Welcome to our

Area ATTRACTIONS

Gulf Shores and the surrounding area is loaded with things to do. Here are a few.

Attractions | Shopping | History | Parks

Attractions

What: The Wharf
Site: The Wharf Entertainment Web Site
Where: Located in Orange Beach
Background: Shopping, movies, live entertainment and restaurants

What: Waterville USA
Site: Waterville Web Site
Where: Located on Highway 59, a half mile north of the beach.
Background: Excitement on land and adventures in the water. Waterville USA., the ultimate in family fun, is a 20 acre Water Park and Amusement Park located in the beach resort community of Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Information: 251-948-2106

The Kamikaze

What: Adventure Island
Site: Adventure Island Web Site
Where: 24559 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL 36561,
directly on Perdido Beach Blvd (Hwy 182) behind Jake's Steakhouse
Background: Mini-golf, laser tag, paddle and bumper boats, simulators (NASCAR/ roller coaster) super and kiddie go-kart tracks, 100 arcade games. See the Volcano erupt nightly!
Information: 251-974-1500

What: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Site: Zoo Web Site
Where: 1204 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542,
on Hwy 59 approx 1 mile north of Hwy 180 intersection
Background: Explore the natural habitats of more than 250 animals. Elevated viewing decks offer close-up viewing of everything from alligators to giraffes, plus Reptile House, Aviary, Petting Zoo, Gift Shop, Concessions, shaded picnic area.
Information: 251-968-5731

What: Pirates Island Golf
Site: Pirates Island Web Site
Where: Hwy 59 just north of the intracoastal bridge, next to the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitor's center
Background: Miniature Golf. Discover sparkling waterfalls and mysterious hideouts of pirates as ye putt around historical markers of pirates in a lush tropical setting with a cool sea fog.
Information: 251-968-GOLF (4653)

What: The Track
Site: The Track Web Site
Where: Hwy 59 just north of the intracoastal bridge, across from the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitor's center
Background: The Track in Gulf Shores is your family headquarters for fun! Our action-packed recreation center features everything from the ultimate in go-cart tracks, like our Wild Woody three-tiered go-kart/roller coaster hybrid, to the Super Track, our fastest track. Challenge your friends to miniature golf at River Boat Adventure Golf, splash ‘em on bumper boats, or test your courage on our sky coaster!
Information: 251-968-8111

What: American Sport Art Museum and Archives (ASAMA)
Site: ASAMA Web Site
Where: The ASAMA Art Gallery is located on the main campus of the United States Sports Academy. From Interstate 10, take U.S. Hwy 98 East (Exit 35). It is approx 1/2 mile from the interstate on the east side (left) of Hwy 98.
Background: The ASAMA collection currently contains almost 1,000 pieces in all mediums: paintings, sculpture, prints, posters, photography and assemblages. The collection is believed to be the largest of sport art in North America and perhaps the world.
Information: 251-626-3303

For more Attractions, visit:
http://www.gulfshores.com/things-to-do/attractions/

Shopping

What: Tanger Outlet Center
Site: Tanger Web Site
Where: 2601 S McKenzie St Foley; Located on Highway 59 about 8 miles north of the beach
Background: Shop Tanger Outlet Center in Foley, AL and buy direct from over 120 brand name manufacturer and designer outlet stores.
Information: 251-943-9303 / 866-665-8678

What: Old Time Pottery
Site: Old Time Pottery Web Site
Where: 7976 Highway 59 Foley; Located on Hwy 59 between Foley and Gulf Shores, about 6 miles north of the beach
Background: Acres of home decor! Acres of bargains! Huge store is stocked with 1000s of great deals on home decorating items, housewares, seasonal decorations, linens and rugs, glassware, dinnerware, framed art and mirrors, lamps, candles, and silk plants and trees.
Information: 251-955-5240

What: Souvenir City

Where: 217 Gulf Shores Pkwy; Located close to the corner of Hwy 59 and Hwy 182
Background: Souvenir City-A fixture since 1956 (or before) in Gulf Shores. A giant shark marks the entrance to a landmark. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1996, and rebuilt in 1997.
Information: 251-948-7280

