Has moving to Gulf Shores just become an option? If so, you’re about to make a great decision, and you’re not alone. Our beaches attract literally millions of visitors all year long, and after making so many trips here to Pleasure Island, many decide to make Gulf Shores their permanent home. What an exciting time for you! The people are friendly, the beaches are beautiful, and the food is fantastic.
Although the thought of moving can be exciting, it can also be pretty overwhelming. That’s exactly why The Ultimate Guide to Life in Gulf Shores was created. As a Realtor for 13 years, I work with people all the time who move to Gulf Shores from other states. Yes, they know enough about the area to want to come, but they often have many unanswered questions about their potential new address. I wanted to create a huge resource for people like you to help you transition from one area to the next.
So, if you are moving here yourself or know someone who is, please read this article and bookmark it. This guide is fairly large and is broken up into 11 major categories that will tell you more about our beautiful city.
Here’s What You’ll Find Below:
- Facts and Figures
- Beautiful Surroundings
- Strong Economy and Jobs
- Thriving Community
- Outdoor Activities
- Easy Commute
- Restaurants and Entertainment
- Weather and Climate
- Public Safety
- Schools and Programs
- Real Estate
- Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Guide to Life in Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is a highly popular destination with people from all over the country, and there is a ton of information about our city all over the internet. Here, however, you can find everything you need in one place. I hope you find value in the information below to help make your move a smooth one. So let’s get started . . .
FACTS & FIGURES
Although reading about the facts and figures of a city can be boring, Gulf Shores is a very interesting town.
- Population: 11,689
- Total Area: 31.26 square miles (4.85 square miles is water)
- Median Home Price: $258,022
- Median Household Income: $50,418
- Sales Tax: 10%
- State Income Tax: 5%
- Median Age: 47
- Average Commute Time: 20.04 minutes
It’s interesting to me that Gulf Shores is so popular with folks from around the country, but the residential population is only 11,689 (the 4th largest in Baldwin County). We are, however, seeing a steady stream of folks wanting to live here at the beach, with a growth rate of 20% since 2010.
According to the most recent population estimate, Gulf Shores is the fifth-fastest-growing city in Alabama. The allure is real. People are mainly drawn to Gulf Shores for the weather, the sugar white sand, and the turquoise waters, but once they move here, they quickly find out that the city strives to strike a balance between work, play, and quality of life.
As you can see, the majority of Gulf Shores is a long, narrow peninsula with Foley, AL to the north and Orange Beach to the east. The distance from downtown Gulf Shores to the tip of the peninsula (Fort Morgan) is roughly 22 miles. Gulf Shores is a boater’s paradise for fishing, watersports, or just cruising.
Here are the Other Bodies of Water Around Gulf Shores Besides the Gulf of Mexico:
| Intracoastal WaterwayLittle Lagoon – 8 miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide at widest pointLake Shelby – 592 acresMiddle Lake – 193 acresLittle Lake – 39 acresOyster BayBon Secour BayBon Secour River |  |
Interesting Facts and Accolades:
- The recorded population of Gulf Shores in 1956 was 120.
- At 1,540 feet, The Gulf State Park Pier is the second longest on the Gulf Coast.
- There are 24 miles of trails for hiking and biking within 3 major parks in Gulf Shores.
- USA Today – 10 Best Southern Beaches
- TripAdvisor – Top 10 List of Destinations on the Rise
- National Geographic – 7 Great American Beach Towns
- The Travel Channel – Best Gulf Coast Beaches
- CNN – named Gulf State Park among 22 Can’t Miss US Beaches
- MSN – Best Beaches to Visit Before Summer Ends
- Travel + Leisure – America’s Best Little Beach Towns
- TravelNerd – Top 10 Small US Beach Towns
- SmarterTravel.com – 10 Sleepy Beach Towns Perfect for Fall
- Coastal Living – America’s 21 Best Beaches
- Parents – America’s 10 Best Beach Towns
- Budget Travel – America’s Coolest Small Towns
- AOL – 20 Most Charming Beach Towns
BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS
After moving to Gulf Shores, you’ll find that this town is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. The white, sugar-fine beaches, gorgeous turquoise waters of the Gulf, sunsets over the bay, and quiet tree-lined biking trails provide the perfect backdrop for peace and serenity.
witness sunrise…
and sunsets.
