Vacations don’t have to cost exorbitant amounts. When you plan a getaway to Gulf Shores, there will be plenty of activity options that don’t cost a thing! Below, we’ll dive into the many free things to do in Gulf Shores that you can add to a vacation itinerary, including beach fun, nature trails, local parks, and more.
Free Beach Access in Gulf Shores
We’ve never seen the reason for charging money to get on the beach, as you will see when you visit the beaches in our area, including Gulf Shores Public Beach and Gulf State Park Beach. Both offer white sands, blue waters, and sunsets that will take your breath away, and neither will cost you a penny to visit.
Gulf Shores Public Beach
The brilliant white sands of Gulf Shores Public Beach are made primarily of quartz washed down from the Appalachian Mountains. Framing our clear, turquoise waters, they are a major reason our area has become such a popular vacation destination. Swimming and sunbathing are more free things to do in Gulf Shores, but if you are in the mood to spend a little money, dolphin cruises and fishing pretty much everywhere but Gulf Place are more ways to enjoy your day at Gulf Shores Public Beach.
Gulf State Park Beach
Gulf State Park is home to the Gulf State Park Pier, one of the longest piers on the Gulf. Fishing from the pier is a popular activity, but the fishing license and daily fishing permit do cost money. The beach itself is absolutely free and stretches out just over 3.5 miles long. It’s usually less crowded than Gulf Shores Public Beach.
Free Nature Trails and Scenic Spots
It’s hard to go anywhere in Gulf Shores without seeing a view so beautiful it will take your breath away, and the nature trails that traverse the area will bring you to some of the best views in all of Gulf Shores. Hiking the trails, hanging out in refuges, and exploring lagoons are some more things to do for free in Gulf Shores.
Gulf State Park Trails
There are more than 28 miles of trails in Gulf State Park, known as the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, connecting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. As you hike along these wonderful trails, you will encounter nine different ecosystems and 6150 acres of acres of pristine wilderness. The trail itself is ADA accessible, easy but sometimes considered moderate due to its length.
Little Lagoon
Created from a combination of freshwater and saltwater, the Little Lagoon provides a fascinating mix of species inhabiting the waters. It also provides the perfect spot for beginning kayakers or paddleboarders, and its shallow waters enable parents of small children to feel safe while their children wade. Mo’s Landing Park offers a free boat launch if kayaking is something you are interested in trying, and this body of water is also a great fishing spot with speckled trout, flounder, redfish, and large croakers being the frequent catch.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Not every wildlife refuge will be free to enter during your travels, but Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, has no entry fee. Offering a safe harbor for wildlife of many different species, including beach mice, sea turtles, and birds, visitors can also see alligators that make Gator Lake their home. Its Pine Beach Trail is a popular out-and-back trail that is just 3.5 miles long, and its maritime forest, featuring live oaks draped with moss, is centuries old and provides a stunning photo backdrop.
Free Water Fun Beyond the Beach
You don’t always have to go to the beach for a day of swimming, especially as your Poole & Associates seaside sanctuary will offer either a community pool or a private pool, depending on which rental you choose to make your own. Swimming is one of the most popular things to do for free in Gulf Shores, AL, and some free swimming spots can be found below.
- Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park
- Little Lagoon in Lagoon Pass Park
- Wolf Creek Park in nearby Elberta
Free Fishing Spots
As mentioned above, fishing does require the purchase of a fishing license (and occasionally additional passes) if you are over the age of 16. The spots below won’t cost you anything, so grab your gear and a cooler and plan for a day of fun in the sun as you catch your dinner for the evening.
- Perdido Pass Seawall Park in Orange Beach
- McMillan Fort Morgan Fishing Pier
Free Family-Friendly Activities
In addition to all the free things to do in Gulf Shores that are listed above, families will discover that our coastal town is family friendly, offering a number of free activities that will help save your budget.
Free Playgrounds and Parks
A day at the park with young children can be one of those idyllic occasions without fights or tears, and the parks listed here are free of cost.
Kids Park, 348 W 19th Avenue
Open daily until dusk, Kids Park offers a giant play area that is built to look like a castle. We have many fond memories of watching our own kids run wild on the fabulous structure.
- Address: 348 W 19th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Lake Shelby Playground
We’ve mentioned Lake Shelby a couple of times now on this page, so you might want to plan on spending the entire day here, playing for free! Its playground offers swings for babies as well as for older children, and a climbing structure and other playground equipment will keep your kids occupied. It is fenced in for safety.
- Address: 20110 AL-135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Shelling
Shelling is our favorite free thing to do in Gulf Shores or in any beach town that we visit. Collecting shells is a two-fold way of saving money, as it costs nothing to do and the shells we pick up make fantastic free souvenirs. Fort Morgan beaches offer wonderful shelling opportunities, as does the aptly named Shell Beach, located just east of the Perdido Pass Bridge. Visitors can stop by the Gulf Shores Welcome Center on Highway 59 and pick up a free shelling bag and brochure before starting their shelling adventures.
Stay Close to Fun Activities in Our Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals
Every free thing to do in Gulf Shores will just give you more reasons to be happy in your choice of a coastal Alabama vacation. Contact us today to book one of our summer rentals in Gulf Shores and enjoy a coastal escape!
