Gulf Shores Alabama is one of the state's main seaside resorts, and most visitors who head here are looking for little more than some fun in the sun. Tourism is very much a main industry in Gulf Shores, as is real estate. The city's beach is fronted by hotels and vacation rentals, so you can choose accordingly when it comes to finding a place to stay. Gulf Shores vacations are ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends who are looking to enjoy a relaxing, yet fun-filled getaway, and when you're not hanging out on the beach, there are some interesting Gulf Shores attractions to help keep you busy. Of course, it's up to you how busy you want to be when visiting Gulf Shores Alabama, and nobody will fault you if you prefer little else than lounging around. The mild climate that Gulf Shores enjoys means that you can enjoy vacations here year round, and there's really never a bad time to arrange your trip.

While temperatures in Gulf Shores Alabama can get down to the lower 40's during the winter, there are plenty of sun-shiny winter days where the temperatures climb up to 65 degrees or higher. As such, you might want to bring sunblock with you even if it's a wintertime escape that you're after. Come Spring Break, Gulf Shores is a prime place to be for vacationers, and nearby Orange Beach also sees a corresponding influx of tourists when the weather heats up. Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are extremely popular vacation destinations for residents of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, though plenty of people from other parts of the world have come to make the area one of their favorite hangouts as well. When it comes to the Gulf Shores attractions, the beach is king, and the usually gentle surf is optimal for small children. When the kids aren't splashing around in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters, playing on the beach's soft, white sand is sure to keep them entertained for hours.

Due to the fact that the beach in Gulf Shores is nice and long, barefoot strolls are definitely recommended. You'll also want to consider walking out to the end of the beach's pier for some nice views. The pier that separates the beach at Gulf Shores and the beach at Orange Beach stretches out to an impressive 825 feet, making it the longest pier on the entire Gulf of Mexico. You'll have to pay a nominal fee to walk out to the pier's end, and anyone wishing to do some fishing on the pier will also have to pay a small fee. You can take solace in the fact that these fees help to maintain the pier. If fishing is something that you truly enjoy, there are also some fishing charter companies here that can get you out on the water, so anglers will definitely find Gulf Shores vacations to be ideal for them. Should you leave the fishing up to somebody else, you can enjoy the sea's bounty at one of the city's restaurants, many of which understandably specialize in seafood. Seafood lovers might just want to consider planning their trip around the National Shrimp Festival, which is one of the Alabama events when it comes to food.

When you're not fishing, enjoying time on the beach, or indulging in seafood, there are some excellent Gulf Shores attractions that can easily help you bulk up your overall itinerary. The small Gulf Shores Museum is always worth a look. Admission is free, which helps to make the museum a popular stop, and it's open year round. Also small, the Gulf Coast Zoo is another fun place to visit on Gulf Shores vacations. Just a mile from the beach, this zoo offers a petting zoo, an aviary, and a reptile house, among other things. Some of the wilder creatures that you can view here include bears, tigers, and lions. Macaws and monkeys are also on display, so you can take in some of their antics. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo's staff goes to great lengths to care for its animals, so you can rest assured that the animals are both happy and loved. Before or after you visit the "Little Zoo that Could", you can also consider enjoying a round or two at the Zooland Miniature Golf Course, which is right next door.

For fans of history, planning a day trip to nearby Fort Morgan is one of the preferred things to do in Gulf Shores. This historic fort, which can be found at the end of Mobile Point, saw plenty of action during the Civil War, and it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Together with Dauphin Island's Fort Gaines, Fort Morgan is among the top southern Alabama historical sites. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Gulf State Park will probably top the list of Gulf Shores attractions. A great place for camping, hiking, and fishing, the Gulf State Park also boasts an 18-hole golf course. In addition to campsites, the park also offers cabins and cottages that you can consider renting. There's definitely a lot to do on Gulf Shores vacations, and when you're not enjoying the area attractions, you might book a hot air balloon trip, an airplane tour, or a fun Mobile Bay cruise. Gulf Shores has something for everyone, so book your trip today!