Our sand is so white that it looks like snow. It’s also super-fine to the touch. This sand is actually quartz that filtered down from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago.
In addition to the Gulf, the many other bays, lakes, and lagoons offer up picture-perfect moments.
STRONG ECONOMY & JOBS
As with Orange Beach, the Gulf Shores economy is largely fueled by the vast tourism market. Last year, there were approximately 6 million visitors spending over $3 billion on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Needless to say, that is a ton of money that is being poured into a fairly small area.
The unemployment rate for Gulf Shores is 5.2%, with a positive job growth rate of 1.78%.
Employment By Industry
| INDUSTRY | GULF SHORES % |
| Retail Trade | 23.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation, and Food | 20.4% |
| Educational and Health Care | 13.2% |
| Professional, Management, Admin, and Waste | 10.3% |
| Construction | 8.5% |
| Manufacturing | 4.5% |
Jobs
According to Glassdoor.com, there are 882 jobs within 15 miles of Gulf Shores.
The top 5 positions that are being hired in Gulf Shores are:
- HVAC Technician
- Graphic Designer
- Registered Nurse
- Dental Hygienist
- Radiology
THRIVING COMMUNITY
What is a thriving community? I see it as community that maintains a healthy balance between population growth, new business to support that growth, and quality of life. Gulf Shores meets that definition. This is definitely a family-friendly community whose government works hard to enhance and protect the quality of life for its residents and guests, while encouraging economic prosperity in a business-friendly atmosphere.
A community that is growing is always evolving. One of the latest ways that Gulf Shores is improving to make the city better for residents and guests is the Revitalization Project.
Gulf Place Revitalization Project
Located near the “T” where Route 59 comes to an end at Beach Blvd will be a $15 million project called Gulf Place. The goal is to improve pedestrian safety and beach access while revitalizing and managing economic development.
Here’s what you can expect to see at Gulf Place:
- New boardwalk
- Outdoor fitness area
- Large shade canopy
- Restrooms with lockers/beach showers
- Amphitheater
- Green space
- Discovery playground
- Dune walks
- Public Safety Building
- Hammocks & swings
- Paved promenade
- Interactive fountain
Waterway Village Multimodule Access Project
The Waterway Village Project is another example of how Gulf Shores is working to improve the city’s economic development and quality of life. The goal of this project is to improve traffic and pedestrian safety while promoting a more sustainable community.
The major aspects of the project mainly have to do with the transportation infrastructure at Waterway Village and across the Intracoastal Waterway. Here’s what it will involve:
- 3 miles of complete roads with bicycle lanes and sidewalks
- 1.5 miles of road to access the business and aviation park
- 2,000 feet of pedestrian bridge next to the bridge going over the ICW
- Road widening on Hwy 59
- 3 miles of sidewalks within the Waterway Village
- Pedestrian and bike access throughout the village and across the ICW.
- Access for pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles from Hwy 59 to the airport, Gulf Shores Business and Aviation Park, Country Road 4, and the Foley Beach Expressway
Green Up Gulf Shores
Protecting the natural resources of an area is a crucial element in maintaining a thriving community. After moving to Gulf Shores, you’ll find that there are a number of ways to get involved. In efforts to provide a clean and healthy environment, Gulf Shores is leading the way to create, promote, and enhance initiatives to reduce waste, raise environmental awareness, reduce waste, increase livability, and improve the overall sustainability of the community.
Quote from the Green Up Gulf Shores initiative:
“We protect and enhance the quality of life for our residents, visitors, and retirees.
We protect and preserve our unique natural resources.
We embed sustainability into the fabric of the community.”
Leave Only Footprints
In order to help the city reach its goal of maintaining a clean and healthy environment, they have established the Leave Only Footprints program. These are the main focal points:
- Anything left on the beach an hour after sunset will be removed by beach patrol.
- Items not allowed on the beach: metal shovels, glass containers, tents or structures larger than 10’x10′. No overnight camping, fireworks, fires, vehicles, pets, or firearms.
- No walking on the dunes. Use designated walkovers or boardwalks.
- Obey the Beach Warning Flag System.
- Respect private property of others.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Gulf Shores is the perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made fun.
