Travel Guide to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley, AL
February 26, 2010 by coastmin
Filed under Features, Shore Bits
Why you should visit the Alabama Gulf Coast
by Mary Watson Gleason | February 15, 2010
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word destination as a “place to which one is going.” As a driver crosses the Intercoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, they catch a breath taking view of Alabama’s beautiful coastal paradise. At this moment, travelers know, they have arrived at their perfect destination. Gulf Shores boast sugar white beaches where waves roll in from the Gulf of Mexico.
It is the “crown jewel” nestled along Alabama’s 32 mile strip of beautiful beaches. Merchants in the coastal community always have their welcome sign out. Whether they are serving up coastal cuisine or preparing a great place for travelers to stay. Gulf Shores has thousands of rooms with spectacular beach views. Visitors have a wide range when it comes to choosing a place to hang their sunhat. Condos, beach houses, hotels along with several golf resorts offer great deals to those heading to vacation in Gulf Shores.
Another vacation destination that is a must for families is the Alabama Gulf State Park. It offers recreational activities from hiking to golfing and tennis, as well as fishing. Just this past year, it added a multi-million dollar pier to its list of attractions. This new pier replaces the old one which was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Alabama out did itself by building the 1540 foot pier. It is now considered the longest pier on The Gulf of Mexico. It stays open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Other great attractions for the young and old in Gulf Shores include the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo which is home to over 300 animals, Waterville, USA, and countless shops that are sure to satisfy the most discriminating shopper.
Gulf Shores host several festivals during the year. One of the largest will be this fall. The 39th Annual National Shrimp Festival will take place October 7th through the 10th. So, mark your calendars and make your plans to attend one of the best festivals around.
>>For the latest on what to do, where to go, where to stay, and where to eat on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Insider Guide. Or, search our Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Trip Planner.
