Top 10 Things to Do | Gulf Shores Locals' List

Top 10 Things Locals Love

Gulf Shores goes far beyond just its beautiful beaches. Prepare for an unforgettable vacation with these 10 things locals love to do.

1. The Beach, of Course: Begin with the iconic Gulf Shores public beach, an oasis with miles of soft, powder-white sandy shoreline and soothing waves. Whether you prefer sunbathing, swimming, building sandcastles, or strolling along the shore, this beach beckons you back for more. For a more natural beach experience, explore the Gulf State Park Beach, surrounded by a wildlife haven with walking trails, picnic areas, and the public fishing pier. Plus, a very popular and fun thing for the kids is to go ghost crab hunting at night.

2. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: A haven for nature lovers, Bon Secour, meaning “Safe Harbor” in French, is a sanctuary for migratory birds, sea turtles, and endangered species. Take a hike through pristine landscapes, marshes, and dunes to witness Mother Nature's wonders up close.

3. Dolphin Cruise: Embark on a thrilling dolphin cruise, where you can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. Watch as they playfully leap and surf in the waves alongside the boat, creating unforgettable memories. There are numerous dolphin cruise providers departing from marinas at The Wharf, Bear Point, Sportsman's, and more. 

4. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: For family-friendly fun, visit the recently expanded Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, offering a variety of animals, interactive exhibits, and a safari-themed playground for the little ones. Lions, tigers, giraffes, and more await your discovery, along with a delicious African-themed restaurant.

5. Exciting Water Sports: Gulf Shores is a water lover's paradise, offering activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing. Feel the thrill as you glide across the water, making the most of your time in this coastal wonderland. You'll find many resources online for watersports rentals and activities.

6. Unwind at the Wharf: Experience a fusion of shopping, dining, and entertainment at The Wharf. This vibrant destination boasts boutique stores, delicious restaurants, and an amphitheater hosting year-round concerts and events. Don't miss the stunning Ferris wheel for an unparalleled view.

7. Tee Off at World-Class Golf Courses: Golf enthusiasts can rejoice in Gulf Shores, home to several top-notch golf courses designed by renowned architects. Practice your swing amid breathtaking landscapes, providing a unique golfing experience.

8. Saltwater Fishing: Gulf Shores is a fisherman's paradise, especially from May through August. Charter a trip with some of the most experienced Captains for the thrill of a lifetime, enjoy big-game fishing tournaments like the Blue Marlin Championship and the Billfish Classic where you can watch proud fishermen bring in their massive catches during public weigh-ins at The Wharf.

9. Eat like a Local: There are “touristy” restaurants and then there are the restaurants locals love. Plan to eat like a local with the help of this advice.

10. Day-trip to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab: During your stay, particularly if you have children with you, take a day trip on the Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island, where you can visit the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The drive-on ferry offers a 40 minute scenic ride across the scenic bay where you then drive off to visit the Sea Lab complete with interactive exhibits and touch tanks filled with fascinating sea creatures.

As we conclude our exploration of the best things in Gulf Shores, consider these additional "Honorable Mention" points of interest such as Fort Morgan for Civil War history buffs, the USS Alabama battleship in Mobile and the Pensacola Naval Air Station museum for Naval warfare enthusiasts.

Check out these additional helpful links to plan your stay:

Where locals like to eat and drink

Things locals like to do

Places to shop

Great fishing charters

Local favorite golf courses

Take a moment also to review local advice about what to do, and NOT do, at Gulf Shores' public beaches.

Easter in Gulf Shores | What to Do

Wondering what to do for Easter in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? There is an assortment of festivities spanning our beaches, resorts, and dining spots. From the iconic skydiving Easter Bunny at the Flora-Bama to breakfast encounters with the Easter Bunny at Tacky Jacks, and the tranquil sunrise service at The Hangout, residents and tourists are invited to come enjoy the holiday. With offerings ranging from classic egg hunts and creative crafts to delicious brunches and live entertainment, the week ahead promises a harmonious blend of enjoyment and tradition to celebrate Easter.

GULF SHORES

Gulf Shores hosts its annual Breakfast with the Bunny on March 23 at the Erie Meyer Civic Center at 8 a.m. Priced at $5, the breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon, with opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will also have a selection of animals on display.

GULF STATE PARK

From March 25 to 30, Gulf State Park presents the GoldenEggstravaganza, featuring hidden golden eggs throughout the park with redeemable prizes. Guests can register online for a chance to win the grand prize and participate in an Easter egg hunt at the campground amphitheater for children aged 10 and under at 9 a.m.

LULU’S AT HOMEPORT MARINA

At LuLu’s, adorned in tropical attire, the Easter Bunny will delight children on Easter Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. An exciting Easter EggDash, featuring over 6,000 hidden eggs throughout the complex, will commence at 1 p.m., with opportunities for memorable photo ops with the Easter Bunny.

FLORA-BAMA LOUNGE

Continuing its long-standing tradition, the Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar will host Easter services on the beach and the thrilling descent of the Easter Bunny fromthe skies on March 30, commencing festivities at 11 a.m. with kids' crafts and face painting. An exhilarating Easter egg hunt will kick off at noon on the beach, followed by the opportunity for snapshots with the Easter Bunny.