Gulf State Park
Besides the beach, Gulf State Park is probably the biggest staple and landmark in the area. Within the park’s 6,500 acres, you’ll find many ways to become one with nature whether you’re into biking, hiking, camping, or checking out the area’s wildlife.
Here’s what Gulf State Park has to offer:
- 1,540-foot fishing pier – Second longest on the Gulf Coast
- An interactive nature center
- 2 1/2 miles of beach on the Gulf
- A large beach pavilion
- 5,000 square-foot swimming pool with splash pad
- Guide kayaking and nature walks
- 20 modern cabins
- 11 lakeside cottages
- 496 full hook-up campsites
- 11 primitive camping sites
- 11 air-conditioned bathhouses
- Laundry facilities
- Camp store
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Horseshoe pits
- Volleyball courts
- Golf course and grill
- Backcountry Trail with 25 miles for hiking and biking
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Geocaching
- Segway Tours
- Bike rentals
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Visit this massive 7,157-acre wildlife refuge located off of Fort Morgan Rd, directly on the Gulf Shores coastline. Bon Secour means “safe harbor” which totally encompasses the mission of the park, to give refuge to the wildlife of lower Alabama. It also provides a great venue for the public to be able to observe this wildlife and their habitat. Here are some of the activities that you can take part in at the refuge:
- Nature hikes
- Wildlife viewing including alligators, snakes, bobcats, foxes, and a variety of birds
- Bird watching – Over 370 species have been documented
- Night hikes, ranger-guided tours, dune tours, and butterfly tagging
- Photography opportunities
- Fishing at either the beach or the 40-acre Gator Lake which requires a 1-mile hike
Other Gulf Shores Parks
Canal Landing
Located under the Intracoastal Waterway in Waterway Village and features public parking, boat launch, dock, and restrooms. 50 W Canal Rd
Gulf Shores Dog Park
Features large fenced-in areas for large and small dogs. Water is provided for dogs. Open every day of the week from dusk til dawn. 308 Clubhouse Dr
Gulf Shores Kids Park
This wonderful park was built by over 1,500 volunteers and is open 7 days a week from dusk til dawn. 2008 West 3rd St
Gulf Shores Wetlands Nature Park
This park has a gravel walking path that loops around a pond and contains a fishing pier, gazebos, and benches. 19025 Oak Rd W (at the base of the water tower at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex)
Meyer Park
A 12-acre park that includes playground equipment, picnic areas, a baseball field, and horseshoe pits. 400 E 22nd Ave
Lagoon Park
This is a great spot that includes boat ramps and restrooms. This also is an ideal starting location for runners and cyclists. 18068 Fort Morgan Rd
Little Lagoon Pass Park
Beach access, outdoor showers, and public parking. 1660 W Beach Blvd
Little Lagoon Pier
1562 W Beach Blvd
Sims Park with Skate Park
The largest city park that includes a pavilion, soccer fields, fitness center, baseball fields, and skate park. 348 W 19th Ave
The Dog Pond
This dog park is located at Lake Shelby and includes fencing, trees, waste bag stations, and an agility course. Please be aware that an occasional alligator can be seen in Lake Shelby. 20115 Hwy 135
Wade Ward Nature Park
Scenic boardwalk that connects Lake Shelby to Little Lagoon where you can observe an abundance of the area’s wildlife. 500 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores Golf
Cotton Creek at Craft Farms
3840 Cotton Creek Circle
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-7500
One of 2 premium golf courses located at Craft Farms. Cotton Creek is an 18-hole championship, Par 72 course. Cotton Creek is a 4-Star course that is consistently rated by Golf Digest as one of the Best Places to Play. Gold Tees – 7,127 yards, Blue Tees – 6,617 yards, White Tees – 6,080 yards, Silver Tees – 5,438 yards, Red Tees – 5,160 yards.
Cypress Bend at Craft Farms
3840 Cotton Creek Circle
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-7500
Both Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend were designed by pro golfing legend Arnold Palmer. Cypress Bend is an 18-hole championship, Par 72 course with a 4-1/2-star rating from Golf Digest. Gold Tees – 6,848 yards, Blue Tees – 6,432 yards, White Tees – 5,975 yards, Silver Tees – 5,458 yards, Red Tees – 5,027 yards.
