Shopping while on vacation is a time-honored tradition, one you can continue when you journey to Gulf Shores. As you might expect, shopping in Gulf Shores is as fun as a day at the beach and as wonderful as a meal at a Gulfside restaurant. This guide to the shops, stores, and boutiques will help you plan your strategy of hitting the best stores, even when you don’t have that much time to engage in shopping expeditions.
What Makes Shopping in Gulf Shores Different from Typical Beach Towns
Our small town is charming, with idyllic communities and a peaceful, laid-back vibe that makes everyone feel relaxed and at home. The shops in Gulf Shores, however, are different from those you might see in other beach towns, but they can also be the same.
Yes, we have a variety of souvenir shops, each offering a selection of magnets, coffee mugs, and T-shirts that proudly announce life is better in Gulf Shores. But we also offer fine boutiques filled with clothing any big-city shopper would be happy to wear, and gift shops featuring fine art and crafts created by local artisans. And here, you will also find home décor shops filled with coastal charm, each one inviting you to purchase your own piece of the coast.
Souvenir Shops and Local Gifts
Gulf Shores shopping at local souvenir shops will definitely be something to remember, and the shops listed below offer that something extra.
Alvin’s Island
Alvin’s Island is known for its reasonable prices, a fantastic selection of beachwear, and unique merchandise. If you can’t find what you are looking for at Alvin’s, you might not be looking hard enough!
- Address: 100 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Hours: 8 AM to 12 AM
- See What’s on Sale
Souvenir City
This local souvenir store offers a photo-op bonus: a giant shark with a wide-open mouth. Posing in the mouth of the shark is a tradition for tourists, as is leaving the shop with far more souvenirs than originally planned.
- Address: 217 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Hours: 8 AM to 9:45 PM Sunday-Thursday
- 8 AM to 10:30 PM Friday-Saturday
- Shop Online
Boutiques and Beachwear Stores
Travelers cannot live on souvenirs alone, and the shops in Gulf Shores listed below will help ensure that you are the best-dressed people on the beach.
Too Hot Mamas Boutique
We love a good punny name almost as much as we love to shop, and Too Hot Mamas Boutique satisfies on both fronts. This wonderful shop is known for its owners (besties) and its women’s clothing. Also a great place to purchase beachwear, this colorful spot is one of our faves.
- Address: 3757 Gulf Shores Pkwy Ste d, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Monday-Saturday
- 12 PM to 6 PM Sunday
- Shop Online
Beach House Boutique
Beach House Boutique offers more than beachwear. Also selling jewelry, shoes, and other accessories, shopping in Gulf Shores takes on new importance when you stop by this charming business.
- Address: 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy #320, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Monday-Tuesday
- 11 AM to 5 PM Wednesday
- 10 AM to 5:30 PM Thursday-Friday
- 10 AM to 4 PM Saturday
- Shop Online
Family-Friendly and Rainy-Day Shopping Options
Gulf Shores shopping isn’t just for adults; your kids may want to join in the fun at some of the wonderful, family-friendly shops at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The Wharf is a big deal in Orange Beach, serving as a mall, entertainment center, and restaurant hub. Your kids will love shopping here, especially if you take them to the Build-a-Bear Workshop. The Wharf is an outdoor mall, but covered walkways make it a fantastic rainy-day escape as well.
Nearby Shopping Areas and Easy Day Trips
Once upon a time, nearly every town had its own set of outlet stores, offering fantastic bargains on name-brand items. The advent of the internet, however, caused many of these shops to shut down, but in nearby Foley, the tradition remains alive at the Tanger Outlet Mall. Foley, located about 15 miles outside of Gulf Shores, is known for its Rose Trail and for being home to “Alabama’s Stonehenge,” but our favorite fun spot is this outlet mall!
- Address: 2601 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535
- Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM Monday-Thursday
- 10 AM to 9 PM Friday-Saturday
- 10 AM to 7 PM Sunday
Book Your Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals Near Top Shopping Areas
Shopping in Gulf Shores gets more fun with every new store that opens its doors, and many of our Poole & Associates homes are located near the best shopping areas. Reserve your favorite Alabama retreat today and enjoy the short trip from the shop to the property. You may even be able to walk to your favorite shop in some locations!