What: Alvin's Island
Site: Alvins Island Web Site
Where: 100 W Beach Blvd; Located at the corner of Hwy 59 and Hwy 182
Background: "Shop til you drop" at this one-of-a-kind tropical department store chain, featuring top name swimwear, casual sportswear and the best gifts and souvenirs.
Information: 334-948-3121

For more on Shopping, visit:
http://www.gulfshores.com/things-to-do/shopping/

http://gulf-shores.net/alabama-gulf-shores-shopping.htm

History

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan Alabama Web Site
Where: 22 miles west of Gulf Shores on State Highway 180 West
Background: The construction began 1819. The fort was completed in 1834. This large brick fort saw service in Civil War, Spanish-American War and First and Second World Wars. On-site museum details fort's history.
Information: 251-540-5257

Fort Gaines
Fort Gaines Web Site
Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board Web Site
Where: 51 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island
Background: As Admiral Farragut's fleet of 14 frigates and four iron-clad monitors prepared to engage Forts Gaines and Morgan on August 5, 1864, Colonel Charles Anderson and his 800 Confederate troops were ordered to hold Fort Gaines at any cost. The Union monitor Tecumseh struck a torpedo and sank immediately. Seeing the screw propellers of the sinking Tecumseh turning in the air, Admiral Farragut bellowed, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" Immediately after gaining safety in Mobile Bay, Farragut's attention turned upon Fort Gaines. On August 8, Fort Gaines surrendered.
Information: 251-861-6992

Mobile Bay Ferry
Ferry Web Site (under construction)
Schedule: Operation Schedule: Departs Dauphin Island every 90 min. beginning at 8 am; last departure 6:30 pm. Departs Ft. Morgan at every 90 min. beginning at 8:45 am; last departure 7:15 pm.
Background: Innovative exhibits come alive in this National Historic Landmark. Explore Mobile as the first Americans saw it. Relive the jouney of African-Americans. Sense the revelry of Mardi Gras. Get your hands on history.
Information: 251-208-7569

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
Park Web Site
Where: 2703 Battleship Pkwy Mobile, AL 36601
Background: Explore mighty battleship, winner of 9 battle stars in World War II. See Mach 3 A-12 Blackbird supersecret spy plane and B-52 stratofortress Calamity Jane, submarine USS DRUM plus 22 other aircraft and weaponry from all branches of military.
Information: 251-433-2703

National Museum of Naval Aviation
Museum Web Site
Where: 1750 Bradford Blvd NAS Pensacola, FL 32508
Background: The National Museum of Naval Aviation is one of the largest and most beautiful air and space museums in the world. Share in the excitement of NMNA's rich history. See over 140 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation.
Information: 800-327-5002

The Museum of Mobile
Museum Web Site
Where: 111 S. Royal Street Mobile, Alabama 36602
Background: Innovative exhibits come alive in this National Historic Landmark. Explore Mobile as the first Americans saw it. Relive the journey of African-Americans. Sense the revelry of Mardi Gras. Get your hands on history.
Information: 251-208-7569

Gulf Shores Museum
GSM Web Site
Where: 244 West 19th Avenue - approx 1/2 mile south of Intracoastal Waterway bridge, turn right going south onto 19th Ave, less 1/2 mile across from the Library
More: Explore the coastal past of fishing and hurricanes as you enjoy a diversity of other exhibits. Make time to take a stroll in the outdoor garden and enjoy the resident birds and butterflies.
Information: 251-967-4733

Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
Where: 25850 John Snook Drive, Orange Beach, AL 36561
More: Showcasing early exploration and settlement of the area, the museum is dedicated to the preservation of the Gulf Coast sea and Indian history as well as local history. Located in an old schoolhouse with original furnishings.
Information: 251-981-2766

For more on History, visit:
http://www.gulfshores.com/things-to-do/history/

Parks
City Parks

David L. Bodenhamer Center
Beginning with David L. Bodenhamer, this recreation center offers many programs to the individual and family. With various memberships and pass fees, the center includes state of the art cardiovascular and selectorized equipment and free weights, a walking/jogging track, two racquetball courts, a gymnasium with a suspended hardwood floor, indoor swimming pool, locker facilities with saunas and a large gameroom. For more information, please call 251-968-4420.

