Destination: Gulf Shores, Alabama

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is unlike other beach communities. According to The Nature Conservancy, the state is among the most biologically diverse in the country, with 20 fish species not found anywhere else. Alabama has more navigable stream miles than any other state, and much of its coastline is protected land, with Gulf State Park and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge among its standout gems. 

For beachgoers, this means there are miles and miles of coastline along the gulf, bays and lagoons available for paddling, fishing, walking, running — or just admiring the contrast of the Southern pines against the pristine white sands. Since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Gulf Shores has intentionally invested some of its BP RESTORE Act funding into habitat restoration, beach access and recreation, and the development of the recently opened Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability, all of which should help preserve Alabama’s strip along the Gulf Coast for the future.

And now that Allegiant Air offers direct, quick service from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to the new Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF), it’s easier than ever to get to Alabama’s paradisal white sand beaches.

Alabama’s Beaches, which collectively include the towns of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan and Orange Beach, have a reputation as a family-friendly destination. They’re not often mentioned along with Sea Island, Ga., or Naples, Fla., as a luxury beach getaway. But as the area has expanded, rebuilt and evolved, there are more upscale experiences to be had in Gulf Shores than in the past. 

Where to Stay

Most people who head to Alabama’s Beaches rent homes or condos rather than stay in hotels. Many rental companies in the area, including Sunset Properties, have separate divisions that focus on upscale offerings with amenities such as elevators (no carrying your luggage up those beach-house stairs), private pools and hotel tubs, and stellar gulf and bay views. Kiva Dunes and Martinque on the Gulf, both on Fort Morgan, are good options for an upscale getaway with easy access to golf courses. 

Popular luxury choices in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach include Turquoise Place and Oceania. Each unit in Oceania occupies an entire floor of the building, so you’ll have plenty of elbow room and privacy. Turquoise Place offers condo units with balcony hot tubs and outdoor grill and kitchen setups, allowing you to spend as much time as possible outdoors.

Speaking of making the most of your time, give The Beach Moms a call to have VIP service at the beach, even if you’re not staying in a resort. The concierge service can do everything for you — stocking the fridge with your favorites, finding a private chef to do the cooking (and the dishes), booking golf games and excursions, setting up beach umbrellas and toys, and planning a family photo shoot. 

Where to Eat

Of course, eating fresh seafood and sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset is part of a beach vacation’s lure. Historically, the greater Gulf Shores area has been known for casual eats, with fresh (albeit fried) seafood and family-friendly options. As the area has grown, so have the options for more upscale and refined meals, still with great views and better fresh seafood. 

One standout is Jesse’s On The Bay, which has been a favorite in nearby Magnolia Springs for decades. In 2023, the team opened a restaurant on Fort Morgan, with the building designed to take advantage of Mobile Bay’s wide-open sunset views (there’s even a platform on the deck that’s perfect for photos). In addition to Gulf seafood, Jesse’s offers aged proteins and has an extensive wine list — along with some of the most refined service on the peninsula. 

The floor-to-ceiling windows at Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach also offer big gulf views, as a backdrop to a menu of sustainably harvested seafood and a 700-bottle wine cabinet.

What to Do

Admiring the aforementioned protected landscapes, swimming and paddling in the pristine waters have to be first on your to-do list. The Wind & Water Learning Center in Orange Beach offers private sailing lessons or paddle-and-paint excursions, where you can paint a watercolor scene from the comfort of your kayak.

If you want to leave the navigating to someone else, take the Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island from the end of Fort Morgan (you can walk, bike or drive on). Dauphin Island is a barrier island, home to Fort Gaines, bird sanctuaries, and the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

Gulf Shores’ popularity — particularly during spring break and in the summer — means there can be long lines for some of the most popular activities. Using a concierge service like The Beach Moms can help you nab tee times and dolphin cruise tickets while avoiding some of the crowds. 

Then, thanks to the new flights, when you are sun-kissed and ready to shed the sandy clothes, you don’t have to drive eight hours to get home. One quick word of caution: Flying to Gulf Shores shaves off hours of travel time (and traffic along AL-59), and as a result, rental cars from GUF are in high demand. Book your rental car in advance to make sure you have wheels to explore Alabama’s Beaches in all their glory.