Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama
The Gulf Coast of the United States covers the coast of the American states that are on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida - all located in the Southern region of the United States. The Alabama Gulf Coast is made up of the two resort towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, a wonderful 32 miles of soft white sandy beaches.
Things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast?
There are championship golf courses along the coast with nine famous golf courses all near accommodation. Perfect whether it's a golfing holiday, a day out golfing or why not team it with a fishing holiday. There is deep sea fishing along the Alabama Gulf Coast with Gulf Shores & Orange Beach fishing charters and cruises departing daily during fishing season. There are also dolphin sightseeing tours to add to the Alabama deep sea fishing fun.
If all that sounds too much, then you can just simply sit around and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping the Gulf Coast beaches, or linger over a succulent fresh seafood dinner at one of the seaside restaurants in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores. With more than 200 restaurants around this destination, you’re sure to find a few new favourites, especially if outdoor dining or waterfront dining is your thing. Read our Top 10 things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as there are perfect ideas for the whole family or if you're happy sitting in a beach bar sipping a cold beer here's our list of best bars.
There are also Alabama festivals along the coast and two that we would recommend not missing are the Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party in April and the Hangout Music Festival in May. The Annual Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party is usually held the last full weekend in April. A Mullet Toss consists of individuals on the beach throwing a mullet from a 10-foot circle in Alabama across the border into Florida. It's a great excuse for a weekend long party with lots of fun activities, great music and Alabama food. This year's event will also feature local celebrities throwing a few fish everyday at noon. The Hangout Music Festival, taking place each May, has more than 60 bands performing on four stages. It's the first and only music festival of it's kind in North America, located directly on the white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores. The festival treats guests to a unique experience and consistently features a diverse selection of top artists.The festival has always been the brainchild of founder Shaul Zislin, but Zislin recently announced that the festival had a new, powerful uncle. The festival announced a new partnership with Goldenvoice, the company responsible for putting on Coachella, New Orleans' Jazz Fest and the Firefly Music Festival among others. Read more...
Flora-Bama Lounge is featured in Top 50 Worlds Best Beach Bars
Head east from the Hangout to the stateline separating Alabama and Florida and you’ll find the aptly named Flora-Bama bar. Garments from previous revellers hang from the rafters in front of the main stage and live music rocks into the early hours. If you’re in town during Spring, this is where the Annual Interstate Mullet Toss festival takes place. Flora-Bama Lounge has also been featured in the Top 50 Worlds Best Beach Bars. Flora-Bama might seem to be a semi-dive, but it has everything a beach bar needs. Live music, wet T-shirt contests, cold cheap beer all much loved by the solid mix of locals and out-of-towners. If you're feeling more refined, the crew will shuck fresh oysters for you right on the beach!
What makes Flora-Bama truly legendary, is the fact that it hosts the annual Interstate Mullet Toss. As Flora-Bama straddles the state line of Florida and Alabama thousands gather at the bar to party and watch intoxicated competitors throw slippery fish like a discus back and forth across the state line.
Places to stay in Gulf Shores / Orange Beach
The Lodge at Gulf State Park – a Hilton Hotel is located directly on the beach. The Lodge at Gulf State Park offers 350 guest rooms, on-site restaurants, coffee/wine bar and all the park’s outdoor recreational activities. The Lodge is designed to meet the elite LEED Gold and SITES Platinum Certifications and will be one of the first FORTIFIED Commercial properties in the world. Park activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, biking, Segway tours, nature center tours and fishing.
Hotel Indigo: This stunning property was designed with the destination in mind with cool blues and coastal accents around every corner. Featuring beautiful views of Gulf State Park, beach access and an on-site local coffee shop and restaurant – The Southern Grind – Hotel Indigo is an excellent boutique hotel option.
Who is ready to plan their holiday to Alabama's white-sandy beaches? Email us at alabama@deep-south-usa.com if you have any questions or complete our enquiry form if you would like an information pack.
