the scallops — they were perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
Zeke’s Landing Marina
26619 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
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This spot serves up fresh, locally sourced seafood and handcrafted cocktails in a laid-back setting, offering your choice of indoor or outdoor seating and providing sweeping views of the beautiful Back Bay. I loved the crablegs here!
2. Tour The Navy Cove Oyster Farm
2737 Highway 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
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If you’ve ever been curious about how oysters are produced, this tour is for you! For a more hands-on experience, you can put on waders and join the crew in the water. Alternatively, if that sounds like too much, you’re perfectly fine to stay on shore and watch.
Sadly, the weather didn’t permit us to do this activity on the day we had scheduled, but my friend went on a previous trip and raved about how much fun it was.
3. Have a Beach Picnic with Beach Moms
Omg, this is what Instagram dreams are made of, but it also feels so good in real life!! You can’t help but feel joyful and special when you walk into this gorgeous picnic setup made just for you and your people. Add some sunshine, good conversation, and a delicious spread, and you have the makings of a perfect day and a lasting memory.
This was truly a highlight of our trip!
Side Note: Beach Moms also offers concierge services. So, if you’d like, they can plan your whole trip, stock your fridge, and more!
4. Do Some Coastal Shopping
From journals, hats, and cute fits, you will find something to take home from one of the boutiques at The Wharf or SanRoc Cay Marina.
If you prefer big box shopping or in the market for a bargain, you can also find some options at the Tanger Outlets Foley.
5. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise or Dolphin Watching with Sail Wild Hearts
27101 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL (Departs from the pier across from Perdido Beach Resort)
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Sail Wild Hearts has a 53ft Sailing Catamaran with sailing options ranging from Sunset Cruises to Dolphin Watching. We took the sunset cruise and were lucky enough to spot some dolphins as well! The cruise provides casual light snacks and drinks, so you won’t starve on this three-hour experience!
6. Stay in and Enjoy Your Accommodations!
*I stayed here:
1592 West Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
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When you have nice accommodations, there’s nothing like getting to your house or room early and putting on your PJs or loungewear to enjoy an evening in. We grabbed food from Topsail Steamer, a to-go eatery that provides single-use seafood steam pots for you to make at home, and enjoyed it along with lots of laughs in our beach house.
By the way, we loved our beach house! It was coastal chic and very spacious. With four bedrooms and four full bathrooms, we each had our own space and were able to come together in the outdoor area and, of course, the full kitchen, living room, and dining room. To learn more about our accommodations, click here to read my friend’s full overview.
You can book our beachhouse here and save an extra 10% with our code, TRAVELCOUPLE.
7. Explore Alabama’s White-Sand Beaches
This 32-mile beach destination is stunning! Millions of years ago, crushed quartz washed down from the Appalachian Mountains and was deposited in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in the beautiful, soft, white sand beaches of Gulf Shores, AL.
Walking and lounging on these gorgeous beaches felt like we had discovered a secret gem. Not enough people are talking about the beaches of Gulf Shores, AL, but they should be! Anyhow, if you don’t know, now you know! With beaches to match all different styles and vibes, click here to find the beach that best suits you.
How to BEach SAFE….You can receive daily beach flag conditions by texting “ALBEACHES” to 888777. For the full daily beach report, simply click on the link that comes in the text each morning. When your trip is over, you can easily opt out by simply texting “STOP” to 888777.
8. Zen Out with Some Yoga on the Beach with Glow Studio
We wanted to soak up as much beach time as possible while also experiencing the area, so one morning we decided to start the day with beach yoga with Glow Studio. It was so peaceful and relaxing, even for a beginner like me. However, if you prefer your fitness indoors or with groups, they also offer yoga, barre, and spin classes at their studio.
10. Get on the Water
From boating, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, paddle boarding, and more, if being on the water is your happy place, you will have plenty of options to explore. To discover more, click here.
11. Have Drinks at 8 Reale OBAL (a Speakeasy)
4851 Wharf Pkwy D-112, Orange Beach, AL (at the Wharf)
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This Speakeasy is super swanky and gives big city vibes. The drink menu was quite exhaustive, spanning about ten pages, with a wide selection of wines, beers, gins, and all the classics. To our delight, it also featured very cute and creative cocktails and mocktails. I had the Matcha Mamma Mocktail.
To access it, you walk through a jewelry store where you will find a secret entry. You can check their Facebook page to get the current code to enter.
12. Indulge in Some Spa Time
The Spa at the Beach Club
453 Beach Club Trl, Gulf Shores, AL, United States
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Serenity at the Beach Salon & Spa
27267 Perdido Beach Blvd #203, Orange Beach, AL 36561
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Every vacation should have a bit of pampering! We ensured that it happened both at home and at the spa. At our beachhouse, we did face and eye masks while watching Girlfriends and With Love, Megan. Good times!
We also got massages at Serenity at The Beach Salon & Spa. It’s an Aveda Concept Salon, so it smelled divine, and the products were, of course, good. We also heard great things about The Spa at the Beach Club. It’s also an Aveda Concept Salon, but it’s a bit larger and offers a broader range of services.
To read about other spas at various price points, click here.
Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores, AL, is a beautiful, underrated destination and has something for everyone! From spas to beaches to speakeasys to water sports to beach picnics, you can stay as busy as you like or choose to do nothing at all. We hope you enjoy it and let it be whatever you need – a place to relax, a place for adventure, or somewhere in between.
Whatever the case, wishing you love, light, and happy travels!
For more help with planning your trip, check out my full itinerary and discover even more things to do on the Gulf Shores Website.
FAQ About Visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama
What is the closest airport?
Pensacola, Florida (PNS) typically offers the most flight options and is approximately an hour away. However, starting in Summer 2025, Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA) will begin offering direct flights.
Is Gulf Shores worth visiting if I’m not a beach person?
Absolutely. While the beaches are beautiful, there’s plenty to do beyond the sand, like hiking in Gulf State Park, dolphin cruises, shopping at The Wharf, or exploring the local food scene.
What’s the best time of year to visit Gulf Shores?
Spring (March–May) and early fall (September–October) are perfect if you want warm weather without the heavy summer crowds. Plus, hotel prices are usually a little better during these seasons.
Is Gulf Shores family-friendly?
Honestly, Gulf Shores is whatever you want it to be: a couples trip, a girls trip, and yes, it’s also good for families! Between the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Waterville USA waterpark, and tons of outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun. It’s a great spot for multigenerational trips as well.
Are there any hidden gems in Gulf Shores?
Yes! Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a peaceful place to hike and spot wildlife without the crowds. Also, head to Fort Morgan if you’re a history buff — it’s a beautiful (and less touristy) spot.
Do I need a car to get around Gulf Shores?
While you can Uber around, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to have a rental car. Attractions and restaurants are somewhat spread out, and having your own transportation allows you to explore at your own pace.
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We were hosted by the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Board, but all thoughts and opinions are our own.
