Gulf State Park

Picture white beaches kissing turquoise waters, and nature exists in its purest form. A place where tranquility meets adventures and is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Welcome to Gulf State Park! 

This park spans over 6,500 acres with over two miles of pristine beaches, making it an inviting landscape for bicyclists, campers, fishermen, and vacationers.

Gulf State Park has evolved since its establishment in the 1930s. Once damaged by hurricanes and erosion, it has, like a phoenix, risen from the ashes. Today, it has restored dunes, a refurbished pier, and rebuilt more substantial and more environmentally conscious facilities than ever before. 

Regarding conservation, the park protects the endangered Alabama beach mouse and participates in sea turtle conservation. Its facilities include a sustainably designed hotel, cabins, and cottages that cater to comfort-seekers and adventure lovers. With over 500 modern campsites, the park accommodates RVers and tent campers.

For those inclined to learn, the Nature Center showcases local wildlife and ecosystems, and the Interpretive Center is a hub of eco-education, winning awards for its interactive exhibits and eco-friendly design. 

Adventurers will marvel at the 28 miles of trails winding through nine distinct ecosystems. Each footfall on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail offers a new perspective on the flora and fauna that call this place home. 

Gulf State Park has diverse landscapes, from freshwater marshes and coastal hardwood swamps to the ever-shifting dunes.

A visit to Gulf State Park is a gentle reminder to pause and savor life's simple joys. This incredible refuge is where memories are made, and respect for nature grows.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

Gulf State Park has some outstanding features that make it unique. Did you know the park's pier is one of the longest on the Gulf of Mexico? It stretches majestically into the sea at 1,540 feet. It's a favorite Gulf Shores Public Beach destination for anglers and visitors seeking a vantage point. If you're lucky, you may witness dolphins playfully breaking the surf.

For a thrilling and eco-friendly way to explore the area, consider Coastal Segway Adventures. They offer 1 and 2-hour tours along with kayak tours of Lake Shelby. 

Another remarkable feature of Gulf State Park is its role as a guardian of biodiversity. Among its dunes and marshes, it supports ecosystems that are rare and rich with life. 

The park is part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, a haven for birds and birdwatchers, allowing you to observe over 300 species. With the park being a pit stop for many migratory birds, every visit unfolds a unique and ever-changing feathered tapestry.

So, as you plan your escapades in Gulf Shores, carve out time for Gulf State Park. This jewel in Alabama's crown of attractions calls to those who yearn for the wild and whispers to the spirit of adventure in all of us. 

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions:

• Start on Gulf Shores Pkwy (HWY 59).
• Continue straight for 2.5 miles.
• Take a left onto AL-182 E.
• After three miles, look for the Gulf State Park sign.
• Follow the signs leading to the Nature Center.
• Address: 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Cost

Is there a cost to visit Gulf State Park? The answer is both yes and no:

• Entry to the park and its many trails is free.
• A nominal fee applies for pier usage: $3 for sightseers and $9 for daily fishing access.
• Camping and lodging within the park have various fees tailored to your choice of accommodation and amenities.

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.