Why you need to visit this ‘underrated’ Alabama beach

Mardi Gras is over, the sun is shining in Lower Alabama and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to plan a beach vacation! Luckily, one of 5 ‘most underrated beaches’ in the country is in our backyard: Gulf Shores, Alabama. We’ll tell you why – and let you in on some of our favorite spots in Gulf Shores that make it so much more than just an ‘underrated’ beach.

Top 5 underrated beach destinations

Underrated is what the folks at Travel Off Path called Gulf Shores beaches, in fact – it ranked in the top five, among beaches in Texas and Florida.

And that’s not the only group that’s sang praises for Gulf Shores. In years past, Gulf Shores has raked in accolades from Coastal Living as one of “The Best Little Beach Towns to Visit in the Spring” and ranked top in USA Today’s “Top 10 in Best Coastal Small Towns.”

Looks like even the big-city journalists recognize Gulf Shores as a hidden gem.

Why you’ll love Gulf Shores, too

Gulf Shores boasts an impressive 32 miles of sugar-white beaches and gorgeous mild weather, although it does get warm during the summer! It also hosts an impressive number of events each year like Hangout Music Festival and the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament. We’ve already rounded up those events – and a few more – for you, read all about it here.

It’s also widely regarded as a family-friendly beach destination, with activities like go-karting, escape rooms and mini-golfing just a short drive (or walk!) away. Believe me, an indoor activity close to the beach will save so many tears on an inevitably rainy Gulf Coast afternoon.

If you consider yourself a fisherman or just want to try it out – Little Lagoon is a great spot to do just that. This brackish, 8-mile body of water is a great fishing spot to catch everything from trout to flounder. Just make sure to get your fishing license first! If fishing isn’t your thing, Little Lagoon is also a great spot for riding around in a boat or swimming.

More than just a beach

If all the beachside fun wasn’t enough for you – Gulf Shores has plenty more to offer. There’s plenty of beautiful nature outside of the beachfront, historical sites and plenty for the whole family to love. Here are a few of my top picks:

• Gulf State Park
  • Hours: Sunrise-Sunset (trails & picnic areas), office open 8AM-4PM, Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM
  • Location: 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
    Tickets: FREE
  • More Info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
  • Hours: 9AM-4PM daily
  • Location: 0499 Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
  • Tickets: Start at $14.95 for kids, $22.95 for adults
  • More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Historic Fort Morgan
  • Hours: 8AM-5PM daily (museum open 9AM-4PM)
  • Location: 51 Hwy 180 West, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
  • Tickets: $8 for adults; $5 for kids, college students & seniors
  • More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Before you go…

Trying to get those beach trip plans out of the group chat and into reality? We might be able to help. Check out these articles on everything Gulf Shores:

• 7 Outdoor Activities You Need to Try Now in Gulf Shores
• Hot Gulf Shores + Orange Beach rentals, food, events + more now
• 9 of the Most Instagrammable Spots in Gulf Shores, including Live Bait

What’s your favorite spot in Gulf Shores? Let us know on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn! And make sure to sign up for our newsletter too, we’ll bring you more like this right to your inbox.