Catherine - Savvy Family TravelFrom the moment you sink your toes in the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores, you’ll get why families love it here. This gem on the Alabama coast is packed with everything you need for a fun-filled family getaway.
From lazy beach days to thrilling adventures and everything in between, we’ve compiled the 33 best things to do and places to eat on your family vacation in Gulf Shores. I’m including bonus activities in the neighboring city of Orange Beach and day trip options if you’re itching to explore further.
Things to do on a Family Vacation in Gulf Shores
Top Family Activities in Gulf Shores
The Beach
As Alabama’s shores are such an alluring reason to spend a family vacation in Gulf Shores, beach time is at the top of the list. It’s soft white sands are perfect for digging your toes into, walking the shoreline, or building sand castles.
The sunsets from the beach are absolutely stunning as well.
Gulf Shores State Park
Gulf State Park is a fantastic place for a family adventure. From biking through beautiful trails and discovering wildlife at the Nature Center to the heart-pounding excitement of ziplines, there’s something for everyone.
In addition to accessing the less developed section of Gulf Shores’ beach, these are the top 3 things we recommend doing inside Gulf Shores State Park:
Bike Trails
First up, biking. If your family loves the outdoors and staying active, make sure this is part of your family vacation in Gulf Shores.
The park has over 28 miles of paved trails. You can easily rent bikes at several spots around the park, and they even have Burleys for the kids. The trails are mostly flat, making it a relaxing ride for everyone.
Gulf State Park Nature Center
Don’t miss the park’s Nature Center. This is such a fun and educational stop for the kids. The center is home to all sorts of critters native to the area. Think snakes, turtles, and even baby alligators! The staff here are ultra friendly and love answering curious kids’ questions, so it’s a great opportunity for them to learn about the local ecosystem.
There are also interactive exhibits and touch tanks that let the kids get up close and personal with some of the animals. (Ask first!)
Ziplining
What I like about the ziplining adventure offered within the Gulf Adventure Park at Gulf Shores State Park is that it is NOT a one and done thrill.
Hummingbird Ziplines is the provider and they have a series of zipline rides on an extensive adventure course. These take you over gator ponds, across a swinging bridge, and more.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
At Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge you’ll see everything from migratory birds to sea turtles. You’re more likely to spot a sea turtle between May and October.
The trails are super family-friendly—easy enough for the little ones but still full of adventure. Bring some binoculars and pack a picnic; there are lots of great spots to relax and soak in nature’s sights and soundscapes.
Fishing Spots: Piers and Charters
Consider booking a guided fishing excursion charter boat, surf fishing, or fishing off the Gulf State Park Pier (reopening late Summer 2024).
Of course, you can pack your own gear if you’re driving to your family vacation in Gulf Shores or rent from companies like G2 Coastal.
Explore Historic Fort Morgan
Constructed after the War of 1812, Fort Morgan served as a crucial defense post for Mobile Bay. It played a significant role during the Civil War, most notably during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864.
Today, visitors can explore this historic site and learn about its rich history through guided tours and educational programs.
Hit a Mini-Golf Course
You can’t drive the main drag through Gulf Shores without your kids spotting one of the many elaborate mini golf courses. We had such a great time at Pirate’s Island that we returned the next day to play one of their other 18 hole courses.
Make sure to check their website for discounts. We saved a ton of money with their monthly special.
Go Crabbing
There are two types of crabs to seek out while you’re in Gulf Shores; hermit crabs and ghost crabs.
We took the kids over to Mo’s Landing Park where the shallow waters were literally crawling with hermit crabs of all sizes and colors. We grabbed a couple of containers so the boys could pick some up and observe them for a little bit before releasing them.
For ghost crabs, grab a flashlight and head out to the beach after dark. Kids were out there giggling like crazy watching these quirky things skitter across the sand. Our own kids were fast asleep after a busy day in the sun. Next time.
Important: You’ll need to put a red light filter over your flashlight if you’re going crab hunting during turtles’ nesting season.
