Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
N at u r e O p p o r t u n i t i e s
Find yourself in a whole
different state of discovery.
Explore the natural wonders of Alabama’s Gulf Coast,
and discover what it means to be transformed.
GulfShores.com / OrangeBeach.com
The Gulf breeze whispering across a freshwater marsh
A blue heron rising majestically over the turquoise water
The early spring blossoming
of the rare pitcher plant
Welcome to the unspoiled natural
beauty, diverse landscapes and habitats
of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. You’ll find
yourself in a whole different state of
awe and wonder as you experience
the flora, fauna and amazing views
found only here. From sugar-white
beaches, coastal dunes and back bays
to maritime forests, pine flatwoods and
freshwater marshes, the combination of
so many distinct ecosystems in one area
is unique. And because these natural
environments are continuously evolving,
each season brings its own special
sights, sounds and experiences. All
waiting for you to explore.
GulfShores.com / OrangeBeach.com
The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail provides an
Be transformed. The moment you
interpretive viewing and learning experience as it
first detect a trace of saltwater in the air
winds through more than 50 unique birding sites
through an open car window, the change
in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Loops are based
close enough to each other for easy driving.
has begun. By the time you cross the
The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail Guidebook is
Intracoastal Waterway and glimpse the
available at alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com.
sparkling Gulf, you are well on your way to
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a
a different state. You feel a welcome lift in
nationally-designated recreational trail
featuring 12 miles of paved, multi-use
mood; a sense of relaxation takes hold.
bikeable paths that are home to six distinct
ecosystems. Once used by the area’s
Each year from May to October, Alabama’s beaches are the
indigenous people and early settlers, this
nesting grounds for three species of endangered sea turtles.
historic trail between Orange Beach and
To learn how you can help ensure turtles hatch and make it
Gulf State Park offers an up-close and
safely back to the Gulf, visit AlabamaSeaTurtles.com
personal wildlife experience with a wide
diversity of habitats, a butterfly garden
and native and rare species. From the
American alligator, bobcat and wild boar
There’s no better place to discover nature’s
to the gopher tortoise and carnivorous
transformative power than here in
white-topped pitcher plant, you never know
one of our country’s most beautiful
what you might encounter. Pets are allowed on
a leash. The trail is open during daylight hours.
natural environments.
The Islands of Perdido Marine Park, located
Immersing yourself in our
near Perdido Pass, offers a protected and
unspoiled coastal environment
secluded sanctuary of sugar-white sand
means slowing down to reconnect
islands for nesting birds, aquatic creatures and
respectful visitors.
with nature, family, friends and
yourself. Spending time outdoors
spring and fall migrations are magnificent on
away from your daily routine creates
Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The phenonmenon is
memorable moments like quietly
guiding a kayak through the marsh or
watching bottlenose dolphins at play.
celebrated each fall during the annual BirdFest.
To learn more, please visit
AlabamaCoastalBirdFest.com.
The Orange Beach Canoe Trail provides an
easy introduction to the unique ecosystems
of the back bays through various public
access points in Orange Beach. Stops are
paced for short or long trips and put-in sites
offer public parking.
55
18
Weeks Bay
Reserve
Foley
98
Magnolia
Springs
Weeks
Bay
Five Rivers Alabama’s
Delta Resource Center
(To Sites: 7,11,13,16)
98
Elberta
FOLEY BEACH EXPRESS
Mobile
Bay
To Site 2
181
to Fairhope
59
49
65
95
83
20
20
20
NATURE MAP LEGEND
12
RECREATION
VISITOR RESOURCES
Beach Access
City Hall/Municipal Center
Canoe Trail
Welcome Center/Information
8
16
AL Coastal Birding Trail
Bike Route
Hospital
Natural Area
Medical Center
Graham Creek
Nature Preserve
10
19
EMERGENCY LOCATIONS
Trail
12
10
Bon
Secour
Wolf
Bay
8
49
Josephine
6
6
N
CANOE TRAIL SITES
6. Mississippi Ave
2. Cypress Ave
7. Look Rook Rd
3. Waterfront Park
8. Wilson Blvd
4. Palmetto Extension
9. Boggy Point
5. Harrison Park
10. Cotton Bayou
Dauphin Island
(To Sites: 3, 4, 14)
4
1
59
6
Bon
Secour
Bay
Little Lagoon
Bon Secour
National
Wildlife
Refuge
180
Fort Morgan
State Park
1
Oyster
Bay
2
17
180
5
Waterway
Intracoastal
Bon Secour
National
Wildlife
Refuge
Bon Secour
National Wildlife
Refuge
180
4
12
N
NYO
BRA
H S.
TRAIL
HUG
TRY
N
U
KCO
BAC
9
Gulf State Park
Lake
Shelby
182
10
3
7
O
8
161
9
182
10
ORANGE BEACH
135
59
5
2
Gulf State
Pier
GULF SHORES
FORT MORGAN
Gulf of Mexico
15
The LuLu
Nature Attractions
1 Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores
251-968-5732 | alabamagulfcoastzoo.org
Get ready for a wild ride at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo where you can
get up close and personal with more than 500 animals including Lions,
Tigers, Bears, Wolves, Primates and much more. Experience seasonal
hands on animal encounters and daily animal shows during the summer.
Elevated viewing decks offer close-up viewing of everything from
Alligators to Tigers, plus a Reptile House, Aviary, Petting Zoo, Gift Shop,
Concessions, and shaded picnic area.
2 Alligator Alley*
19950 County Road 71, Summerdale
251-946-2483 | gatoralleyfarm.com
See over 200 alligators in their natural environment with an opportunity
to feed them! Meet Captain Crunch, the world record holder for bite
strength-he’s over 13 feet long! Seasonal feeding times:
11:00 a.m. /1:00 p.m. /4:00 p.m.
