Warm
water, salt air, sparkling white sand stretching to the horizon line,
fabulous sunrises and sunsets: these are just a few guaranteed ingredients
of the exceptional vacation that awaits visitors to aptly named Pleasure
Island.
Gulf
Shores, located on Pleasure Island, has grown since the bridge connecting
the island to the mainland was constructed in 1933. Residents and visitors
have been drawn to the area’s beautiful sandy beaches, mild climate and
numerous business opportunities. Traditionally regarded as a tourist resort
community, Gulf Shores is now home to 5000 year round residents. Tourists
raise the population during the busy summer months to over 40,000, yet it
retains a delightful, small town atmosphere.
The
warmth of the Gulf waters makes water sports possible year round. Other
popular activities are deep sea fishing, bird watching and hiking. Off the
beach, families enjoy the water slides, bungee towers, miniature golf, the
zoo, and the go-cart tracks. The area also boasts some of the most
attractive and most challenging golf courses in the country.
This
is an ideal spot for family vacation fun on the Gulf Coast. Waterfront
activities occupy the Spring and Summer months. Fireworks light up the
beaches on summer evenings as the City of Gulf Shores sponsors 4th of July
celebrations. The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is also held in July at
nearby Dauphin Island. The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival in the fall is always
well attended.
Historic
Fort Morgan and the battleship USS. Alabama are in nearby Mobile, and Ft.
Morgan hosts Civil War day camps and reenactments in the summer. There are
also plays, concerts, sporting events, historic home tours, and of course,
Mardi Gras. Restaurants in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & Perdido Key serve
the freshest and finest of seafood in every season.
For
those seeking nature-based travel opportunities, Gulf Shores has the
adventure you’re looking for! Hiking, biking, canoeing and sailing are all
there within local parks and recreational facilities. Comprised mostly of
quartz, Alabama’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. It
is easy to lose track of time in any season exploring these shores.
The
Alabama coast has mild temperatures throughout the seasons. Not
surprisingly, the first and foremost activity available at all times is pure
relaxation in a fabulous setting. Indoors or out, from music to history,
sports to festivals, parades to plays, there are activities for the entire
family in Gulf Shores at any time of the year.
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