If you’ve been following me over the years, you know exploring everything around me is my jam. Curious by nature, I love to meet and get to know people and find out more about where I am – basically getting lost to be found.
Wandering Along The Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Shores, Alabama
The manner of traveling I prefer is to collect memories and photos of my journeys – not things. It’s the experience that is most important. My preferred way is walking on a beach, hiking a trail, and consulting with locals about the best-kept secrets and out-of-the-way places.
Discovered Places
Gulf Shores, AL area along the Gulf Islands National Seashore, my favorite places explored this time were, the Gulf State Park and Pier, Gulf Shores Public Beach, Florida Point Beach and a special mention to Flora-Bama.
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park has 28-miles of trails and nine different ecosystems. Hiking, biking, swimming and paddling in the Gulf or on Lake Shelby are just a few of the activities this state park has to offer; I believe this is a destination you’ll be inclined to visit again.
Are you staying the night? Camp under the stars on one of the 496 large, improved sites – you may even meet an alligator (but no feeding them, please). The park also offers three new “glamping” sites and eleven primitive sites with stone campfire rings, grill tops, and picnic tables nestled amongst the trees beside the creek.
If camping isn’t your thing, there’s an indoor lodge with home-like amenities right on the beach just a few feet from the water.
Gulf State Park Pier
Offering 2,448 feet of fishing space along the rails, The Gulf State Park Pier is a great way to get out on the water, watch for sea life, observe local birds, and behold beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
There are bathrooms, a store to buy tackle and souvenirs, and even an outdoor shanty for drink and food.
- Please note: Hurricane Zeta damaged the pier – and as of this trip in November of 2021, it hasn’t been repaired and has not opened out to its farthest point.
Gulf Shores Public Beach
Arguably, the most popular beach in Alabama is the Gulf Shores Public Beach. Beachgoers can park all day for $10 in one of three parking lots situated along the coast, and free parking is available within walking distance. And, if you stay at the Gulf Shores State Park, you park for free at the pier lot, just feet away from the beach.
There’s a full range of public facilities, including restrooms and changing rooms, outdoor showers to wash off the sand, and, if traveling light, even beach supply rentals.
Florida Point Beach
Have fun on over 6,000 feet of beautiful white sand on one of Alabama’s most popular beaches, Florida Point Beach (or Alabama Point East). It is located on the east side of the Perdido Pass Bridge and is the closest beach to Florida.
A boardwalk allows beachgoers to cross from parking areas to the beach without disturbing the dunes covered by natural grasses located directly behind the beach. Two accessible parking areas, restrooms, outdoor showers and covered picnic areas are available to support visitors enjoying their time at this beach.
Before You Go
Some things to know before heading out for a day at these beaches are;
- The public beach has eight access locations in Gulf Shores, and Florida Point is accessible from the east side of Perdido Pass Bridge.
- Help preserve the dune ecosystem and the habitat it provides by staying off the dunes. Instead, use beach walkovers and boardwalks where provided.
- Observe and obey Beach Warning Flag System. Double red flags mean the waters are closed for your safety.
- Local mandates ban pets on the beach, so please leave your pooch at home.
- Bring binoculars because these beaches are a great place to watch the occasional dolphins and other sea life swimming past.
- Capture the beautiful sunrise and sunsets with a photo and share them with me on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #out_wandering.
Unusual Facts About The Gulf Shore Area
- One of the closest freshwater bodies to saltwater in the world is Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park.
- The “Leave Only Footprints” ordinance established in 1792 helps provide every visitor a safe, clean, family-friendly environment.
- “Damn the torpedoes…full speed ahead!” Admiral David Farragut uttered these famous words just off the shores of Fort Morgan State Historic Site.
Shoutout Tp Flora-Bama
Driving from Gulf Shores to Pensacola Beach, you’ll pass through Flora-Bama, which takes its name from its location on the Florida-Alabama state line.
This four-square block area is best known for the Flora-Bama Beach Bar and the legendary Bushwacker drink. Made with rum, ice cream and other secret delicious ingredients, travelers come from far and wide to experience this iconic drink for themselves.
Unfortunately, it was 8 am as I drove through this town, and they weren’t open – Next time! I did stop, however, at the Flora-Bama Liquor and Lotto (opens at 8 am) to purchase what I thought would be a lucky lotto ticket, but alas, this wouldn’t be my time to win.
End Of The Road
There are 1000’s of things to do and see on the Gulf Islands, and being a good wanderer means remaining open to new experiences.
Would you mind sharing with me below a new place you’ve explored along your way?
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Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
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