Alabama is home to many small towns, including Gulf Shores. In fact, Thrillist recently distinguished it as one of America’s best small towns. For information about Gulf Shores, including what it has to offer, take a look below.

Note: Keep in mind, these are just a few of the great places Gulf Shores offers.

Gulf Shores is located in Baldwin County on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast. It’s also the state’s top vacation destination.

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What makes Gulf Shores such a desired vacation destination is of course its gorgeous white-sand beaches. However, that’s not all this town has to offer.

flickr/Gary Gamso

One of Gulf Shores’ most popular attractions is Gulf State Park, which is one of Alabama’s 22 state parks. Gulf State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, and more.

flickr/Outdoor Alabama/Photo credit: Billy Pope

Another place in Alabama that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Covering approximately 7,000 acres, this scenic wildlife refuge is a resting and feeding spot for migratory birds. It also offers five miles of trails.

flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region

Gulf Shores is home to Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which is one of the state’s top animal attractions. Here, visitors have the opportunity to have a unique animal encounter with a kangaroo, a sloth, an anteater, and a lemur.

google/Travis Pace

Gulf Shores also hosts some pretty amazing festivals each year that attract attendees from near and far. One of these festivals is the Hangout Music Festival, which is a three-day music festival that’s held on Gulf Shores’ public beaches. Another festival is the…

facebook/Hangout Music Festival

…Annual National Shrimp Festival, which attracts more than 300,000 visitors and is one of the nation’s top food events.

facebook/Annual National Shrimp Festival

Speaking of food, when it comes to dining out, Gulf Shores offers a variety of options, including the Pink Pony Pub. This beachfront restaurant is known for its fun atmosphere and mouthwatering burgers.

google/Joe Spadea

For a sweet treat, especially on a hot summer day, you’ll want to visit Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream. A minimum of 40 flavors are always offered, and it’s the only homemade ice cream shop in town.

facebook/Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream

If you’ve never been to Gulf Shores and you get the chance to visit someday, consider doing so. With such a variety of things to see and do, you won’t be disappointed!

flickr/faungg’s photos For more information about Gulf Shores, Alabama, you can view the town’s official website here.

Have you ever visited Gulf Shores, Alabama? If so, what were some of your favorite things to do? Please share them with us in the comments.

flickr/blgrssby

flickr/Gary Gamso

flickr/Outdoor Alabama/Photo credit: Billy Pope

flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region

google/Travis Pace

facebook/Hangout Music Festival

facebook/Annual National Shrimp Festival

google/Joe Spadea

facebook/Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream

flickr/faungg’s photos

For more information about Gulf Shores, Alabama, you can view the town’s official website here.

For more information about Gulf State Park, be sure to take a look at the following article: This One Park In Alabama Is The Perfect Place To Spend A Summer Day.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Gulf Shores, AL, USAAddress: Gulf State Park, 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USAAddress: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, 12295 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USAAddress: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, 20499 Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USAAddress: Pink Pony Pub, 137 E Gulf Pl, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USAAddress: 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USAAddress: 1308 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA