Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Dauphin Island is a barrier island just west of Gulf Shores. The best way to reach the island from Gulf Shores is via a scenic Mobile Bay ferry boat. Daulphin Island is quieter than Gulf Shores, but no less fun. It contains many activities, such as miles of white sand beaches, a campground and a public golf course. The entire island is a designated bird sanctuary, so bring your binoculars on your day trip over to the island.

Mobile Bay Ferry
918-B Bienville Blvd.
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251-861-3000)

Located on the eastern part of Dauphin Island, Fort Gaines is one of the most important forts in American History. It is the site where Admiral Farragut famously cried, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" Fort Gaines is the site for the Battle of Mobile Bay, and as a result, many Civil War reenactments take place here. Fort Gaines encourages self-exploration. Plan to spend a couple of hours on a self-tour of the grounds.

Fort Gaines
51 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251-861-6992)

While on Daulphin Island, take a stroll over The Estuarium. The Estuarium is a public aquarium, so named because it contains marine life from fresh and salt waters. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits. It's also a good place to get an informal primer in marine science. Be prepared to take photos with the resident school of seahorses, or jellyfish, or octopus. No flash photography of the octopus, though!

Dauphin Island Sea Lab
101 Bienville Blvd
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
(251-861-2141)

What this zoo lacks in size, it makes up for in superb presentation. The animals appear happy and the grounds are impeccably clean. This a great zoo for little ones who don't have the stamina to walk around bigger zoos. It also has a petting zoo for a one-with-nature experience.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251-968-5731)

In Downtown Mobile, not far away from Gulf Shores, is the Exploreum. This is the perfect pastimes for kids of all ages. Infants to preschoolers will enjoy the exhibit, the Wharf of Wonder, where tweens to teens will have fun spinning music tracks and cracking safes in the Hands-On Hall. Visit the Imax theater while there for an one-of-a-kind movie going experience.

Exploreum
65 Government St
Mobile, AL 36602
(251-208-6883)

Alligator Alley is a 30-minute drive north of Gulf Shores, but well worth the trip. With over 150 alligators, this attraction is a must-see. Be sure to visit the star of the show, Captain Crunch, a gator with a world-record holding bite. The brave among you can walk the pier across the swamp. Fish feeding is encouraged, and you're invited to watch a live feeding of the gators three times a day. Fun for the whole family, but you may want to keep your little ones close by.

Alligator Alley
19950 County Road 71
Summerdale, AL 36580
(251-946-2483)

If you're bored of the beach, you may want to visit a water park. Waterville USA is a full-fledged amusement park with more activities than water slides. In addition to the pools, there's a mini golf course, a go-cart track and an arcade. Additionally, the littlest ones can visit the Fun Depot, a part of the park designed especially for them with a merry-go-round and a train.

Waterville USA
Highway 59 S
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251-948-2106)

Less than 30 minutes away from Gulf Shores in the sleepy town of Foley is a huge outlet mall with some of the biggest retailers in the world. Over 120 stores come together to form the outdoor mall known as Tanger Factory Outlet (pronounced like hanger). Hot spots here include Old Navy, Brooks Brothers and Bose. Come early to avoid the inevitable crowds and wear comfortable shoes.

Tanger Factory Outlet
2601 S Mckenzie St # 466
Foley, AL 36535
(251-943-9303‎)

Located in neighboring Orange Beach, the Wharf is an entertainment hub with restaurants, shopping and music. Many famous entertainers perform at the Wharf, including BB King and Brooks and Dunn. Aside from live music, be sure to check out the five-story Ferris wheel. The Wharf is also a fun spot during Mardi Gras.

For those with the courage to ride the open skies, take a trip in a historic biplane. Biplanes are the original two-seater, open cockpit airplanes. The Bird of Paradise offers biplane rides around the Gulf Shores area.

The Bird of Paradise
3190 Airport Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(866-687-8359)