Gulf Shores Alabama

When you are finished with lying on the beach and so are searching for another thing to accomplish on your vacation, Gulf Shores, Alabama has plenty to provide. There is a lot more to accomplish in this popular vacation destination than simply lounging on the beach. Consider these popular pastimes during your next trip.

Approaching Nature

Do you love nature? As the Gulf Shores, Alabama beach is a popular natural attraction of this region, it isn't the only one. You can travel to Alligator Alley to see some of the most ferocious modern reptiles in semi-natural habitats, studying their conservation and all it takes to properly care for them. At the Biophilia Nature Center in nearby Elberta, you can view carnivorous plants, 20 acres of these to be exact, along with other plants and wildlife native to the region. Mobile Bay offers Meaher State Park and its own hiking trails along with other opportunities to explore wildlife.

Needless to say, some of the most popular natural attractions of the area will be the animals that call it home. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a public aquarium in addition to estuarium, where you can see the animals that live both above and below the water close up and personal. Explore the Living marsh, feel many of these creatures in the hands-on Touch Tanks, and see baby invertebrates and vertebrates in the brackish water of the Mobile Bay estuary.

Historic Attractions

Not far from Gulf Shores, Alabama, you will discover plenty of historic attractions and museums. For example Memorial Park in Mobile supplies the possiblity to explore a world War II era ship, submarine, and restored aircraft. You can even see the Carnival Museum, which highlights much of the history of Mardi Gras.

In Elberta, the Baldwin County Heritage Museum can help you understand and appreciate the heritage of the region where you are staying. If you want to explore Civil War sites, then vacation to Historic Blakeley State Park, that was home of the last major battle of the American Civil War. To see sites for even farther back in history, go to the Fort Mims Historic Site in nearby Stockton, where Creek Indians massacred over 500 pioneer settlers.

In case a excursion to Pensacola, Florida is in your travel plans, plan to spend time at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, where you can walk amongst 150 beautifully restored aircraft and catch a show in the 3D Theater.

Shopping Opportunities

Shopping is another popular pastime in the Gulf Shores, Alabama region. Spanish Fort houses the Eastern Shore Centre, a modern mall with many popular retailers and a dancing water fountain where your children can play. Fairhope is well known because of its unique boutiques and galleries where you can shop local artisans and find special gifts and souvenirs. With regards to shopping around this region, you're sure to get something that matches both your tastes as well as your budget.