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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 12,039 vacation rentals around Gulf Shores. From 2,210 house rentals to 9,731 condo and apartment rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.
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:
For other neighborhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.
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:
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.
Yes, of course. Vrbo has 2,210 Houses in Gulf Shores. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Gulf Shores include:
But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Villas and more.
Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 8,735 vacation rentals with pool available in Gulf Shores. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.