3 Audubon Bird Sanctuary*
109 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island
251-861-3607 | dauphinisland.org/bird.htm
The sanctuary consists of 164 acres of maritime forest, marshes,
dunes, a lake, swamp and beach. Multiple walking trails, some
handicapped accessible, allow the avid birder miles of habitat for
spotting neo-tropical migrants.
4 Bellingrath Gardens and Home*
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore
251-973-2217 | bellingrath.org
Located on tranquil Fowl River, enjoy 65 acres of landscaped beauty,
the Bellingrath Museum Home and a cruise aboard the Southern Belle;
Kingfisher River Cruisers. Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Closed
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
5 Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
12295 State Hwy.180 W., Gulf Shores
251-540-7720 | fws.gov/bonsecour
Enjoy more than six miles of hiking trails and beach access. Open from
sunrise to sunset. Office hours: 7:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday.
6 Claude Peteet Mariculture Center/
Marine Resources Division
11 Historic Blakeley State Park*
21055 Waterway East, Gulf Shores | 251-968-7576
outdooralabama.com/research-mgmt/mariculture-center.cfm
The center conducts studies and research that enhance our understanding
of the life history of red snapper, various finfish and shrimp.
34745 State Hwy 225, Spanish Fort
251-626-0798 | blakeleypark.com
Visit the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. Enjoy 10-1/2 miles of
hiking and bike trails, RV and primitive camping and a serene boardwalk
next to the Tensaw River.
7 Five Rivers Alabama‘s Delta Resource Center*
12 Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail
30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort
251-625-0814 | alabama5rivers.com
With its exhibit hall, theater, trails, boat tours, banquet facilities, and
kayak rentals, 5 Rivers is Alabama’s gateway to the 250,000 acre MobileTensaw River Delta. Open 7 days. Free Admission.
8 Graham Creek Nature Preserve
4009 Orange Beach Blvd., Orange Beach
251-981-1063 | backcountrytrail.com
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry trail winds through the rich flora and
fauna of Orange Beach all the way to the pristine beach of Gulf State
Park. The network of trails traverses six distinct ecosystems and covers 12
miles, allowing for wildlife viewing and exercising at the same time.
23460 Wolf Bay Dr., Foley
251-971-1471
The Preserve boasts 484 acres of natural habitats, including pitcher plant
bogs and mixed forests. It offers a canoe/kayak launch, hiking trails and
bird watching and disc golf. Picnic area and pavilion.
13 Meaher State Park*
9 Gulf State Park
14 The Estuarium at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab*
20115 State Hwy 135, Gulf Shores
251-948-7275 | alapark.com/gulfstate/
This Gulf Coast gem boasts 6,500 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beach,
three fresh water lakes, a nationally recognized scenic nature trail, a beach
pavilion, picnic area, RV campground, cabins and cottages.
10 Gulf State Park Pier
20800 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores
251-967-3474 | alapark.com/gulfstate/Gulf State Park Pier/
The second longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama’s only public
pier on the Gulf await you at 1,540 feet long, 20 feet wide, and boasting
2,448 feet of fishing space. Rates for fishing on Gulf State Pier:
Adults/Children 12-older $8.00/day
Children 11-under: $4.00/day or free with paying adult
Sightseeing $3.00/ all day. $2.00/ one trip
5200 Battleship Parkway US 98, Spanish Fort
251-626-5529 | alapark.com/Meaher/Camping
Situated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay, this 1,327-acre park features two selfguided nature trails that highlight the flora and fauna of this unique area.
101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island
251-861-7500 | sealabestuarium.org
Open daily. Admission charged and group rates available. Handicapped
accessible. Visual displays and interactive exhibits highlight Mobile’s
estuary system. All ages welcome.
15 The LuLu
29* 59.520’ / 87* 33.037’
alabamagulfcoastreef.com
Less than 20 miles offshore from Orange Beach, The LuLu is a 271-foot
intact freighter sunk in 2013. With the wheelhouse starting at 60 feet and
a bottom depth of approximately 115 feet, there’s plenty of structure to
explore, offering an exciting wreck diving opportunity to everyone from
novice to experienced diver.
16 USS ALABAMA Battleship
Memorial Park*
2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile
251-433-2703 | ussalabama.com
Features the Battleship USS ALABAMA, Submarine USS DRUM, over 25
rare and historic aircraft, as well as various military tanks and equipment.
The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail loops through Battleship Memorial
Park, located on Mobile Bay, where the open lawns can be excellent
for viewing shorebirds and also includes a paved walkway leading to a
nature observatory.
17 Wade Ward Nature Park
500 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores
251-968-1420
This 12 acre park is located in the heart of Gulf Shores featuring a
pavilion, benches and scenic boardwalks overlooking coastal salt marshes.
18 Weeks Bay Nat’l Estuarine Research Reserve
11300 US Hwy 98, Fairhope
251-928-9792 | weeksbayreserve.com
This public research and education facility includes an interpretive center
with indoor displays, live animals, and forested boardwalk trails within
6,600 acres of protected estuarine habitats.
*Attraction not shown on the above map
6
AL/FL State Line
1. Gulf Bay Road
Bear
Point
4
The numerous opportunities for connecting
with nature, outdoor exploration and adventure
along Alabama’s Gulf Coast include:
On Land
Biking
Birding
Hiking
Wildlife Watching
Zip Lining
On Water
Canoeing
Dolphin Cruises
Kayaking
Sailing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Visit us online for more information and a listing
of local adventure businesses and outfitters.
Please check our online Calendar of Events
for seasonal events, lectures, nature walks and
programs that match your interests.
GulfShores.com / OrangeBeach.com