Vacation rentals in Gulf Shores

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Popular amenities for Gulf Shores vacation rentals

Stay near Gulf Shores's top sights

Gulf Shores Public Beach77 locals recommend
Gulf State Park180 locals recommend
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo210 locals recommend
The Hangout Gulf Shores400 locals recommend
The Wharf250 locals recommend
The Wharf Amphitheater42 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Gulf Shores

  • Total rentals

    4.7K properties

  • Total number of reviews

    99K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    3.8K properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    500 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    4.2K properties have a pool

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    1.8K properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Gulf Shores

All about Gulf Shores

Yes, Alabama has beaches — great ones, with turquoise waters and sand as white and fine as powdered sugar. Together with nearby Orange Beach, Gulf Shores Beach is one of the top beach vacation destinations on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Situated on a skinny peninsula between Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile Bay, this Gulf-front getaway attracts spring breakers, families, and couples looking to splash in the bathtub-warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With a skyline defined by high-rise hotels and resorts, the area has plenty of historical and natural attractions, too, including bird sanctuaries, bike trails, and Fort Morgan, a military fortification that dates back to the War of 1812. When sightseeing is done, indulge in fresh Gulf seafood from a beachfront bar and grill, or book a fishing charter to catch your own.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is a year-round destination for vacation rentals, with mild temperatures in every season. The big exception is, of course, hurricane season, which affects the Alabama coastline periodically from June through November. Between storms, summer afternoons can reach the upper 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but the constant coastal breeze means it never feels scorching. The warm, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico are swimmable most of the year, except for the winter months, when temperatures dip below 60 degrees — not exactly Arctic, but enough to keep some folks out of their swimsuits. From November to March, evenings can get chilly, so pack a sweater and jeans.


Top things to do in Gulf Shores

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Birders, pack your binoculars: You can track more than 370 species of migratory songbirds — as well as alligators, armadillos, foxes, and endangered sea turtles — at one of Alabama’s last untouched coastal habitats, whose name is French for “safe harbor.”

Gulf State Park

Located a mile east of the public beach, the state park features 6,500 acres of protected lands where you can stroll three miles of sandy coastline and waterski, kayak, or fish for bass on Lake Shelby, a 900-acre freshwater lake that comes complete with its own pet-friendly Dog Pond. You could spend all day getting lost on the park’s paved bike and walk trails, including the wild Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. With more than 15 miles of pine-shaded pathways winding through coastal wetlands and even a butterfly garden, it’s a great way to escape the beach crowds.

The Wharf at Orange Beach

To get your shopping and entertainment fix, hit the Wharf; you’ll find restaurants, a marina, and one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the southeast, at 112 feet high.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Gulf Shores?

    Gulf Shores has a subtropical climate, with warm summers reaching 88°F (31°C) and mild winters with lows around 42°F (5°C). It receives rainfall throughout the year, with the most precipitation typically occurring in July.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Gulf Shores?

    Visitors to Gulf Shores frequently engage in water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The area is also popular for deep-sea fishing excursions, exploring the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and taking a stroll through Gulf State Park.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Gulf Shores?

    The most popular time to visit Gulf Shores is during the spring and summer months, particularly between March and August. During this time, the city hosts several local events such as the Hangout Music Festival in May and the National Shrimp Festival in October.

  • What are the best places to stay in Gulf Shores?

    Popular areas to stay in Gulf Shores include the beachfront area for its proximity to the sandy shores and the region around Gulf State Park. The Orange Beach neighborhood is also a frequently suggested area known for its restaurants and marinas.

  • What are the best places to visit in Gulf Shores?

    Gulf Shores is home to a variety of popular places, including the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf State Park Pier, and the Wharf at Orange Beach. The region is also known for its beautiful public beaches such as Gulf Shores Public Beach and Alabama Point East.

  • What are some hiking trails in Gulf Shores?

    Gulf Shores provides several hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. These include the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Pine Beach Trail, the Gulf Oak Ridge Trail, and the trails found in Gulf State Park.

  • What are some family activities to do in Gulf Shores?

    Gulf Shores provides a range of family-friendly activities. They include exploring the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, picnicking at Gulf State Park, or spending a day swimming and building sandcastles at one of the many public beaches.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Gulf Shores?

    Day trips from Gulf Shores often include a visit to the historic Fort Morgan, a boat ride to Dauphin Island, or a trip to the larger city of Mobile, Alabama, for its rich history and diverse cultural attractions.

  • Are there vacation rentals near Gulf Shores's top attractions?

    You're in luck! Stay at the heart of it all with our vacation rentals near Gulf Shores's top attractions. We offer over 11,470 vacation rentals near Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and over 11,420 vacation rentals near The Hangout Gulf Shores, and so much more! Experience the best of Gulf Shores right on your doorstep.

  • What types of vacation rentals are available in Gulf Shores?

    Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Gulf Shores. From over 1,000 house rentals to over 3,230 condo rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.

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