George C. Meyer Park
Located on east 24th Avenue, in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama, this 12-acre city park features picnic shelters, individual picnic tables, playground equipment, and a baseball diamond and horseshoe pits. Please call 251-968-4420 for more information.

Johnnie Sims Park
Located on west 19th Avenue, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the Johnnie Sims Park is the largest Gulf Shores City Park. The park features a fitness center, Kids Park, 12 tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, outdoor pavilion for picnics and concerts, and parking. The fitness center contains a full-size gym, and indoor track, a weight room, racquetball courts, an aerobics room, an activity area, saunas, and an indoor pool. For more information, please call 251-968-4420.

Kids Park
The children of Pleasure Island designed this unique playground located within the Johnnie Sims Park. Custom-built by over 1,500 volunteers in under six days, our Kids Park reflects our community’s sense of pride and spirit. A gift to all the children and families who enjoy it, the playground is open daily and closes at dusk. For more information call the City of Gulf Shores at 251-968-4420.

Nature Parks

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Off State Highway 180 at the 13-mile marker; 251-540-7720. This 6200-acre refuge with beach access protects and preserves the unique plants and animals that call the Gulf Coast home. Hike the scenic, four-mile Pine Beach Trail or the one-mile-loop Jeff Friend Trail. Catch bass, bluegill and bream in the 40-acre freshwater Gator Lake (canoes and electric trolling motors only). On the nearby lagoon, cast for trout and flounder or scoop up crabs. See a large migratory bird stopover in April, May, September and October. Open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Gulf State Park
Headquarters: 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores; 251-948-7275. This Gulf Coast gem boasts 6000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beaches on four preserved stretches of sand. Inland, 900-acre Lake Shelby hosts freshwater fishermen, boaters, skiers and swimmers; nearby nature trails wind through the wooded land. Scheduled educational nature activities include beach walks, hikes, slide presentations and nature films. Wildlife exhibits at the Nature Center are open year-round.

Gulf-side facilities include a public pavilion, 825-ft. fishing pier and boat ramps. Open year-round. Free to enter park; individual attractions may charge a small admission or parking fee.

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
On U.S. Highway 98, about 12 miles west of Foley, 251-928-9792. Protects approximately 6000 acres of coastal habitats and wetlands, including an estuary (a body of water where fresh and salt waters converge). Visit the Interpretive Center with indoor exhibits and a live animal room, and explore the nature trails and bog. Ground trails and boardwalk trails, which are handicap accessible, are available. Picnic facilities are available. Open Monday–Saturday 9–5, Sunday 1–5. Admission is free.

Biophilia Nature Center & Native Nursery
On County Road 95, three miles east of Elberta and 1/4 mile south of U.S. Highway 98, 251-987-1200. Butterflies courting and laying eggs, sparkling sundews catching bugs, and blue-tailed skinks streaking about are potential sights at the 20-acre Biophilia Nature Center and Native Nursery in Elberta. This ongoing ecological restoration project includes young forests, wildflower meadows, a carnivorous plant bog, a swamp, an 11-foot alligator, turtles, a butterfly garden, a screened butterfly room and caterpillar nursery, and a bookstore/library. Call 987-1200 for Nature Center hours and cost of admission.

Minamac Wildflower Bog
Located five miles east of Fairhope, 251-945-6157. From early April through September, more than 300 varieties of native Southern wildflowers bloom in this five-acre preserve. Open for tours by appointment only. Admission is charged, and group rates are available.

Meaher State Park
Near Mobile on Battleship Parkway, two miles east of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 251-626-5529. Situated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay, this 1327-acre park features two self-guided nature trails that highlight the flora and fauna of this unique area. Also available: picnic areas, primitive camping, and fishing from the 500-ft. pier. Open daily 7–4. Admission is $1 for adults, 50 cents for children 11 and under.

For more Parks and Nature, visit:
http://www.gulfshores.com/things-to-do/parks_nature/