Take a Course in Sandcastle Building
Families can book sandcastle lessons with professionals from Sand Castle University!
Attend a Foam Party or Pirates & Princesses Breakfast
The Hangout offers endless fun with its giant sandpit, daily foam parties, and live music that keeps the energy high.
Foam Parties are every hour on the hour. Check their website event page for details on the Pirates & Princesses Summer Breakfast Live Show offered two times daily throughout the summer.
If you aren’t staying within walking distance, be sure to plan for extra time to park as it gets quite busy in this area.
Eat Epic Ice Creams and Milkshakes
Hit one of the many gourmet ice cream establishments for a treat that will amaze and delight the kids.
Favorites in Gulf Shores include The Yard Milkshake Bar, Yumm Twister, Cowbell Rolled Ice Cream, or Cherry on Top. In Orange Beach, check out Milkshake Momma.
Community Festivals and Events
The best thing you can do to find truly local, unique events is to join a hyper-local Facebook page. We recommend this one: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Dolphin Cruise
The thrill of spotting dolphins leaping in the wild is an unforgettable experience.
Consider snagging a sunset dolphin tour for cooler temperatures and stunning views.
Go Karting and Bumper Boats
At The Track – Gulf Shores, children will love their go karts, bumper boats, and mini golf. Buy online to save money.
Top Family Activities in Orange Beach
Just 10-20 minutes (depending where you start) from Gulf Shores brings you to the happening city of Orange Beach.
Community Kids Park
It was hard to tear our kids away from this inviting space! It has options for all ages as well as a music feature.
Bathrooms are nearby and picnic options are plentiful.
The Wharf: Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment
Think boardwalk style entertainment, this place has EVERYTHING!
We could have easily spent an entire day at The Wharf. Check out their website to peruse all the eateries and attractions.
Pirate Ship Cruises for Kids
If your kids are fascinating by pirates like mine are, check out the Pirate Cruise on the American Star.
Kids will love sailing the seas on a “real” pirate ship, complete with themed games like putting out a fire onboard and catching cannonballs.
Beyond Gulf Shores/Orange Beach
Here are a couple day trip worthy activities to add variety into your Gulf Shores family vacation.
Depending where you are flying in/out of, these may be especially convenient to add to your itinerary.
See the Blue Angels Practice
We were feeling a bit bummed that there were not any practices on the schedule while we were in the area. Then, something popped up on this Facebook group broadcasting “unscheduled” practices! We were able to head to Pensacola the next morning and catch an incredible performance from the tailgate of our vehicle!
The Facebook group will suggest places from which to watch the practice. We wanted to be close plus check out the National Naval Aviation Museum after, so we watched from the parking lot there, which is near the Blue Angels’ hangar.
Note: If you want to go to the National Naval Aviation Museum, you are entering an active military base and must be accompanied by a U.S. citizen. Here are more details on entry requirements and documentation.
Earn a Junior Ranger Badge from Gulf Islands National Seashore
My kids love earning badges from National Park Service sites across the country so we always seek out which NPS are in the area.
One of the closest NPS sites to Gulf Shores the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The Fort Pickens Visitor Center is closed until further notice for repair, so we went to the William M. Colmer Visitor Center within the Davis Bayou area. The kids were really engaged on the naturalist tour and earned both their Gulf Islands National Seashore Badge and the Underwater Explorer badge.
A few days later we went to the Perdido Key segment of Gulf Islands National Seashore and enjoyed a beach day at Johnson Beach National Seashore. (There’s not a visitor center here.)
Things to do on a Rainy Day
If it rains on your family vacation in Gulf Shores, don’t let it get you down. For one, rain showers typically only last a couple hours and then you can get back outside. And two, there are lots of cool indoor attractions to check out!
Here are a few of the top options for a rainy day:
Gulf Shores Indoor Options
Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark
Part of the OWA Entertainment complex, Tropic Falls indoor waterpark is a thrilling way to spend a rainy day! It’s located about 15-20 minutes north of Gulf Shores.
