Gulf Shores travel guide

Gulf Shores Tourism | Gulf Shores Guide

You're Going to Love Gulf Shores

With a population of 9,741, Gulf Shores is a must-see destination in Alabama, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Gulf Shores has to offer.

Where to Eat in Gulf Shores

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Safari Club at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (20499 Oak Rd) and Bills By The Beach (300 West Beach Blvd) are great picks.

When to visit Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores in December
Estimated hotel price
$206
1 night at 3-star hotel
Gulf Shores in December
Estimated hotel price
$206
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Gulf Shores in July, when the average temperature is 27 °C, and the highest can go up to 32 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 5 °C, with an average temperature of 11 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in July, when precipitation is around 205 mm. In contrast, October is usually the driest month of the year in Gulf Shores, with an average rainfall of 89 mm.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Gulf Shores

Plane

Although Gulf Shores doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Pensacola (PNS), which is located 34 miles from Gulf Shores. The shortest flight to Gulf Shores from Australia departs from Brisbane and takes around 30h 54m.

Car

Another option to get to Gulf Shores is to pick up a car hire from New Orleans, which is about 143 miles from Gulf Shores. You’ll find branches of Thrifty and Dollar, among others, in New Orleans.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Gulf Shores using FlixBus or Busbud. From Orlando, the bus ride to Gulf Shores takes 600 miles and will cost you around $185. From Houston, the ticket costs about $204 for a journey of 755 miles.

Plane

Although Gulf Shores doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Pensacola (PNS), which is located 34 miles from Gulf Shores. The shortest flight to Gulf Shores from Australia departs from Brisbane and takes around 30h 54m.

Car

Another option to get to Gulf Shores is to pick up a car hire from New Orleans, which is about 143 miles from Gulf Shores. You’ll find branches of Thrifty and Dollar, among others, in New Orleans.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Gulf Shores using FlixBus or Busbud. From Orlando, the bus ride to Gulf Shores takes 600 miles and will cost you around $185. From Houston, the ticket costs about $204 for a journey of 755 miles.

Airports near Gulf Shores

Airlines serving Gulf Shores

Lufthansa
Good (4,665 reviews)
KLM
Good (858 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,487 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,602 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,557 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,941 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,126 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,483 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,788 reviews)
Finnair
Good (880 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,571 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,606 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,535 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,352 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (772 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (464 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (963 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (818 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (772 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Gulf Shores

Average rates range from around $387 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $462 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Motel 6 Gulf Shores, AL and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores.

Where to stay in popular areas of Gulf Shores

Most booked hotels in Gulf Shores

Perdido Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (9.3, Excellent reviews)
$451+
Hotel Indigo Orange Beach - Gulf Shores, An IHG Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
$292+
Best Western Premier The Tides
3 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
$338+
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
$382+
Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$355+
Courtyard by Marriott Gulf Shores Craft Farms
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$245+

Hiring a car in Gulf Shores

Expect to pay $1.58 per litre in Gulf Shores (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $18.88 and $25.18. The most frequently booked car type in Gulf Shores is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Ford Fiesta or similar) is, on average, 26% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $1.58 per litre in Gulf Shores (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $18.88 and $25.18. The most frequently booked car type in Gulf Shores is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Ford Fiesta or similar) is, on average, 26% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.