Are you planning a Gulf Coast getaway? You don’t have to break the bank to have a great family beach vacation. In fact, we have plenty of great tips for vacation planning on a budget. Read on to learn about some of the best free things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Then, start planning your trip!
Don’t forget to book your Gulf Shores vacation home with Harris Vacation Rentals. We’ve got the best properties on the Alabama Gulf Coast!
Once you’ve taken care of where to stay, it’s time to plan your trip. These are our top 12 free things to do in Gulf Shores on your vacation.
1. Relax at the Best Alabama Beaches
Gulf Shores is home to the world’s most beautiful public beaches — it’s no secret. They are just as pristine as Florida’s famed beaches but typically less crowded. And when it comes to the best free things to do on the Gulf Coast, lounging by the shoreline on our white sand beaches should be at the top of your list!
Soak up the sun, play in the Gulf, and sink your toes into the sugar-white sand. Many of the local beach accesses offer free public parking on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Explore Hiking and Birding Trails
Nature enthusiasts will love visiting the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge! This 7,000-acre wildlife sanctuary is open year-round and offers activities for everyone. Get out and explore miles of scenic hiking trails or enjoy fishing from the beach. Some of our other favorite free hiking areas include the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Orange Beach.
3. Visit a Local Museum
Whether you’re looking for rainy-day activities or you’re traveling with history buffs, you’ll love the amazing museums near Gulf Shores, Alabama. And many offer free admission! Here’s our recommendation for a day of museum hopping.
Gulf Shores Museum
First, visit this fascinating history museum and learn about the earliest inhabitants along the Alabama coast. Formerly a beach house, this enchanting museum features an array of permanent and rotating exhibits and a Butterfly Garden. It’s a great experience for all ages, so bring the whole family!
Foley Model Railroad Museum
If you’re looking for the best free things to do in Foley, AL, you must visit the Foley Model Railroad Museum. Take a step back in time as you explore real locomotives and engaging railroad exhibits.
Holmes Medical Museum
Afterward, stop by the Holmes Medical Museum and take a self-guided tour of Baldwin County’s first hospital. This spooky building features original medical devices and operating rooms dating back to the early 1900s!
Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum
Next, head over to the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum. Discover the area’s Native American and fishing heritage through a variety of displays, artifacts, and other memorabilia.
Naval Air Museum
Finally, make sure to check out the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola. Serving as the world’s largest Naval Aviation Museum, it’s a must-see for any aviation lover! A ticket is required to enter but for a free thrill, come on a day that the Blue Angels are practicing overhead.
4. Attend a Free Festival or Event
No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something exciting happening in Gulf Shores, Alabama. From family-friendly events to concerts, art festivals, and more, the list of things to do here is endless. The best part? Many local events are free! Make sure to check out our website to see what upcoming events are scheduled during your Gulf Shores getaway.
5. Visit Gulf State Park
There are enough free things to do in this area of natural beauty to keep you entertained all day long. Enjoy a picnic, go hiking on the nature trails, try watersports like kayaking if you have your own equipment (rentals are available for a fee), or simply relax in the sun on the beach.
Note: Gulf State Park Pier was closed at the time of writing for repairs to the damage caused by Hurricane Sally. Check the website for updates before you visit.
6. Stroll The Wharf at Orange Beach
If you’re looking for things to do in Orange Beach, Alabama, you must visit The Wharf at Orange Beach. This lively entertainment district is home to our famed Ferris wheel and is filled with wonderful boutiques, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions.
However, you don’t have to spend anything to enjoy spending time here. After sunset, make sure to stay and watch the SPECTRA show. This sound and light spectacular features choreographed music synced with a stunning light show. The shows are free and held multiple times each night!
7. Spot Gators
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a fantastic place to see American alligators but if you’re looking to save your dollars, you can spot them in the wild instead. One of the best places to see these giants is in Gulf State Park on the Cross Park Trail bridge. Gators are known to swim between Little Lake and Middle Lake, so keep your eyes peeled while you’re out there biking and hiking!
8. Visit the Coastal Arts Center
Crafty types will love taking a trip to the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach. As well as the paid glass-blowing and pottery-making classes, there are plenty of year-round free events and activities to enjoy, and entry to the gallery is also free. The program is always changing so keep an eye on the website for upcoming classes.
9. Explore a Historic Fort
Fort Morgan has stood proudly where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico since 1834. The fort has been used during various wars including the Spanish American War and World War I and provides a fascinating glimpse into America’s military past. Visitors must pay to enter, but it’s free to see this impressive landmark from outside.
For a historic double bill, head to Fort Gaines afterward to learn about one of the most important sites of the Battle of Mobile Bay that took place during the Civil War. Again, there is a fee to enter but it’s impressive enough from the outside to make it worth a visit.
10. Spot Dolphins Playing in the Ocean
Dolphin cruises are popular with visitors to Gulf Shores, but did you know that you can spot these playful creatures from the beach for free!?
Sightings are said to be most frequent in the early morning hours when dolphins come close to shore, but eagle-eyed visitors have a good chance of spotting one or two at any time of the day.
11. Go Bird Spotting
Gulf Shores is home to a diverse variety of ecosystems and is an incredible place to go bird spotting. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trails cover 280 sites across Alabama where over 430 bird species have been spotted. Expect to see great blue herons, sanderlings, and ruddy turnstones here in Gulf Shores.
Tip: If you can swing the $2 per vehicle entrance fee, the Gulf State Park Nature Center is a living museum and one of the best places to learn about the birds, plants, and creatures that call the Gulf Coast home. Check the activities calendar to see what’s on during your visit.
Enjoy the Beach on a Budget
Now that you know about some of the best free things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, it’s time to start planning your trip! Enjoy your vacation to the fullest when you book a stay with Harris Vacation Rentals.
We offer a wide array of vacation rentals throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Whether you’re searching for a large family home or an intimate beachfront condo, we offer options for a range of preferences and budgets.