Check out a Microbrewery
Grab some board games and enjoy a casual, family friendly atmosphere at Big Beach Brewing.
The Gulf Bowl
This family entertainment center is more than just bowling! They have tons of indoor fun for energetic kids on a rainy day. Their indoor ropes course, laser tag, or bowling are sure to be a hit.
Orange Beach Indoor Options
The Wharf
There’s plenty to do inside at the Wharf. Their Movie Theater, Selfie Museum, Axe Throwing, or the escape room are all great ways to pass the time when the skies are uncooperative.
Coastal Arts Center
Spend time together as a family learning a new skill like throwing clay or glass blowing.
Where to Eat on a Family Vacation in Gulf Shores
The variety of dining options in Gulf Shores, including many family-friendly restaurants, also adds to the appeal for families.
Gulf Shores
- Woodside Restaurant at Gulf Shores State Park
- The Hangout (also mentioned, with more details, above)
- Lambert’s Cafe – “Home of the Throwed Rolls”
Be prepared for a wait; its fame among both locals and tourists means it’s always busy, but the experience is worth it. Beware, the rolls can be hot so make sure your kids put them down right away! - Sunliner Diner
- The Yard Milkshake Bar
Orange Beach
- Southern Grind Coffee House
- Brick & Spoon
- Ruby Slipper
- YoHo Rum & Tacos
- GTs on the Bay
Planning Your Family Vacation in Gulf Shores
Best Times to Visit Gulf Shores
Visitors flock to Gulf Shores from late March (spring break) through early September to hit the beach. Try to visit in late April or mid to late September for fewer crowds.
Even though we were there at high season, we scheduled our activities to be staggered from what most others were doing. For example, many families hit the beach in the morning. So we hit the attractions and had much more of the beach to ourselves in the later afternoon.
Getting There: Airports and Transportation
We highly recommend a rental car to move around the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area with your family.
Two major airports near Gulf Shores are Pensacola International Airport and the Mobile Regional Airport. Pensacola (one hour from Gulf Shores) has a larger airport so airfare is likely cheaper in and out of “PNS.”
For our recent trip to Gulf Shores, we flew into New Orleans, drove to Gulf Shores and flew home from Pensacola.
Because we had a flight out before 6am, we dropped off our rental car the night before and stayed at the Hyatt Place Pensacola Airport. We were easily able to walk with our suitcases to the terminal. (They also had a free shuttle which we estimated would take longer than the walk.)
Shopping: Groceries and Beach Gear
With Target nearby, you can get just about anything once you reach the area. It’s a good idea to fill your Target shopping cart with snacks and beverages and submit the order 2-24 hours before you arrive. This makes curbside pickup a breeze.
A few beaches we went to had a “Take a Toy, Leave a Toy” bin to recycle beach toys.
We found $5 boogie boards by checking the local Facebook Marketplace listings.
Essential Packing Tips for Families
I share some of my must have items for our family medicine bag, here.
For the beach, be sure you have, at a minimum: brimmed hats, rash guard shirts, water, snacks, and towels. Browse more of my favorite beach items, on Amazon.
Where to Stay on a Family Vacation in Gulf Shores
- My Top Gulf Shores Hotel Pick: The Lodge at Gulf State Park
- The Cabins at Gulf State Park
- Hotel Indigo
- Perdido Beach Resort
- Recommended for large families: Turquoise Place
Closing Thoughts on a Family Vacation in Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores and its neighbor, Orange Beach, are packed with fun, relaxation, and adventure for everyone.
With its beautiful beaches, thrilling outdoor activities, and plenty of kid-friendly spots, the area offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for a family vacation in Gulf Shores. Whether you’re building sandcastles, exploring nature trails, or enjoying fresh seafood with a view, there’s something here for everyone.
The kids will be busy building epic sandcastles, while you kick back and soak up the sun. And the gentle waves are perfect for splashing around.
Save “Family Vacation in Gulf Shores” for Later
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links on which (at no additional cost to you) I may earn a small commission. I promise to use any kickback to explore more of our incredible world. Read full privacy policy here.