Gulf State Park
The Gulf State Park, located in the Gulf Shores area of Alabama, spans two miles of sandy beaches and includes a Lodge and a spacious campground for visitors who wish to stay overnight. The park has a variety of outdoor recreational activities, wildlife, a picnic pavilion, and white sand beaches. Visitors looking for outdoor recreation can go kayaking, parasailing, paddling, geocaching, exploring, fishing, biking, and hiking at Gulf State Park.
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, which includes 27 miles of hiking and biking trails, winds through the park. Paved paths make it accessible to all nature enthusiasts. The trails are a relaxing way to spend the day and see a different side of Alabama's beaches.
From coastal dunes to maritime forests and coastal hardwood swamps, six distinct ecosystems await you. Don't forget to bring your camera! Hundreds of bird species make the trail system their permanent or temporary home while migrating through the area. It's a great place for birdwatching and is on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trails list.
The Gulf State Park Pier offers 2,448 feet of fishing space along its rails and has restrooms, concession area and a bait and tackle shop. Take your kayak to Lake Shelby for the opportunity to paddle through nearly 900 acres of water when you combine Lake Shelby with Little Lake and Middle Lake. If you don’t have a kayak, rentals are available. Lake Shelby is actually one of the closest freshwater lakes near saltwater on the Gulf of Mexico.
- Address: 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.4/5
- Admission: Adults: $16.50; Senior: $14.00; Child: $11.00
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Phone: +1 251-948-7275
- Website: https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park
