An unforgettable vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama, doesn't have to be a strain on your wallet. Renowned for its stunning white sand beaches, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, this destination offers an array of budget-friendly attractions and activities. With careful planning and a touch of local insight, you can curate an affordable and fun itinerary for the whole family. Dive into the suggestions below and make your Gulf Shores getaway a truly memorable experience.
Here are 10 Free & Budget-Friendly Activities to Do in Gulf Shores:
1. Have a Beach Day
A day at the beach can include countless activities, such as swimming, fishing, building sand castles, flying kites, playing games, watching beautiful sunsets, reading a good book, enjoying a picnic, and walking along the stunning shoreline.
Gulf Shore and Orange Beach have fifteen public beaches. See the list of beaches here. From March 1st to November 30th, you must pay to park at these locations. The three most popular public beaches are:
2. Walk Around the Wharf at Orange Beach
This bustling area has plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options (even a Ferris wheel!). Window shopping and people-watching won't cost you a dime, and you can bring your pup to walk around outdoors. They host free summer events; you can check out their calendar here.
3. Explore Gulf State Park
This state park offers beautiful beaches, a fishing pier, and 26 miles of hiking and biking trails. Entrance is free, and you can spend the whole day exploring nature's beauty. There are free three-hour beach cruiser rentals through Bloom, a ride-sharing app.
The park also has a nature center, which is free. However, it costs $2 to park.
4. Visit Gulf Shores Museum
Housed in a vintage Southern home, this museum offers a glimpse into Gulf Shores' past. It features exhibits on the city's history, the area's natural environment, and local culture. The museum offers free admission, making it a budget-friendly option for you and your family.
5. Walk the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
USA Today named this trail the Top Recreational Trail in the country in 2024. This trail system within Gulf State Park offers a variety of beautiful scenery. It's a great place for biking, hiking, encountering wildlife, fishing, camping, and so much more.
6. Visit a Playground
Gulf Shores has various well-maintained playgrounds where kids can have fun. Many of these playgrounds are in beautiful parks, perfect for family outings. Here are the playgrounds in Gulf Shores:
- Gulf Shores Kids Park
- Meyer Park
- Lake Shelby Playground
- Johnnie Sims Park Pavilion
7. Go Fishing
Grab your line and pole and experience a variety of fishing opportunities in Gulf shores. Here are some spots you can fish at
- Gulf State Park Pier (currently closed for renovations but will be open in the summer of 2024)
- Little Lagoon
- Bon Secours River
- Shelby Lakes
- Orange Beach
8. Watch the Sunset
An absolute must-do activity during your trip to Gulf Shores, one that comes without any cost, is to watch a beautiful sunset. The region boasts numerous vantage points perfect for witnessing the sunset over the water. During the summer, the sun casts its golden glow to the west, setting over the serene Mobile Bay and the historic Fort Morgan Pier.
9. Window Shop for Souvenirs
There are many local shops and boutiques in Gulf Shores that sell a variety of souvenirs. Whether you are looking for local art, beach trinkets, T-shirts, or hats, souvenir hunting can be a fun and budget-friendly activity for the whole family. Give each child a small budget and see what they can find!
10. Attend Free Events
From food and art festivals to live music and fishing tournaments, Gulf Shores always has something happening. Check out this event calendar to see what's happening during your stay.
Are you looking for a place to stay in Gulf Shores or Fort Morgan Alabama for your next family vacation? Check out our vacation rentals!