Warm water, salt air, sparkling white sand stretching to the horizon line, fabulous sunrises and sunsets: these are just a few guaranteed ingredients of the exceptional vacation that awaits visitors to aptly named Pleasure Island.

Gulf Shores, located on Pleasure Island, has grown since the bridge connecting the island to the mainland was constructed in 1933. Residents and visitors have been drawn to the area’s beautiful sandy beaches, mild climate and numerous business opportunities. Traditionally regarded as a tourist resort community, Gulf Shores is now home to 5000 year round residents. Tourists raise the population during the busy summer months to over 40,000, yet it retains a delightful, small town atmosphere.

The warmth of the Gulf waters makes water sports possible year round. Other popular activities are deep sea fishing, bird watching and hiking. Off the beach, families enjoy the water slides, bungee towers, miniature golf, the zoo, and the go-cart tracks. The area also boasts some of the most attractive and most challenging golf courses in the country.

This is an ideal spot for family vacation fun on the Gulf Coast. Waterfront activities occupy the Spring and Summer months. Fireworks light up the beaches on summer evenings as the City of Gulf Shores sponsors 4th of July celebrations. The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is also held in July at nearby Dauphin Island. The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival in the fall is always well attended.

Historic Fort Morgan and the battleship USS. Alabama are in nearby Mobile, and Ft. Morgan hosts Civil War day camps and reenactments in the summer. There are also plays, concerts, sporting events, historic home tours, and of course, Mardi Gras. Restaurants in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & Perdido Key serve the freshest and finest of seafood in every season.

For those seeking nature-based travel opportunities, Gulf Shores has the adventure you’re looking for! Hiking, biking, canoeing and sailing are all there within local parks and recreational facilities. Comprised mostly of quartz, Alabama’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. It is easy to lose track of time in any season exploring these shores.

The Alabama coast has mild temperatures throughout the seasons. Not surprisingly, the first and foremost activity available at all times is pure relaxation in a fabulous setting. Indoors or out, from music to history, sports to festivals, parades to plays, there are activities for the entire family in Gulf Shores at any time of the year.