gulf shore things to do

Nov 04 2021

Mobile, AL, to Gulf Shores: Your Guide to the Best Road Trip Ever

Road trips are always a fantastic idea, especially if the destination is as exciting as Gulf Shores, Alabama. One of the areas that we get the most travelers from is Mobile, AL. If you’re from that area and you’re ready to head south for an unforgettable beach getaway, you’re in the right spot! We’ll tell you how to plan the ultimate road trip from Mobile, AL, to Gulf Shores.

After reading this blow, you’ll know all the details about the trip from Mobile, AL, to Gulf Shores, AL. Now you need to start figuring out the rest of the details. Check out our accommodations to find the perfect vacation home for your group. Also, bypass scrolling through Google to find the activities and services you may need. Let our team do the searching for you, so you can focus on what matters most: making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Getaway From Mobile, AL, to Gulf Shores

With our help, it’s easy to start planning a road trip from Mobile to Gulf Shores. The ultimate adventure awaits!

Load up the Car and Hit the Road

The distance from Mobile to the Alabama Gulf Coast is approximately 55 miles. That means that the driving time is only about an hour to get to Gulf Shores. It’s the perfect location for a quick weekend escape or a weeklong vacation. All you have to do is follow I-10 East and Baldwin Beach Express to Foley Beach Express in Baldwin County. You’ll continue on Foley Beach Express until you reach your destination in Gulf Shores.

If you’d prefer to drive along the coast, an alternative route is taking US-98 East. When you go that way, you can stop halfway between Mobile, AL, and Gulf Shores in Fairhope, AL. It’s the best choice for a pit stop for using the bathroom or getting a snack. Fairhope is a vibrant town that’s known for its picturesque parks and panoramic views of Mobile Bay. Stop in one of their charming waterfront eateries and grab lunch before you hit the road again.

Make the Most Out of Your Stay in Gulf Shores

You did it! You’ve arrived in our lively beach town of Gulf Shores. How will you make the most out of your stay? Our town is filled with exciting things to do and see. Whether you’re focused on relaxing on the beach, indulging in delicious seafood, or checking out unique attractions, we’ve got you covered here. These are some of the most popular things to do during a Gulf Shores getaway:

Soar through the blue skies over the ocean and go parasailing
Get up close and personal with nature on a dolphin cruise
Try deep sea fishing or go fishing along the coast
Cool off at a local waterpark
Treat yourself to delicious, fresh-caught seafood
Explore the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Sip on a local lager at Big Beach Brewing Company
Play beach games at Gulf State Park
Get a birds’ eye view of the area with a helicopter tour
Go paddleboarding or kayaking through our back bays

The Perfect Destination Deserves the Perfect Vacation Rental

As you’re planning your vacation in Gulf Shores, you’ll need somewhere to make your home base. Harris Vacation Rentals offers the biggest and best collection of vacation rentals along the Gulf Coast. We offer properties of all sizes in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. No matter how big or small your group is, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we offer five-star amenities, including private pools, beach access, game rooms, elevators, pet-friendly properties, and more!

Aug 11 2019

How to Have the Best Trip From Birmingham, AL to Gulf Shores

Are you ready for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life? Have you been daydreaming about sugar-white sand and sparkling blue water? If so, it’s time for a relaxing getaway to Gulf Shores, Alabama! With beautiful beaches, fabulous restaurants, and exciting activities, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect paradise along the Gulf of Mexico. The best part? It’s just a short drive or plane ride from Birmingham, AL to Gulf Shores. So, what are you waiting for? Explore our coastal vacation rentals and start planning your next trip to paradise!

Getting There:

Via Car:

Most visitors choose to drive from Birmingham, AL to Gulf Shores. It’s a short 5-hour journey by car via I-65 South. This is the fastest and most direct route, and you’ll pass several charming towns along the way.

If you’re looking for a great halfway point to break for lunch, there are several great eateries in Montgomery. Some of our favorites are Mrs. B’s Home Cooking, Cahawba House, and Alloz Grill. Or, continue further down the road and take the exit for Priester’s Pecans in Fort Deposit. This eclectic gift shop carries a variety of sweet treats, including candied pecans, fudge, and sixteen flavors of ice cream! And if you’d like to wait until Greenville, Bates House of Turkey is another fabulous option. After you grab a bite to eat, it’s a smooth and easy ride to Gulf Shores!

Via Plane:

If you prefer to travel by plane, there are also several quick Birmingham to Gulf Shores flights. Pensacola National Airport (PNS) is the closest airport to Gulf Shores, Alabama. The average flight time is approximately 1 hour, and then it’s just a 1-hour drive from Pensacola to Gulf Shores.

Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Now that you’ve reached your final destination, it’s time to enjoy paradise! Gulf Shores is known for its pristine beaches, excellent shops and restaurants, upscale spas, and exciting nightlife. By day, relax at the beach and sink your toes into the powder-soft sand. The sound of gentle waves will carry you to pure bliss! By night, check out the hip beach bars, listen to live music, or catch the latest show at the theatre. The possibilities are endless!

