Gulf Shores, AL Vacation Rentals: house rentals & more

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Destination guide

Vacation home rentals in the Gulf Shores

Bordered by Bon Secour Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and dotted with lakes and lagoons, Gulf Shores is a water lover's paradise. The beaches give new meaning to the term "beach blanket," with sand so soft you might not bother bringing a towel. Your Gulf Shores vacation rental will be close to kid-friendly fun like zoos and water parks, as well as nature reserves that offer glimpses of shore birds and sea turtles. Whether you're loading up the kayak with rod and reel or just loading up the beach bag with sunscreen, Gulf Shores is ready for you.

Things to do

Attractions near Gulf Shores vacation homes

It must have been good old-fashioned southern hospitality that inspired Gulf Shores to plunk down its most popular attraction just a few blocks north of the beach. Shake the sand off your flip-flops and mosey over to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, home to more than 290 animals. Kids of all ages will adore the lions, leopards, tigers, and bears, as well as the petting zoo and the lively aviary. Then cool off at Waterville USA, an amusement park with thrilling waterslides, lazy rivers, and play areas for the littlest guests.

Activities

What to do near Gulf Shores vacation rentals

You can book a Gulf Shores vacation rental with the confidence that every water-related activity you can think of will be at your fintips, whoops, fingertips. The beaches have soft white sand and turquoise waters, and the fishing is fabulous either from the pier or off the deck of a chartered boat. Gulf State Park is particularly appealing. It includes 2 miles of rustic beachfront, camping and picnicking areas, and plenty of kayaking and boating opportunities. You'll also find the head of Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, 25 miles of paved hiking and biking trails along the coastline.

Weather

Best time to travel to Gulf Shores vacation homes

With mild, tropical weather throughout the year, it might be hard to decide which month is best to book your Gulf Shores vacation rental. They're all good. Peak season for visitors is summer, when temps hit the 90s and school is out. Hurricane season lasts from June through November, so make sure you're storm ready and checking local forecasts. Spring temps are in the balmy 70s, so you can skip the storms and still enjoy the outdoors, and you'll have the run of the place in winter. Temps will be in the 50s and prices will be budget friendly.

Natural features

Gulf Shores invites you to take a boardwalk on the wild side

In a city full of beautiful beaches and family-friendly fun, it's a special treat to find that Gulf Shores is welcoming to other species as well. West of the center of town is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, home to beach and coastal barrier habitats where you can find sea turtles nesting on the white sand and hundreds of bird species in the wetlands. A few miles north of the refuge is Weeks Bay, a chain of marshes and estuaries threaded with boardwalk trails that allow visitors a peek at crabs, waterfowl, and alligators.

How to get there

Transportation to and around Gulf Shores

The nearest airport is in Pensacola, FL (PNS-Pensacola Intl.), located 33.4 mi (53.8 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Mobile, AL (MOB-Mobile Regional), which is 44.5 mi (71.7 km) away.

Family friendly

Family attractions near Gulf Shores vacation homes

Kids will love the range of attractions near Gulf Shores vacation rentals. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a beach refuge with sea turtles, migratory birds, and other wildlife, and the Park at OWA, an amusement park with thrill rides and kiddie rides, are perfect for children. Kids will also like the Wharf, an open-air shopping and entertainment center with a marina, rides, miniature golf, and other activities, and Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf, a pirate-themed miniature golf course with pirate ships and tropical surrounds.

Good for couples

Couple's vacation homes in Gulf Shores

The idyllic spaces and charming attractions in Gulf Shores are ideal for a couple’s getaway. Romantic vacation rentals can be found near places like Graham Creek Nature Preserve, a protected natural area with hiking trails and golf courses with wildlife, and Little Lagoon, a marshland inlet with boating and fishing near a sandy beach. Couples will also enjoy Meaher State Park, a scenic wetland area with campsites, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and waterfront promenade.

How many vacation rentals are available around Gulf Shores, AL?

Our 2020 property listings offer a large selection of 12,643 vacation rentals around Gulf Shores. From 2,027 house rentals to 10,222 condo and apartment rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.

What is the best area to stay when traveling to Gulf Shores?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Gulf Shores:

Morgantown: 803 vacation rentals
Surf Side Shores: 1,757 vacation rentals
Fort Morgan Pines: 185 vacation rentals
Southpointe: 70 vacation rentals
Brigadoon Trail: 671 vacation rentals

For other neighborhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

What are the popular point of interests near where I can stay when traveling to Gulf Shores?

Vrbo offers a large selection of vacation rentals near lovely places in Gulf Shores. From Vrbo travelers, the top most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

Gulf State Park: 11,852 vacation rentals
Pensacola Naval Air Station: 6,692 vacation rentals
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier: 12,028 vacation rentals
Weeks Bay Reserve: 10,180 vacation rentals
Perdido Bay Golf Club: 10,592 vacation rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Gulf Shores listed on Vrbo where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.

Can I rent Houses in Gulf Shores?

Yes, of course. Vrbo has 2,027 Houses in Gulf Shores. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Gulf Shores include:

Condos/Apartments: 10,222 rentals available
Cottages: 124 rentals available
Bungalows: 124 rentals available

But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Villas and more.

Can I find a vacation rental with pool in Gulf Shores?

Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 10,978 vacation rentals with pool available in Gulf Shores. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.