7 outdoor activities you need to try now in Gulf Shores

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Spring is a great time to be outdoors exploring new things. Your ultimate destination—Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We’ve compiled a list of springtime adventures that cater to all sorts of tastes and budgets. Are you ready? Dive in.

1. Biking

Riding bikes is one of my favorite things to do on a beach vacation. Perfect for a solo ride or for a full family adventure, there are many beautiful places to rent and ride bikes around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 

Some trails to travel:

• Coyote Crossing Trail: Distance – 3.2 miles | Difficulty – Moderate
• Hugh S. Brandon Back Country Trail: Distance – 28+ miles of trail options | Difficulty – Easy-Moderate
• Fort Morgan Trail: Distance – 10.8 miles | Difficulty – Moderate
• Graham Creek Nature Preserve: Distance – 10 miles | Difficulty – Easy-Moderate
• Lake Shelby Loop: Distance – 6 miles | Difficulty – Moderate

2. Bird Watching

You may not be able to fly like a bird, but you can still take delight in watching them skim the sky and ocean. A top place to see our feathered friends is Fort Morgan, located 22 miles west of Gulf Shores at Mobile Point. As a migrant trap for a variety of species, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of wading birds, terns or even the occasional rarity. 

Ready to plan your trip? Visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism for all you need.

3. Fishing

A trip to the Gulf Coast for my family means it’s time to break out the fishing poles. 

The coolest part about fishing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the countless list of places to fish—each offering a truly different experience. From calm bayside fishing at Gulf State Park to rigorous deep-sea fishing via a chartered boat, your vacay is sure to get an excitement boost.

Wait! Before you cast that line—get your fishing license here. 

4. Motorcycling

Sometimes, you just need to drive. With the Gulf’s feel-good weather, it’s the perfect place to hop on your motorcycle to feel the sun on your face as the wind whips your worries away. 

In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you’ll discover several motorcycle runs that will lead you down the Alabama Gulf Coast and along scenic back roads. Bonus—many unveil the area’s quirkiest attractions and best dive bars.

5. Picnicking

There’s no doubt you’ve had many picnics in your lifetime. But have you ever had a posh picnic? The latest outdoor dining trend that has taken picnics to all-new heights. 

What are they? Think pop-up picnic with a twist. Posh picnics are a luxurious culinary event complete with everything from stylish decor and custom seating to exquisite food and drinks.  

The best part is that many companies across Alabama’s Gulf Coast offer posh picnics, so signing up for one that’s catered to you is just a call or click away. 

6. Snorkeling

Love to explore? Then strap on that snorkel mask for the ultimate Gulf Coast adventure. Beneath those beautiful ocean waves, you’ll discover a whole new world teeming with marine life like crabs, tropical fish and sea turtles.

Top spots to snorkel:

• The Alabama Point jetties at the Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach.
• Perdido Key Snorkel Reef in Orange Beach at the Johnson Beach public beach access. 
• Whiskey Wreck, 150 yards off the beach in Gulf Shores, directly in front of Bahama Bob’s at 601 W. Beach Blvd.

7. Water sports

There’s never a dull moment at the beach—especially with an entire ocean before you. During your beach getaway, make water time a must and try one of these exciting water activities:

• Jet skiing/Jet surfing
• Kayaking
• Paddle boarding
• Parasailing
• Wakeboarding

The best news—there are countless places around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach where you can rent wave runners, jet skis, kayaks and more. Just show up, rent what you need and set off on a day of water-loving adventure.

It’s time to plan your springtime getaway! Make it easy—visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism’s website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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