226572725 4582087411824700 6863135488473821856 N — Get ready for the vacation you didn’t know you needed. (City of Gulf Shores)

It’s prime time for a lovely summer vacation, and according to an article by Erin Gifford for The Washington Post, travelers looking for a taste of sunshine should head to Gulf Shores over Destin, Florida. Read on to see why.

Soak up the peace and quiet

From party boats to a massive water park, Destin is a prime destination for families looking for a trip to the beach. With about 5 million visitors in an average year, there’s no doubt about its appeal as a popular vacation destination. Something it’s missing out on? Good ol’ peace and quiet.

So, if you’re looking to escape all the wild hustle and bustle, where do you go to relax? The Washington Post, is pointing you to our very own Gulf Shores.

“In Gulf Shores, Alabama, you can close your eyes and hear only the gentle lapping of the waves and the soft cries of migrating seabirds as the sun warms your skin. It can be intoxicating, especially for those who enjoy a quiet stretch of uncrowded white-sand beach, which you can find at Gulf State Park, at the eastern end of the 32-mile coastline that makes up Gulf Shores.”
Erin Gifford, in Washington Post article ‘On the Gulf of Mexico, look to Gulf Shores, Ala., over Destin, Fla.’

Gulf State Park gets an extra special shoutout in the article as ‘a pristine piece of paradise’ that prioritizes keeping the beach clean from trash, glass, vehicles and other things that may disturb your serene day on the beach.

Fun activities in Gulf Shores

We already know that Gulf Shores is a fun-fulled spot to vacation, but in case you need more reasons to check it out, here’s what got a shoutout in the Post article.

With gorgeous white sandy beaches, it’s no wonder that the article raved about the natural beauty of Gulf Shores. But its not all about looks, the article had plenty to say about Gulf State Park’s sustainability practices, including Eagle Cottages, which have earned a spot on National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World list in 2019.

Looking for a place to stay? The Lodge at Gulf State Park got props for its sustainability efforts as an eco-friendly coastal development.

Perch and Foodcraft, restaurants at The Lodge, were praised for serving up local flavors and craft cocktails. The Woodside Restaurant was listed as well.

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is another can’t-miss attraction, with a network of paved trails that takes visitors through maritime forests, freshwater marshes and coastal dunes. Plus, there’s plenty to look forward to with the new Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism and Sustainability set to open in early 2023.

Plan your visit

Ready to pack your bags and soak up the sun? I don’t blame you. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism has all you need to plan your dream vacation, from events to accommodations.

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