Things to Do at Gulf State Park: The Crown Jewel of Alabama State Parks
With 6,100 acres at your fingertips, you’ll never lack things to do at Gulf State Park …you can keep yourself busy from morning till evening.
Gulf State Park has been on my list of places to visit for years and when I had the opportunity to come here for a writing conference I jumped at the chance. I had imagined what it would be like for so long that I was like a kid in the candy store when I got there.
Well, let me be honest, it was more like a grandma in a candy store.
A Grammy who was driving really slow along State Park Road.
Yeah, like the ones you dread getting behind. That was me.
You can explore in your car but there is so much more to see beyond the views from the road.
Things to See Gulf State Park on the Paved Trails
Transfer from the car to the trails with ease using some of these more versatile ways to explore. You can see a lot from your car, however, once you get out and onto the paths, the whole environment opens up to you. Did you know that there are 9 ecosystems within this park? How can you even touch what this park offers enclosed in the car?
Biking: I chose to bike while I was here because time was short and I wanted to see as much as I could. 12.6 miles later I realized I could have stayed out there even longer. I touched only the surface.
Gulf State Park has free bike rentals at different trailheads. You can take your chances to see if you can snag one or you can rent one.
I chose the rented bike route. Beach Bike Rentals is located near the entrance to the Huge S. Branyon Backcountry trail and access was very easy. A few things I appreciate about renting a bike is that everything is taken care of for you. They fit the bike to you, make sure it is working properly, give you directions, and safely send you on your way.
Beach Bike Rental: Click here for website
Full disclosure: I was at a writers conference and it was included in the package.
Segway Tour: This was intriguing to me and wish I would have had time to try it out. This is certainly an innovative way to explore. I look forward to doing it the next time I am in the area.
Two ways to ride: Guided and Unguided.
Both tours are 2-hour rides through the Hugh S. Branyon Trail where you will find seven trails winding through six distinct ecosystems. It is a nature lovers’ wonderland.
Guided Tours are $85.00 per person
Unguided Tours are $35.00 per person
7 days a week
Wildlife Viewing at Gulf State Park
Wildlife in this state park is abundant and my eyes were pealed for every little movement. My ears were perked and listening for any kind of rustling. The feeling of the warm-ish breezes off the Gulf enticed me to slow down and be intentional with every moment. I wanted to see everything, but just like nature, she would not share all her treasures with me on my first visit.
What will you see at Gulf State Park? Mother Nature will decide.
Mammals you might see:
Bobcat, Cottontail, Eastern and Fox Squirrels, Red Fox, River Otter, Virginia Possum, White-Tailed Deer, and Armadillo.
I was fortunate enough to see an armadillo and I can not begin to tell you how excited I was. Having never seen an armadillo I almost wrecked my bike as I applied the breaks to go back and get a picture.
Reptiles:
Snakes, many varieties poisonous and non-poisonous, Turtles, multiple varieties on land, fresh water and ocean, Eastern Fence Lizard, Green Anole, American alligator, and the Broad Headed Skink
A cold front had come in while I was there and everyone was hiding and in a state of shock. I did happen to see a small alligator right before I left the park which made me extremely happy. Since I am a midwesterner I love seeing animals that I don’t normally get to enjoy.
Explore Lake Shelby
Lake Shelby is one of the park’s main attractions; in recent years, there have been many upgrades. Lake Shelby is the state park’s water playground. Enhancements that have been made to the Lake Shelby area are a modern playground with three areas for different age groups, separate small and large dog parks with covered seating and water fountains, new bathrooms, an improved parking area, a new tram stop, and a bike-share station for public use within the park.” Gulf Shores State Park Website
Beach Time at Gulf State Park
With 3.5 miles of white sandy beaches to explore within the State Park, you could be busy here your whole visit. If you have never been to Gulf Shores, AL, you will be in for a real treat.
Humor me a moment as I explain what it is like as you walk out onto the white sandy beach for the first time.
