City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Gulf Shores, Alabama
The southern coast of Alabama features the sparkling blue waves and flame-fringed sunsets of the Gulf of Mexico. Combine that with small town charm and a laid-back attitude, and you’ve got the perfect beachfront boating getaway. Located in Baldwin County, Gulf Shores has been named among the top 10 best family beaches, one of the best coastal small towns and the most beautiful town in Alabama by U.S.A. Today, Family Vacation Critic and Expedia.
Whether you’re there for the beach, the boat or the seafood selections, Gulf Shores makes a great destination for the whole family. Gulf Shores private boat dock rentals are within easy access to seafood festivals, golf courses, beautiful beaches and offshore, back country and spearfishing charter trips. Let’s take a look at some things to do in Gulf Shores.
Gulf State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf State Park has two miles of beaches as well as nature trails, dunes, a pier, a zip line and a golf course. There’s a campground, a picnic pavilion and a nature center. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, geocaching and swimming and paddleboarding in Lake Shelby, which also has a Dog Park. There are beach vendors for parasailing and kayaking.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (via Facebook)
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge features a wide variety of coastal and forest habitats with wildlife such as sea turtles, armadillos, bobcats, the Alabama beach mouse and more than 300 different types of birds, including several hummingbirds and the snowy plover. An observation tower at Pine Beach Trail offers views of Little Lagoon and Gator Lake. Check out the visitor center for exhibits, displays and events like monarch butterfly tagging. There’s a kayak and canoe launch as well.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Photo: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (via Facebook)
With more than 500 animals, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a fun place to visit when you want a day away from wherever your private boat dock is located. Animals include lemurs, kangaroos, reptiles, Bengal tigers, toe-toed sloths, dromedary camels and an American black bear. Visit the petting zoo, watch an educational stage show and enjoy up-close animal encounters where you can feed and hold cute critters.
The zoo has 22 endangered species and promotes conservation initiatives and education through Keeper Talks, group learning and kids’ camps. It opened in 1989 and gained the nickname “the little zoo that could” after garnering national attention for saving every single animal (but being completely destroyed) after Hurricane Ivan in 2004. It’s since come back better than ever.
Fort Morgan State Historic Site
Photo: Wikimedia
Sitting where the Bay meets the Gulf on Mobile Point, the 19th century Fort Morgan was built between 1819 and 1834. It guarded the area’s waterways during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1865 and was used in the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II. Spend a day exploring the fort, visiting the museum and learning about fort life and the history of the U.S. Army. The surrounding area is popular for fishing, picnicking and wildlife watching among dune and marsh habitats. There’s also a boat launch and a beach. The site is dog-friendly, but leashes are required.
Waterway Village
Outdoor dining at LuLu's at Waterway Village (Photo: Lulu's Gulf Shores via Facebook)
Waterway Village is a shopping and dining district set along both sides of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The area hosts events such as an annual Art Market and a crawfish and Zydeco festival. Boat lift rentals near Portage Creek and Oyster Bay are convenient to waterfront restaurants like LuLu’s Gulf Shores, Tacky Jack’s and Acme Oyster House of New Orleans fan. LuLu’s (owned by LuLu Buffett, sister of Jimmy) is a destination all its own with an arcade, beach volleyball, a climbing ropes course and live music.
Waterville USA
Photo: Waterville USA (via Facebook)
For a splashing good time, head to Waterville USA. The 20-acre waterpark has 17 slides, a lazy river, wave pool and FlowRider surf simulator as well as kids’ play areas with slides and dumping buckets. You can also rent a private cabana for a bit of relaxation. There’s an amusement park next door with all the thrilling land-based fun of go-karts, mini golf, an arcade, a kid-sized train, an escape room and an interactive Virtual Reality experience.
Hopefully you’ve found some new and interesting activities to check out the next time you’re cruising the coast of Gulf Shores. Boat lifts for rent or private dock rentals near Bon Secour Bay or Mobile Bay make the perfect anchorage for a day or week of fun. Happy boating!
