Gulf Shores is definitely our favorite place to visit in Alabama. Their logo is “Small Town, Big Beach”, and it is definitely accurate. We actually spent just spent 6 weeks there, because we love it so much, and we were blown away by all of the cheap things the town has to offer. Here are our top favorite things to do in “The Shores”, for a family on a budget.
Make sure to check out this interactive map of Gulf Shores, before your trip!
Top FREE things to do in Gulf Shores
Visit the Beach!
This is probably the main reason you plan on going to Gulf Shores, so it should definitely be number one on the list. If you are staying at a hotel that isn’t close to the beach, the best public beach to visit is probably the one by Gulf State Park Pier. Parking is free, and it’s a pretty short walk. They also have free wash off stations, so you can rinse the sand off yourself after your done. You can also enjoy the views from the beginning of the pier, but there is a fee if you want to walk to the end.
Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bon_secour/
With several walk trails, amazing views, and the chance to see the local wildlife up close, Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge should be #1 on your FREE list. It’s easy walking, and is great if you have little ones like we do. We usually take the Jeff Friend Trail, because it is a quick loop, but there are longer trails if you are looking for an all day adventure. There are several benches along the path, if you need to take a break, and some absolutely stunning views of Little Lagoon. There is always the possibility of seeing snakes and alligators when you are on the trail, but the most we have ever seen are birds, butterflies, and some beautiful fauna.
Detailed information on all the trails at Bon Secour can be found here: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bon_secour/visitor_activities_/
Wade Ward Nature Park
Journey through the gulf coast wetlands on an elevated boardwalk. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as otters, pelicans, and the occasional alligator. The 12-acre nature park overlooks canals and salt marshlands, and offers a pavilion and benches, so you can stop and enjoy the views.
Gulf State Park
http://www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park
Gulf State park is a hub of activities and I can promise that you can always find something the family will love. Stop by the nature center to see a living museum of plants and animals that are native to the gulf coast. They also offer guide walks and nature time for the kids. Then, check out the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail to enjoy 25 miles of paved trails that are great for walking or bike riding. All activities are free, but you will have to pay a $2 parking fee per vehicle, if you are not staying at the campground. Make sure to check out the list of weekly activities here: http://alapark.com/Gulf-State-Park-Activities
The park also offers Kayak and paddle board rentals, segway tours, and parasailing.
Geocaching
http://www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park-geocaching
Geocaching has become my family’s new favorite hobby, and Gulf Shores has a ton of them. For the most popular ones, visit the Gulf State Park page link above.
Top CHEAP things to do in Gulf Shores
THIS CATEGORY IS FOR PLACES THAT OFFER ADULT TICKETS FOR $15 OR LESS. A FAMILY OF 4 CAN SPEND LESS THAN $50 ON ADMISSION.
Gulf State Park Pier
http://www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park-fishing-and-education-pier
For some amazing views, the pier is definitely one of the best places to go. Get a chance to see sharks, dolphins, jellyfish, turtles, schools of fish, and flocks of birds. The pier is a major fishing spot as well, but you will need a license. Due to all of the fishing, it is pretty much guaranteed that you will see sharks. Last time we were there, we saw over 20, so it’s also a good idea to walk a little further down the beach, if you want to get in the water after your visit to the pier.
The Pier is open 24 Hours. Sightseeing fees are $4 a person for an all day pass or $3 a person for a one-time pass.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
http://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com/
Take a walk on the wild side, and spend the day at Gulf Coast Zoo. They have over 500 exotic animals including: lions, tigers, bears, primates, leopards, wolves, and more! The zoo is nonprofit, and it’s primary purpose is to educate visitors, in hopes of helping to save the animal’s endangered wild counterparts. They also offer several animal encounters, and provide the opportunity to learn about Kangaroos, Lemurs, Reptiles, and more, while getting an up close and personal experience.
Open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Daily • $11 Adults • $9 Seniors • $8 Kids 3-12 • Kids age 2 and Under are FREE! •
Fort Morgan
Although it is not exactly in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan should still definitely be on the list. It’s full of history and absolutely stunning views. The fort was used during the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II, and it is chock full of history. Visit the museum, take a walk through the fort, go on a walk through the marsh, or view the birds and crabs down at the beach. Everything the fort has to offer is included in admission. Make sure to check the schedule to see when the next living history day is.
Grounds are open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
$7 Adults • $5 Seniors • $5 Students over 12 • $4 Kids 6-12 • Kids 5 & Under are FREE
Ways to SPLURGE in Gulf Shores
THIS CATEGORY IS FOR PLACES THAT OFFER ADULT TICKETS FOR $16 OR MORE. A FAMILY OF 4 WILL SPEND MORE THAN $50.
The Track
http://www.gulfshorestrack.com/
Probably one of the best places to hang out after dark, The Track offers something for the whole family. Whether you love mini golf, bumper boats, go-carts, or just want to take the little kids on a few rides, you are sure to have a blast. They offer several different go-cart tracks, depending on the level of excitement you are after. And, they even have a sky swing, if you are really feeling adventurous.
Hours vary by season, so make sure to check the following link, before visiting: http://www.gulfshorestrack.com/about_hours.aspx
Waterville USA
http://www.watervilleusa.com/index.cfm
If your looking to make a splash and ride a few water slides, Waterville USA is for you. Visit during the day and play in the water park. Float on the lazy river, jump around at the wave pool, try to surf on the flowrider, take the little ones to WaWa World or the shrimp boat village, or get your adrenaline pumping at one of the many water slides. Visit after dark and get your thrills at the amusement park. Ride the wooden coaster, play some mini golf, visit the arcade, or have a family race with go-carts.
Zip-lining at Gulf Adventure Center
http://www.gulfadventurecenter.com/
If you are the adventurous type (and have no fear of heights), then this one is definitely for you. You’ll get a birds-eye view of the area, and a one-of-a-kind experience to tell your friends when you get home.
The Wilder Lives 
Leave a comment