Before you even see the ocean, you will be greeted by the salty breeze from the Gulf. It will call you forward, and as you cross the dunes over the walkways, you’ll catch the first glimpse of the vast blue ocean and soft white sand. When you first step off the boardwalk onto the sand, you might be surprised by the sound.
I was smiling at each step I took as the sand gave a little squeak. I was like a little kid, and I kept swishing my feet through it to hear the sound.
Things you can do at Gulf Shores Beach:
- Surf Fishing
- Swimming
- Body Surfing
- Walking
- Bird and Dolphin watching
- Build a sandcastle: You can have Sand Castle University come and teach you the art of how to build a Sand Castle. I had the privilege of meeting the owner, and she is amazing. I highly recommend this activity. Sand Castle University website
- Banana Boat Rides
- Parasailing
- Paddle Board and Kayak Rentals
Pro-Tip: With so many outdoor opportunities, you’ll want to plan ahead
Camping at Gulf State Park
Camping at Gulf State Park
If you know me, you know I love camping, and I had to check out this amazing Alabama State Park campground. As I drove through, I noticed each site was large, with picnic tables and pedestal grill tops at each site. NOTE: There are no fire rings yet, but you are welcome to bring your own that are above ground.
There are 496 improved full-hookup campsites with paved pads and 11 primitive sites. Tents are welcome on all sites.
Pet-Friendly sites are available.
AMENITIES:
- 11 bathhouses (6 of these are currently being renovated)
- Laundry facilities
- Access to trails that connect to all 28 miles of trails
- Camp store with food, firewood, camping supplies, souvenirs, bike rentals, and more for sale
- Nature Center with native flora and fauna displays and ongoing weekly activities
- Swimming pool with splash pad
- Tennis/pickleball courts
- Horseshoe courts
- Volleyball courts
As I researched, I found the sites were a bit more expensive than other state parks; however, Alabama State Parks are self-funded, which explains a lot. Prices for 2021 PDF
Pro-Tip: Book early!! This campground fills up quickly.
Looking for other camping destinations: You can read more on our Camping tab.
Where to Stay at Gulf State Park
Stay at Gulf State Park
I love sustainable tourism and protecting the environment whenever possible, and this Lodge encompasses all those things. When you come here, you’ll be relaxing, dining at the lodge, and exploring the park. And while you are doing all the things you love here, you will be doing it responsibly.
“The Lodge is a resilient, environmentally-friendly coastal development where sustainability and connectivity to the outdoors are a central focus.” There is a long back story to this quote; however, I will sum it up.
Due to a devastating hurricane, the original lodge was destroyed. This new lodge was built in partnership with Hilton Hotels and the state park. Keeping sustainability in mind, they created something that is marvelous and protects the area for future generations.
This has certainly been put on my bucket list of places to stay.
Eagle Cottages
“Eagle Cottages welcomes experiential travelers who are looking to immerse themselves in outdoor adventure.” I am a HUGE fan of these cottages and have stayed in them twice. Each morning with the sunrise comes new adventures located right outside your cottage door. As the day winds down and the sun burns red over Lake Shelby, you tuck yourself in with the sounds of nature.
Read more about one of my stays; The Gulf Coast Retreat That’s One Of The Most Unique Lodges Of The World
On my bike ride through the park, I was able to see this outpost area. All I can say is YES, PLEASE! This hidden oasis is tucked into the park, and you must either hike or bike into it. Surrounded by all the beauty and nature, you will find military-style canvas tents with cots, toilets, a cowboy shower, a place to do the dishes, and a fire ring with Adirondack chairs.
Your sites have a centrally located fire ring with plenty of Andonderack chairs for everyone to have a place to roast marshmallows and make smores.
Talk about total immersion into nature.
Campground: See above for campground information
I can write you a blog about what I experienced and what I saw, but the words I have used don’t do justice to this nature-lovers playground.
So, please don’t take my word for it; plan a trip to the crown jewel of Alabama State Parks. Come experience for yourself this magical place that offers diversity, adventures, and outdoor experiences that anyone can enjoy.
Happy Adventures,
Brandy
You can learn more about Gulf State Park on their website: Click here for more information.
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