Gulf Shores

Although you may not think of Alabama as a beach vacation destination, cities like Gulf Shores are working hard to change your mind. In fact, Gulf Shores is a resort town with a thriving tourism industry. Gulf Shores is the state's southernmost community, and its long, hot summers and mild winters welcome visitors all year.

The city has some of the best beaches in Alabama, with Gulf Shores Public Beach being one of the most popular. The sand is white and sugar-soft, and there are plenty of opportunities for beachcombing. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are warm and inviting, attracting swimmers, surfers, parasailers, dolphin cruises, and others. And, while the beach's allure is undeniable, it remains a hidden gem, lacking the crowds that flock to beaches in other states.

Gulf State Park has even more shorelines. The Gulf State Park Pier is a popular fishing and people-watching spot. Redfish, Spanish and king mackerel, speckled trout, catfish, sheepshead, croaker, and whiting are among the species commonly caught along the 1,540-foot-long pier. Consider the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, a popular family attraction and the subject of Animal Planet's program "The Little Zoo That Could."

Location: a resort city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.6/5

Best times to visit: March through May and September through November