Keep Active in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

When we’re on vacation, we indulge…Cheesy appetizers? Ordering it.  Fried seafood platters? Yep. And why yes, yes we will have dessert. But all that decadent indulgence isn’t exactly beneficial to maintaining a beach bod…that’s why we’re detailing our favorite ways to stay in shape during your Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation.

#7 Hiking

If we’re talking about exercise in Coastal Alabama, we need to begin on The Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail. Weaving through Gulf State Park, the 7 trails intertwine to make up 15 miles of fitness glory. Whether you’ve laced up your running shoes or just want to leisurely wander, there’s plenty of space to get your heart rate up, check out wildlife, and even take a break in a butterfly garden.

#6 Biking

The Backcountry Trail is also perfect for biking. Didn’t bring your bike? No problem! There are plenty of companies who will rent you one for the day or your entire stay. Cruise the trails or head to the bike lane on beach road to cycle within view of the Gulf.

#5 Paddle Something 

Sure, stand up paddleboarding is a fun activity, but it’s also a core body workout like no other. Take in the sights of the Gulf, Little Lagoon, or Lake Shelby as you glide through some of the most scenic areas of the coast.

Speaking of paddling…kayaking or canoeing are also great ways to stay on the water and stay on your workout regimen. Paddle out to Robinson or Bird Island (both favorite spots of locals), head to Wolf Bay and look for dolphins, or leisurely explore Lake Shelby.  

#4 Run a 5K, 10K, Marathon, or Triathlon 

Staying fit is easier when you’ve got a goal in mind, which is why planning to run a 5K, 10K, or even a Marathon is sure to keep you beach-ready. Running a race in paradise means the scenic views and sounds of the water and wildlife will keep you motivated better than anything your playlist can dish out. Just make sure you save the bushwackers and fried seafood platters until after your run.

#3 Indulge in Hobbies

Two of our favorite hobbies also happen to be great exercise. Playing a round of Golf or a game of Tennis will keep you active, tap into your competitive spirit, and, like most everything in Coastal Alabama, both can be played without ever losing view of the beach.

#2 Just Stay Active

For the most part, staying fit on vacation is less about spending hours and hours in the gym and more about staying active in general. If you want to spend time in the Coastal sunshine without bumming it on the beach all day, head to Fort Morgan and get your history on. Or maybe you’re more into getting up-close-and-personal with exotic creatures? In that case, walk around the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, but be sure to take a break and cuddle up with a kangaroo, snuggle with a snake, feed farm animals, and make friends with a lemur.

#1 Hit the Beach

Spending time on the beach doesn’t have to mean lounging on a chair! Toss the football, play volleyball or just take a walk. We’ve got 32 miles of sugar-white sands. If that isn’t’ enough room to get a workout in, we don’t know what to do with you!