Gulf Shores attractions for families are Gulf State Park, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and many others. Gulf Shores Museum has more information about its history.
Gulf Shores is a city located on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. It is 7.1 miles away and a 12-minute drive from Orange Beach.
The city was first populated in the early 1800s when a small fishing community settled there. After the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway in 1937 and the Gulf State Park in 1939, more settlers started coming into the town. It was eventually incorporated as a city after Judicial validation in 1958.
Today, Gulf Shores has an estimated population of 15,736 living in a coastal city nearly 28 sq. miles big.
Although it has a small size compared to its neighboring cities, Gulf Shores welcomes over 8 million visitors. Tourism contributes over $7 billion to the city’s economy.
Similar: 10 Best Cities To Visit For Families In USA
Gulf Shores Attractions For Families
Family-friendly things to do in Gulf Shores Alabama include visiting popular tourist attractions.
Gulf shores Museum, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf State Park, Fort Morgan are some the most famous ones.
Gulf Shores has everything from a beautiful beach park and a zoo to a local history museum. The Track Recreation Center and Gulf Coast Zoo are the best family attractions in the coastal city.
Despite covering an area of only about 33 sq. miles, Gulf Shores have several major tourist attractions. The Gulf State Park alone sees over 2 million annual visitors. These tourists spend money at local businesses, thus helping to bloom the economy.
-
Gulf Shores Museum
Location: 244 West 19th Avenue
The Gulf Shores Museum reflects the city’s history and local culture. Its building was constructed prior to World War II; it originally belonged to the Cole family.
Following the devasting Hurricane Frederic that devastated the city from August 29 to September 15, 1979, the building was donated to the town. It was briefly used as a library in 1982 before becoming a youth center and eventually a museum.
The museum contains several paintings that represent the lives of early settlers. The iconic portrait of the fishing village is one of the major exhibits located at the building. Likewise, a unique weight-independent anchor is placed at the front of the museum.
Gulf Shores Museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 5 pm. Likewise, on Saturdays, the facility is open from 10 am to 2 pm.
-
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Location: 20499 Oak Road East
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo houses several exotic animals like giraffes, kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths. The zoo also has several species of birds, including harlequin macaw, Senegal parrot, mute swan, peahen, cockatoo, and more.
For an additional $24.95, you can go on an adventure where you can pet and feed the animals.
The zoo covers an area of 25 acres with designated spaces for animal shows, a giraffe feeding station, and more. The facility remains open all week from 9 am to 4 pm.
-
Gulf State Park
Location: 20115 State Park Road
The Gulf State Park is a beach park located on the coast of Gulf Shores. The vacation destination covers an area of roughly 10 sq. miles and stretches over 2 miles.
The park has a paved trail extending over 28 miles which is mostly used by visitors for hiking and jogging. Lake Shelby, one of the best attractions of the park, is used for paddling and swimming by visitors. Other activities to do while in the park include kayaking, biking, fishing, and more.
-
Fort Morgan
Location: 110 Highway 180 West
Fort Morgan is a historical site located in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The fort was instrumental during the Battle of Mobile that took place from August 5 to 23, 1864.
During the American Civil War battle, the Union forces attacked the Confederates from the land and sea. The Union forces won the battle, ultimately winning control of Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines, and Fort Powell.
The construction of the fort began in 1818 but took nearly 16 years to complete as the contractors died one after another.
Entry to the facility costs $5 for children, college students, and senior citizens, whereas adults are charged a fee of $8. Meanwhile, the entry fee for families is $20 which covers two adults and two children.
-
The Track Recreation Center
Address: 3200 Gulf Shores Parkway
The Track Recreation Center is an entertainment park targeted at families. The center’s major attractions include the Spinning Coaster and the Skycoaster.
The park attains visitors of all ages with activities ranging from go-kart racing to arcade games. Likewise, other attractions inside the center are bumper boats, a mini golf course, and country rides.
The entry price range from $6 to $12, depending on the age of the visitor. However, you will have to pay extra for playing the different games inside the center.
More Attractions To Explore
Besides the above-mentioned attractions, Gulf Shores have several more intriguing tourist destinations, including
- Navy Cove Oysters
- Sand Castle University
- Escape House Waterville
- Coastal Segway Adventures
- Coyote Beach Sports
As we are in the topic of Alabama, have you heard about the Bama Rush documentary. It explains interesting things about the Sororities at University of Alabama.
Gulf Shores Alabama Family Resorts and Hotels
Family resorts in Gulf Shores Alabama include 1) Beachside Resort Hotel, 2) Best Western on the Beach, and more. Most hotels in Golf Shores have a beautiful beach view.
As a major tourist destination, Gulf Shores has several family-friendly and luxury hotels. The hospitality company IHG Hotels & Resorts owns and manages three resorts in the city.