TACKY JACKS ORANGE BEACH

A beloved Gulf Coast establishment, Tacky Jacks Orange Beach invites guests to indulge in Breakfast on the Bayou with the Bunny on March 23 from 8 a.m. to noon. The event includes the lively Bunny Hop Dance party, arts and crafts, and complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny. Specials feature a choice of short stack or French toast sticks priced at $6.99. Registration is available via the provided link.

GTS ON THE BAY

Overlooking the waterfront, GTS on the Bay presents an Easter Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a tempting array of dishes such as eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine, pork loin, chicken fried steak, and shrimp and grits. Priced at $26 for adults, $13 for children aged six to 12, and $6 for those five and under, the brunch includes access to the salad bar, with additional offerings including sausage links, hashbrown casserole, and delightful desserts like lemon bread pudding with blueberry sauce.

COBALT THE RESTAURANT

Easter Brunch at Cobalt The Restaurant offers an enticing Easter buffet spread featuring prime rib, pork loin, shrimp and scallop cakes, lamb, and an omelet station. Side dishes include an assortment of vegetables, mac and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, grits, salads, and a delectable selection of desserts.

PERDIDO BEACH RESORT

Perdido Beach Resort invites guests to savor an Easterbrunch by the seaside, commencing at 11:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday. Priced at $48 for adults, $20 for children aged six to 12, and complimentary for children five and under, the brunch experience includes a seaside service at 10 a.m., a kids' crafting room from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., live music by Lisa Zanghi in Nancy's Lobby Lounge, and opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny.

COASTAL ORANGE BEACH

Embark on a delightful meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny on March 30-31 at Coastal Orange Beach, the Gulf Coast's newest beachfront dining destination. Additionally, on March 30, Sand Castle University will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering expert tips and tricks for crafting impressive sand sculptures.

ZEKE’S RESTAURANT AND LANDING

Festivities at Zeke's Restaurant and Landing begin at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday with a brunch featuring live music from noon to 4 p.m. AnEaster egg hunt, with a Hangout Fest ticket as the grand prize, is scheduled for 2 p.m., alongside opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

BEAR POINT EGG HUNT

On Saturday, March 30, the Easter Bunny will make a specialappearance at the Bear Point Community Association Community Center at 1 p.m., hosting an egg hunt for children aged 0-10. Prizes will be awarded for each age group, and refreshments will be provided for participants. Please ensure arrival by 12:30 p.m. for registration.

Photo by J. Triepke

Is the Water Clear in Gulf Shores?

Gulf Shores photo by
Courtney Richmond 

With is white sand beaches and white sand bottom, the water is typically clear and a beautiful blue-green color in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL. 

However, like most beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, the water's clarity is sometimes impacted by storms in the Gulf or by heavy rains inland from the beaches because silt runs down a systems of rivers and streams toward the Gulf, emptying into the water through Mobile Bay and Perdido Bay, but it most often clears up again within a few days. 

If you are planning a trip to the area and you notice it has stormed in the Gulf or rained heavily north of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in the days just prior to your arrival, you can check on the Gulf's water quality by visiting the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) website, where GREEN indicates high quality water, and by looking at it with your own eyes via this live beach camera.

Fun for Kids at Night | Ghost Crab Hunting

Ghost Crab

On the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you might notice a lot of parents and delighted children with flashlights on the beach at night. They are hunting and catching ghost crabs. Named for their pale color that helps them blend seamlessly with the sand and their swift, disappearing acts, these creatures create small holes in the sand, which serve as their hideouts. The size of these holes can vary from that of a quarter to a golf ball, depending on the crab’s size. While young ghost crabs are tiny, adults can grow up to 3 inches in body size.

Spotting a ghost crab can be a fleeting experience; they often vanish before you can get a good look, thanks to their impressive speed of up to 10 mph. They tend to stay hidden during the day to avoid people and predators but are active at night.

While it is completely fine for your kids to have a blast hunting them, locals ask that you please do so responsibly. Ghost crabs are NOT good to eat, nor can they swim. So, please release them ON THE SAND after getting some pictures and certainly before you go back to your condo, beach house, or hotel rooms. Plus, during sea turtle nesting season, (May through October) PLEASE use a red flashlight instead of a white one. Because endangered sea turtles use moonlight to navigate, red flashlights are far less disruptive to them. And if you happen to come across a sea turtle trying to crawl up the beach to nest, or if you happen to see small sea turtle hatchlings scrambling toward the water, PLEASE leave them alone and stay away (it’s the law!)

What You Need to Hunt Ghost Crabs (and Where to Get It)

To take the kids ghost crab hunting, you’ll only need three inexpensive items:

1) A “Turtle-safe” Flashlight (red lens) which can be obtained through an online retailer such as Amazon or, if you are unable to find one locally in Gulf Shores, you can get regular flashlights and obtain free red sticker lenses from the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Welcome Centers

2) A small net with a handle which also can be obtained through an online retailer such as Amazon and are also sold locally in Gulf Shores/Orange beach at stores like Walmart, souvenir shops, and beach supply stores

3) A bucket or small ice chest to put your crabs in for a little while (PLEASE release them ON THE SAND before going back to your condo, beach house, or hotel rooms)

Have fun and make some memories!