Photo: Jodybwiki · CC BY-SA 3.0 · editedGulf State Park
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#1Things to do in Gulf ShoresTravelers' Choice 2025
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About
Gulf State Park is a public recreation area on the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
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Farrargirl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited
Why go
- 2.5 miles of white-sand beaches for swimming
- The fishing pier, reopened in August 2024 after damage from Hurricane Sally
- Miles of biking routes on the Backcountry Trail
Opening hours
Today00:00 – 23:59Show all
Monday00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday00:00 – 23:59
Thursday00:00 – 23:59
Friday00:00 – 23:59
Saturday00:00 – 23:59
Sunday00:00 – 23:59
Don't miss
- Lake Shelby kayaking and canoeingKayak or canoe at the lake’s day-use area.Lake Shelby day-use area
- GeocachingTry geocaching in the park.Gulf State Park
- Learning Campus and Interpretive CenterExplore the Learning Campus and Interpretive Center.Gulf State Park
- Beach pavilion picnic tablesUse the picnic tables at the beach pavilion.Beach pavilion
With kids
- The nature center gives children a place to learn.
- Campground guests can use amenities, pools and playgrounds at both campground locations.
Tips for your visit
- Get trail maps and staff assistance at the visitor center in the Lake Shelby Picnic Area.
- Eligible active, former and veteran military members can get free parking decals at the visitor center with proof of service and valid ID.
Know before you go
- The park is open 24 hours every day.
Shorts
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Why is Gulf State Park Famous?CampBrood
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The Outpost Bonanza Site @ Gulf State ParkLori Walker
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Gulf State Park Gulf Shores, AlabamaSomeday Down South
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Gulf State Park Pier inside tour at Gulf Shores Beach, AlabamaVal’s Curious Compass
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E-bikes at The Beach !!! Gulf State Park AlabamaHome On The Hitch
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Gulf State Park PieriTrip Vacations Alabama Beaches
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POV: A day at the Lodge at Gulf State ParkThe Lodge at Gulf State Park
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Gulf State ParkRoam Here
History
- 1930sThe Civilian Conservation Corps built facilities, including cabins and a casino.
- Park openingThe park opened after its land transferred to the state.
- After Hurricane IvanProjects added a fishing pier, pool, splash pad, nature center and beach pavilion.
- Lodge openingThe Lodge at Gulf State Park opened as a new facility.
Interesting facts3
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6,150 acres
The park covers 6,150 acres.
Gulf State Park - Wikipedia -
Its habitats include marshland, tea-colored streams, pine forests and three spring-fed freshwater lakes.
Gulf State Park - Wikipedia -
Lake Shelby is a 900-acre freshwater lake near saltwater.
Gulf State Park | Alapark
How to get there
- Car20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores. The park lies between Highway 59 and SH 161, with its western end reaching the beach.
Sources: Gulf State Park - Wikipedia · Gulf State Park | Alapark · Gulf State Park Visitor Center | Alapark · checked 11 Oct 2026
Where
20115 State Park Road, AL, Gulf Shores
- Phone
- 2519487275
Plan from here: Evening walk →
Questions and answers
Are the zip-line and golf courses at Gulf State Park open?
The zip-line course closed in 2016. The 18-hole golf course permanently closed in 2018.
What activities do Gulf State Park beach vendors arrange?
Beach vendors arrange activities such as parasailing and kayaking.
Is there a swimming pool at Gulf State Park?
Yes. Visitors can swim in the park pool.
Are there cabins in the woods at Gulf State Park?
Yes. Four woods cabins are surrounded by longleaf pines and palmetto forest.
What can I do near the lakeside cabins at Gulf State Park?
Swimming, fishing and sunrise walks are available nearby.
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