Gulf Shores Golf Club
520 Clubhouse Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-7366
Website
This 18-hole resort course is located in a quiet community within a couple of miles from the beach. Blue Tees – 6,365 yards, White Tees – 5,950 yards, Red Tees – 5,362 yards.
Gulf State Park Golf’s Refuge Golf Course
20115 Hwy 135
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-948-4653
Website
An 18-hole championship course designed by Earl Stone. Blue Tees – 6,563 yards, White Tees – 6,171 yards, and Red Tees – 5,310 yards.
Kiva Dunes Golf Club
815 Plantation Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-540-7000
Website
One of the most highly rated courses in the area. Gold Tees – 7,092 yards, Blue Tees – 6,464 yards, White Tees – 5,849 yards, and Red Tees – 5,006 yards.
Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club
20 Peninsula Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-8009
Website
A beautiful course featuring 27 holes of championship golf. Gold Tees – 7,026 yards, Blue Tees – 6,494 yards, White Tees – 5,799 yards, and Red Tees – 5,072 yards.
Watersports/Boat Tours/Fishing Charters
There are many companies that offer watersport activities in Orange Beach, but this list only features those in Gulf Shores. So if you’re moving to Gulf Shores and try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing, take a look at the list below.
- Coyote Beach Sports
112 E. 1st Ave
251-228-2080
- Ike’s Beach Service
800 W Beach Blvd
251-948-3757
- Go Go Kayaks
921 Gulf Shores Pkwy
251-752-5500
- Sky High and Pleasure Island Parasail
251-946-9000
- Wild Native Tours
251-272-4088
- Island Life Beach Rentals and Charters
251-233-9493
- Nicole Fishing Charters
251-947-1991
- Island Marine Charters
251-228-2344
- Red Eye Fishing Charters
251-540-6982
- Reel Attraction Charters
251-422-8665
- Fish-Kabob Bowfishing and Charters
251-504-4709
- Fed Up Inshore Charters
251-377-7135
- Gulf Adventures Fishing
251-978-9711
- D.I. Reef Monster
251-721-9016
EASY COMMUTE
Unless you’re driving from the southernmost part of the Florida panhandle, there’s only one way to get to Gulf Shores and that’s via Route 59 (Gulf Shores Pkwy).
In general, commute times in Gulf Shores are fairly low but as you can imagine during the peak season, traffic will be congested during certain times of the week. The times with the biggest congestion is during big festival events like The Hangout Music Festival, July 4th weekend, and Saturdays between noon and 4 pm (the typical turnaround time for tourists). Most locals learn to work around these high traffic times so it doesn’t become an issue.
Although it’s busy the rest of the year, traffic is not so overwhelmingly frustrating.
Take a look at the most common destinations from The Hangout in Gulf Shores as a starting point:
- Rouses Grocery – 1.2 miles
- Walmart – 1.5 miles
- Gulf State Park – 1 mile
- Target – 4 miles
- Foley – 11 miles
- OWA Theme Park – 10.7 miles
- Tanger Outlet Mall – 9.1 miles
- The Wharf – 6.3 miles
- Orange Beach – 6.3 miles
- Flora-Bama (at the Florida state line) – 10.6 miles
- Downtown Pensacola – 32.1 miles
- Downtown Fairhope – 31.6 miles
- Interstate 10 – 29.4 miles
RESTAURANTS & ENTERTAINMENTS
American
| Kitty’s Kafe | 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-5233 |
| Hog Wild Beach & BBQ | 911 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-600-9453 |
| The Beach House Kitchen | 1154 W Beach Blvd | 251-948-2431 |
| Flip Flop Deli Shop | 524 W Beach Blvd | 251-540-2188 |
| The Diner | 2420 E 2nd St | 251-500-1581 |
| The Hangout | 101 E Beach Blvd | 251-948-3030 |
| The Cove Bar & Grill | 131 Cove Ave | 251-968-5353 |
| Gulf Shores Diner | 3639 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-0088 |
| Island Wing Company | 3947 Hwy 59 | 251-970-1337 |
| Hazel’s Nook | 120 E Fort Morgan Rd | 251-968-7065 |
| Sunset Cork Room | 225 E 16th Ave | 251-967-4773 |
