Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

How You Can Enjoy the Best Eco-Friendly Travel in Gulf Shores

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is known for its 32 miles of pristine, sandy white beaches. During your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you can enjoy fascinating native wildlife, picturesque scenery, and outdoor adventures. However, none of this would be possible if we didn’t do our part to be environmentally-friendly and “leave only our footprints behind.”  If you’re curious how you can do your part and how you can do the best eco-friendly travel in Gulf Shores, please keep reading! 

Don’t forget to book your Gulf Shores vacation home with Harris Vacation Rentals. We’ve got the best properties around!

View Vacation Rentals

Tips and Tricks for Eco-Friendly Travel in Gulf Shores

Eco-Friendly Basics

If you’re new to the idea of being environmentally-conscious, that’s no problem! There are many simple ways to start easing yourself into the lifestyle.

pink water bottle

  • Carry a reusable water bottle – The best way to prevent adding unnecessary plastic to the environment is by ditching disposable water bottles. You can also carry a glass or metal straw to use as you sip summer cocktails to avoid polluting the natural habitats of our nesting sea turtles
  • Avoid driving your car – Every time you start your car engine, you immediately pollute toxins and chemicals into the environment. Thankfully, it’s convenient to avoid using your vehicle during your stay in Gulf Shores. You can rent a bicycle and explore the town with the sea breeze blowing through your hair. If you’re looking the perfect place to cycle and get some extra exercise, hop on the 15-mile Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail or ride through Gulf State Park.
  • Save energy – We know that summer temperatures can rise and be brutal. However, sometimes we’re greeted by cooler days with refreshing ocean breezes. If that’s the case, take a break from using your air conditioning and open your deck/balcony doors or windows

Eco-Tourism Excursions

Continue to go green during your vacation and participate in fun-filled ventures that don’t leave a carbon footprint. 

man holding paddleboard

  • Kayaking – Hop in a kayak and explore the local waterways and get a workout in. There’s no better way to sightsee the waters than this! 
  • Paddleboarding – Most people have kayaked or canoed before. Have you ever tried paddleboarding? Give it a try! You’ll get a full-body workout and enjoy the sights of the coast. 
  • Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge – This refuge was established to protect migratory birds, sea turtles, and other endangered native species. You’ll have a blast hiking through the gorgeous nature trails and searching for wildlife and rare flora and fauna. You can also fish, birdwatch, and boat at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Stay With Harris Vacation Rentals

beachfront home

Make a Harris Vacation Rentals vacation rental your home away from home during your eco-friendly travel in Gulf Shores. Many of our Gulf Shores properties feature private beach access so that you can walk to the beach! You can also have access to sparkling pools, fitness centers, boat slips, and beautiful piers. With Harris Vacation Rentals, you always feel like you’re in a serene oasis. Browse our vacation homes today and find the perfect one for you!

 

Here Are the Top 5 Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores

There’s nothing better than finding fun vacation activities that don’t break the bank. These free things to do in Gulf Shores will entertain everyone in the family. From spending days at the beach to exploring local museums, there’s something everyone will love that won’t hurt your wallet. Read on to discover the best budget-friendly activities along the Gulf Coast. Then, browse our extensive vacation rental homes and start planning your trip today!

Book Your Family Vacation Today!

Our 5 Favorite Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores

1. Visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side? The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a can’t-miss attraction for nature lovers. The area, whose name means “safe haven” in French, is an oasis for flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, fishing, and boating inside. There are four different trails on the premises that span six miles total. Each offers the opportunity to catch a glimpse of wildlife such as bobcats, red foxes, and armadillos.

2. Blow Off Steam at the Gulf Shores Kids Park

Who doesn’t love a day at the playground? Take a break from sizzling under the sun and sit back in the shade while the kids play. Over 1,500 volunteers built Kids Park in less than six days, and it has quickly become a popular community attraction. Spend a few hours at this wooden playground and let the kids entertain themselves!

3. Hike the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Explore the heart of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach alongside the Backcountry Trail. This trail system traverses 15 miles and six distinct ecosystems with ample opportunity for wildlife viewing. The Backcountry Trail also features kid-friendly Boulder Park, geocaching adventures, and a Butterfly Garden. Run, bike, or hike these trails during your next trip.

4. Plan a Trip to the National Naval Aviation Museum

Just over the border in Pensacola, FL, the National Naval Aviation Museum features over 150 restored aircraft that history buffs will love. Stroll through the indoor exhibits, experience a flight simulation in the giant screen theater, or watch a world-famous Blue Angels practice. The choice is yours!

The museum is open every day from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

5. Have a Beach Day

Miles of pristine, sugar-white sand await at Gulf State Park! Grab your boogie board and ride some waves, build castles in the sand, or lay out your towel and sunbathe. Gulf State Park is also a fantastic spot for a waterfront picnic or fishing off the landmark pier.

Find Your Spot in the Sand

After you’ve spent a day discovering the best free things to do in Gulf Shores, return to your Harris Vacation Rentals vacation rental for a cozy evening with family or friends. Foxie Moxie’s Salty Sea Shanty, a cheerful beach cottage, is perfect for families or a girls getaway. This funky home sleeps eight, is dog-friendly, and is less than a five-minute walk to the beach. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee on the spacious front porch and snuggle in at night for a movie on the living room’s flat-screen TV.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your beach retreat today!

Check Our Availability

Skip to content