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Gulf Shores, Alabama, is located in the heart of the Alabama Gulf Coast and is quickly becoming a popular spot for fun-filled beach vacations. If you’re in the mood for a change of scenery during your stay in coastal Alabama, embark on a day trip to a nearby charming town. We’ll tell you about some of the best Gulf Shores day trips we think you’ll enjoy.

Are you ready to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast? Browse our luxurious properties in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach and find the perfect home away from home for you!

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The Best Gulf Shores Day Trips

Pensacola, FL

Only a 55-minute drive away from Gulf Shores

Pensacola is a family-friendly beach town filled with history and nature. The city has a proud military heritage and is the home of the famous Blue Angels, officially known as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. During your day trip from Gulf Shores to Pensacola, pick from many top-notch activities and attractions.

National Naval Aviation Museum – As one of the most visited museums in Florida, the National Naval Aviation Museum is a fascinating attraction, no matter how young or old you are. Some of the most popular exhibits include flight simulators, authentically reproduced cockpits of dozens of famous aircraft, vintage aircraft, and themed exhibits focusing on the Vietnam War and World War II.
The Pensacola Lighthouse – This historic structure sits on the Naval Air Station grounds and dates back to 1858. It was renowned for featuring a first-order Fresnel lens, which was the most powerful available during its time. If you’re up for an adventure, climb the lighthouse’s 177 steps and find panoramic views of the Pensacola Bay, Gulf of Mexico, historic forts, and the Pensacola city skyline.
Condor Sailing Adventures – If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind sailing expedition, Condor Sailing Adventures is your spot. This isn’t your typical dolphin tour. Your group will set sail on a private, spacious world-class Condor racing trimaran and cruise through Pensacola Bay during the day or at sunset.

Theodore, AL

Only a 90-minute drive away from Gulf Shores

If you’re craving a relaxing day with fresh air, nature, and breathtaking flowers and landscaping, you need to head to Theodore and take a stroll through a spectacular garden.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home – This gorgeous 65-acre estate is the former home of Mobile Coca-Cola bottler Walter Bellingrath and his wife. No matter what time of the year you explore the gardens, you’ll be greeted by lush green lawns and colorful gardens. You can find camellias in the winter, azaleas in the spring, roses and hydrangeas in the summer, and chrysanthemums in the fall.

Mobile, AL

Only an hour-long drive away from Gulf Shores

Head to Mobile and embrace everything the city has to offer. Mobile is known for being the home of the oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country, historical sites, and mouthwatering fresh seafood and southern comfort dishes.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park – This park is home to the USS Alabama Battleship, which served in World War II and was renovated and preserved to showcase its grand beauty. Today, you can tour the ship and gaze at 25 vintage military aircraft.

Stay With Harris Vacation Rentals

It’s time to plan your Gulf Coast getaway! Browse our properties and find your dream vacation home. Whether you’re looking for beach views, a private pool, a hot tub, or a pet-friendly rental, we’ve got you covered! Book your stay with us today.

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Do you reside in Nashville, Tennessee? Are you interested in planning a road trip to a fantastic beach destination? Pack the car and head from Nashville, TN, to Gulf Shores, Alabama! It’s the perfect change of scenery, and the travel time from Nashville to the Gulf Coast is a breeze. To learn how to make this dream vacation a reality—read on!

When you arrive at your destination of Gulf Shores, AL, you’ll want to be sure to plan exciting activities to fill your time. Let our team do the searching for you, so you can focus on what matters most: making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

How to Get From Nashville, TN, to Gulf Shores

The distance from Nashville to the Alabama Gulf Coast is about 470 miles. You’ll arrive at your destination in no time!

By Car

The most common way to travel from Nashville, TN, to Gulf Shores is via car. The drive from Nashville will take a little over seven hours. The quickest route begins on I-65 South, which you will stay on for 412 miles. You’ll take Exit 37 and get on I-10 East in Loxley from AL-59 South. Follow I-10 East for about 23 miles to Baldwin Beach Express. Take Exit 49 and follow Baldwin Beach Express, Foley Beach Express, and AL-59 South/Gulf Shores Parkway to your Gulf Shores destination.

Make Pit Stops Along the Way

If you’re not in a rush to get to Gulf Shores and are interested in making your journey into a road trip with some interesting pit stops, we’ve got you covered. Choose from these unique cities and make some stops along the way.

Birmingham, AL – Birmingham is a beautiful city with a rich history and many interesting things to do. Some of the best attractions include Birmingham Zoo, Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and more!
Montgomery, AL – A fantastic stop to make on your road trip is in the capital of Alabama—Montgomery. Some of the top attractions here include The Hank Williams Museum, the Alabama State Capital, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, and Alabama Safari Park.
Mobile, AL – Mobile is known for being a port city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. During your visit, you can view the USS Alabama battleship from the WWII era anchored in Battleship Memorial State Park. You can also visit the Mobile Carnival Museum, the 1850 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the Mobile Museum of Art.

By Plane

If a road trip isn’t your style, you can also fly into Pensacola International Airport. The flight time is less than an hour and a half. When you land, you can rent a car or take a transportation service and drive to Gulf Shores, which only takes about an hour.

Once You Arrive in Gulf Shores

You did it! You’ve reached your destination and arrived in the one and only Gulf Shores! Now what? It’s time to relax, catch some waves, and soak up some rays of sunshine. There’s so much to see and do on the Alabama Gulf Coast; you’ll never be bored. Some favorite activities among locals include:

Dolphin cruises
Parasailing
Jet skiing
Sunset cruises
Visit OWA entertainment park
Mini golf
And more!

Browse our complete collection of things to do in our TripShock program and start getting excited about your vacation!

Find Your Perfect Gulf Shores Alabama Vacation Rental

Here at Harris Vacation Rentals, we have been helping families create their dream vacations come true throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, for over three decades. We specialize in pet-friendly beach rentals so every family member can join you on your getaway. We are dedicated to making sure you have nothing short of a magnificent experience on the Alabama coastline. Our team is here to show you what true Southern hospitality is all about. With a solid reputation for providing unmatched customer service, we are proud to show you everything this beautiful region has to offer.

We offer beach rentals in all sizes to accommodate both small and large groups. Our beach rentals include condos and vacation houses directly on or near the white sands of the Gulf Coast, and many properties include private pools. Each of our Gulf Shores condos on the beach are kept in pristine condition and feature a myriad of amenities that will ensure you and your travel companions genuinely feel at home throughout your stay. All of our rental locations are conveniently within a short distance of the area’s popular attractions, activities, restaurants, shops, and of course, striking white sands and clear, blue waters. Browse our properties and find your perfect vacation spot today!

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