FEATURE
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Alabama ’ s white sand beaches
Photos and article courtesy of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism
Blue skies , a gentle breeze and turquoise waters lapping at the shore of 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches . The aforementioned is the description of a picture perfect day at Alabama ’ s Gulf of Mexico beaches Gulf Shores and Orange Beach .
The city of Gulf Shores spans approximately 30 square miles while the city of Orange Beach covers 13 square miles . Situated between the two cities is the 6,150 protected acres of Gulf State Park . Along the Fort Morgan peninsula , Bon Secour ( bon SEE-coor ) National Wildlife Refuge adds another 7,000 + acres of protected lands
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have spectacular accommodations and rentals , award-winning restaurants , and amazing events . The sites are brimming with Southern hospitality , featuring one-of-a-kind attractions like championship golf , nature trails , water sports , and amusement parks ( like the well known Waterville USA ). Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers plenty to do for your next beach family vacation or romantic weekend getaway along the Gulf area .
Whether you ’ re in the mood for fun and adventure or lazy days on the beach , you can do it all in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach . Popular activities include :
Aquativites
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Water is a way of life in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach , with the Gulf of Mexico to the south , numerous bays and coves to the east and west , and a few lakes right in the middle . Ready to channel your inner water god or goddess ? Pick your pleasure from countless opportunities including : boat , kayak , paddleboard and jet ski rentals ; parasailing ; sailing and dolphin-watching cruises ; diving and snorkeling ; and fishing .
Fishing
Literally surrounded by water , Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a fishing haven and are home to one of the largest charter fishing fleets along the Gulf of Mexico . Choose to wet your line anywhere from inshore and onshore to near shore and offshore ( deep sea ) on trips that last anywhere from a couple of hours to days .
Never fished before ? No worries , charter captains and deck hands are great teachers or take a quick class with the Angler Academy offered by Gulf State Park . An Alabama Fishing License is required ; for charter trips , the license is included in the charter price . continued on page 26
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