Gulf Shores also boasts a plethora of activities and attractions. From kayaking and stand up paddleboarding to snorkeling, diving, and fishing, there are endless ways to have fun on the Gulf. Explore the waterways on a boating excursion, take a dolphin sunset tour, or fly high on a parasailing adventure. If you prefer to stay on land, get out and explore miles of scenic hiking trails. And if adventure is what you seek, you’re in luck! Visit one of the amusement parks, race go-karts at The Track, play a round of mini-golf, or tee off on one of the championship golf courses. Whether your idea of the perfect vacation includes relaxing by the shoreline or exploring all the sights, there is something for everyone!

Book Your Gulf Shores Getaway With Harris Vacation Rentals

When it comes to lodging in Gulf Shores, no place compares to Harris Vacation Rentals! Our luxurious Gulf Shores vacation rentals are near all of these amazing attractions. From intimate condos and cottages to upscale retreats, we offer a wide range of accommodations options. We also offer pet-friendly rentals for guests who are traveling with their four-legged friends! And our premium concierge services will ensure you have everything you could ever want or need while on vacation.

After your trip from Birmingham, AL to Gulf Shores, you’ll want to kick back and relax in your comfortable vacation rental. With cozy furnishings and top-notch amenities, 50 Shades of Blue is sure to sweep you off your feet! This 3 bedroom/ 2 bath home features coastal decor, a fully-equipped kitchen, and 2 spacious decks. It’s the perfect choice for beach-lovers!

Make sure to take advantage of our last-minute deals and book your Gulf Shores getaway today. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Feb 13 2017

Gulf Shores Activities for the Fitness Enthusiast

Everyone dreams of escaping to a tropical paradise like Gulf Shores, Alabama, but how many people actually plan out what they’re going to do before they get there? Whether you’re the type of person who plans ahead or the type who likes to “go with the flow,” chances are good that you’ll want to do something fun and active at least once during your vacation.

A healthier you is a happier you, and nothing inspires confidence on the beach like keeping your body toned. With that in mind, we present to you our handpicked list of some of the best fitness-related activities to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama during your stay!

The 5 Best Fitness Activities To Do In Gulf Shores Alabama

Below, we’ve put together a list of a handful of fun and exciting activities to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama to keep in shape and not let your vacation derail your fitness routine. We hope that you enjoy these suggested activities as much as we do!

1. Hike or Run Along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

One of the most extensive networks of paved trails in not only Gulf Shores but the entire United States, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is the perfect place to get your run on while exploring and sightseeing around Gulf Shores. Several trails are even pet-friendly, meaning your dog can join in on the fun!

2. Challenge Yourself by Biking to Fort Morgan and Back

A fun and lengthy biking path, the paved trail along Highway 180 is ideal for people who want to soak up the gorgeous sights of the Gulf of Mexico while pushing themselves. The trail begins at Gulf State Park and goes five miles westward through Gulf Shores, ending in secluded Fort Morgan.

3. Take a Dip in the Water

Gulf Shores has a ridiculous amount of options for watersports enthusiasts. There’s always swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, but you can even take it a step further by trying your hand at kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding!

4. Run and Play with Your Dog at a Local Dog Park

Orange Beach Dog Park permits dogs to run off-leash, but Gulf Shores Dog Park and The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby do not. Gulf State Park also has a number of dog-friendly trails that require leashes, while Orange Beach Waterfront Park is a great place to walk your dog.

5. Attend One of the Popular Fitness Events in Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is home to a variety of fitness events, including 5Ks, half-marathons, triathlons, and more all year long! From For a-Bama’s Beach Run/Walk for America’s Warriors in late March to the Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon in September, it’s easy to sign up for a fun fitness event during your vacation!

6. Glow Yoga in Gulf Shores

If you’re looking for an activity that offers a bit of relaxation, check on some of the Gulf Shores Glow Yoga options. It is a style of Vinyasa Yoga, that focuses on establishing synchronization of both breath and movement. During this type of yoga, a specific arc form is followed, and while classes may be challenging, they are a great option for both beginners and novices. It should also be noted that rooms are heated during this particular style of yoga! It is a great option for a beach vacation activity!

7. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Recreation Center Day/Week Passes

In the event that you’re not around the Gulf Shores area for long, there are some great day pass options available! For under ten dollars, you can spend a whole day at the Gulf Shores recreation center, getting your much needed workout in. For a day pass that includes aerobic classes, the fee is a mere $8. All other day passes are $5, and children under the age of 2 are free. If you’re in Gulf Shores for longer than a week, fear not! There are options for that as well. Not only are there weekly passes available, but there are monthly options as well. You can check online for more details on pricing! So even if you get the vacation lazies but know you have to do something, or even if you really just need to get some exercise in, there are always some great options available at Gulf Shores!

Let the Vacation Experts at Harris Vacation Rentals Help You Plan Your Tropical Escape!

Curious to learn more about what there is to do and see during your time in Gulf Shores? Our friendly reservation specialists can help! Contact our office to find out further information on the awesome attractions and activities that are waiting for you here when you book your stay in one of the incredible vacation rental properties that are available through Harris Vacation Rentals today! Check out our condo rentals today and our special deals.

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