-
Beachside Resort Hotel
Location: 610 West Beach Boulevard
The Beachside Resort Hotel is a family-friendly resort in Gulf Shores. It is located in close proximity to the beach.
Several amenities offered by the establishment are an outdoor pool on the third floor, free continental breakfast, microwave, mini-fridge, guest parking, laundry services, ice machine, and more.
The hotel is also wheelchair accessible and provides a friendly environment for people with special needs.
-
Best Western On The Beach
Location: 337 East Beach Boulevard
The Best Western On The Beach is the best hotel in Gulf Shores, according to Trip Advisor. It is known for providing high-quality service at a budget-friendly rate.
While traveling with family, you can choose one of the rooms with two king beds or a two queen beds option. The prices for these rooms start at $169.99.
Amenities provided by the hotel consist of a heated indoor pool, and outdoor pools, two hot tubs, free wifi, an ice machine, RV parking, a kiddie pool, a coffee maker, a microwave, and more.
-
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores
Location: 160 West Commerce Ave
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores is a resort owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
The hotel offers clean rooms to guests with facilities like in-room heating, free wifi, a bathtub, a walk-in shower, black-out shades, and more. Moreover, the staff working at the resort can communicate in English, Russian, and Spanish.
Holiday Inn has 89 rooms and 26 suites to be used by visitors. Unfortunately, it doesn’t allow pets and smoking inside the premises.
-
Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores
Location: 3947 Gulf Shores Parkway
Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores is a pet-friendly hotel owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
The hotel is located at a two-minute walking distance from the Gulf of Mexico beach. The accommodations provided by the hotel include a fitness center, an outdoor pool, free breakfast, laundry, and more.
The resort is also wheelchair accessible and doesn’t allow smoking inside the premises.
-
Courtyard Gulf Shores Craft Farms
Location: 3750 Gulf Shores Parkway
The Courtyard Gulf Shores Craft Farms is owned by the hospitality company Marriott International.
Located 4.5 miles away from the coast, it provides a homely environment to guests with friendly staff and tidy rooms. Facilities offered by the company include an outdoor pool, free breakfast, a fitness center, housekeeping, cable TV, and wifi.
The price for a night stay starts from $75. The hotel allows pets but the weight should not exceed 80 lbs. Also, only two pets are allowed per room.
Shopping In Gulf Shores Alabama With Family
Shopping for families in Gulf Shores Alabama is mostly about buying souvenirs and gifts during a trip back home.
Visitors can shop at one of the souvenir shops or even buy regular products at a local retailer.
Shopping malls at Gulf Shores sell everything from hair-care products to surfing gear and more. Here are some of the most visited shopping centers located within the city.
-
Target at Pelican Place [Retail Store]
Location: 3820 Gulf Shores Parkway
Store Hours: 8:00 am-10:00 pm (Monday-Saturday), 8:00 am-9 pm (Sunday)
Inventory: Clothing, Shoes, Toys, Personal Care Products, Gifts, Electronics, Video Games, Furniture
-
Souvenir City
Location: 217 Gulf Shores Parkway
Store Hours: 8:00 am-11 pm (Open Everyday)
Inventory: Hermit Crabs, Fudge, Air Plants, Airbrush Art
-
Geez Louise Boutique
Location: 701 Gulf Shores Parkway
Store Hours: 10:00 am-9 pm (Open Everyday)
Inventory: Hats, Shoes, Bottoms, Dresses, Jewelry, Tops, Blouses, Women’s Purses
-
Alvin’s Island [Souvenir Store]
Location: 100 West Beach Boulevard
Store Hours: 8:00 am-11:00 pm [Open Everyday]
Inventory: Jewelry, Men’s & Women’s Swimwear, Surfing Equipments, Beach Accessories, Floats, Hats, Souvenirs, Goggles
-
Diamond Jewelers
Location: 108 East 20th Avenue
Store Hours: 9:30 am-4:30 pm [Monday-Friday]
Inventory: Diamond Engagement Rings, Semi-Mount Engagement Rings, Wedding Sets, Diamond & Gold Wedding Bands, Necklaces, Pre-Owned Rolex Watches, Kendra Scott Jewelry, Alwand Vahan Jewelry
Other Indoor Activities In Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores Indoor activities are mostly reserved for a rainy day. The city has a movie theatre and several other indoor recreation centers.
Things to do in Gulf Shores Alabama range from swimming in the Gulf of Mexico to buying souvenirs for family members.
The city offers several family activities and games for you to enjoy, some of which are listed below:
- Burn calories jumping on a trampoline at The Factory
- Solve riddles to escape the Great Mysto Room at the Escape House Waterville
- Take a self-care day at The Beach Club Spa
- Play golf at Lulu’s Gulf Shores
- Watch a movie at the CMX Pinnacle 14 Theatres
- Visit the Gulf Shores Museum
- Play indoor arcade games at The Track