Hotels in Gulf Shores

Barefoot on sugar-white beaches, you'll wonder why Florida gets all the attention when Alabama's Gulf Coast offers this pristine paradise. Dolphins play offshore while pelicans dive dramatically for their lunch. Gulf State Park combines beaches with wilderness trails where you might spot alligators sunning themselves. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo lets you get surprisingly close to lemurs and kangaroos. After sunset, seafood restaurants serve shrimp fresh off the boats while local musicians provide the soundtrack. Orange Beach offers a quieter alternative when the main beaches fill with families. Waterville USA provides water slides when you've had enough salt water, though locals insist the real fun happens on deep-sea fishing charters.