| LongHorn Steakhouse | 3810 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-967-3480 |
| Duck’s Coastal Kitchen | 1209 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-256-0155 |
| Waffle House | 382 E Beach Blvd | 251-948-5901 |
| Island Pancake House | 337 E Beach Blvd | 251-948-2711 |
| Hooters | 300 E Beach Blvd | 251-948-4668 |
| Cypress Bend at Craft Farms | 3840 Cotton Creek Cir | 251-968-7500 |
| Butts on the Beach | 4171 Orange Beach Blvd | 251-216-4576 |
| Amelia’s Deli | 2200 E 2nd St | 251-968-8333 |
| Sweet Peppers Deli | 3947 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-3354 |
| Breaking Bread Restaurant | 18948 Oak Rd W | 251-943-0737 |
| Cafe 6 | 18948 Oak Rd W | 251-968-5002 |
Seafood
| Flying Harpoon | 112 Windmill Ridge Rd | 251-948-4645 |
| Lulu’s Gulf Shores | 200 E 25th Ave | 251-967-5858 |
| Bahama Bobs | 601 W Beach Blvd | 251-948-2100 |
| Bill’s By the Beach | 300 W Beach Blvd | 251-948-5227 |
| Sea-N-Suds | 405 E Beach Blvd | 251-948-7894 |
| Fish River Grill | 1545 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-1110 |
| Shrimp Basket | 301 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-7687 |
| Acme Oyster House | 216 E 24th Ave | 251-424-1783 |
| Original Oyster House | 701 Hwy 59 S | 251-948-2445 |
| King Neptune’s Seafood | 1137 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-968-5464 |
| The Royal Oyster | 807 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-967-1124 |
| De Soto’s Seafood Kitchen | 138 W 1st Ave | 251-948-7294 |
| The Steamer | 301 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-4042 |
| Tacky Jacks | 240 E 24th Ave | 251-948-8881 |
| Mikee’s Seafood | 2nd Ave, 1st St | 251-948-6452 |
| Mojo’s | 1220 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-8646 |
| Nolan’s Restaurant | 1140 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-2111 |
| Gulf Island Grill | 244 E Beach Blvd | 251-968-4440 |
| Pink Pony Pub | 137 E Gulf Pl | 251-948-6371 |
| Tacky Jack’s 2 | 1577 Hwy 180 | 251-968-8341 |
| Tin Top Restaurant | 6232 Bon Secour Hwy | 251-949-5086 |
| S & S Seafood Market | 1154 W Beach Blvd | 251-968-3474 |
| Sassy Bass | 132 W 1st Ave | 251-948-3838 |
| Happy Harbor | 4159 County Rd 6 | 251-968-2778 |
| Ribs & Reds | 128 E 1st Ave | 251-948-7337 |
| Blalock Seafood & Specialty Market | 1911 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-968-5811 |
| MudBugs Pub | 624 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-8081 |
| Oyster Bay Seafood | 4159 County Rd 6 | 251-967-2722 |
Italian
| Crico’s Pizza & Subs | 309 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-3100 |
| Papa Rocco’s | 101 W 6th Ave | 251-948-7262 |
| Janino’s Pizza | 984 W Beach Blvd | 251-500-1506 |
| Marco’s Pizza | 160 Cotton Creek Dr | 251-975-1200 |
| Domino’s Pizza | 1145 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-968-4110 |
| Tuscany Pizza and Grill | 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-0777 |
| Pizza Hut | 600 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-6160 |
Mexican
| Cactus Cantina Mexican Grill | 3849 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-943-8115 |
| El Toro Mexican | 3645 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-968-9030 |
| Tequila Mexican Restaurant | 1545 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-968-5171 |
| Margarita Loca Bar & Grill | 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-0818 |
| Jalapenos | 200 E Beach Blvd | 251-948-3723 |
Asian
| Aji Sai | 160 Cotton Creek Dr | 251-968-8893 |
| China Dragon | 2200 E 2nd St | 251-968-2115 |
| Mikato Japanese Steak House and Sushi | 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-968-2525 |
Greek/Cajun/Creole
| John’s Gyro & Mediterranean | 108 W 3rd Ave | 251-948-8900 |
| The Crazy Cajun | 1220 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-0862 |
| ByWater Bistro | 103 W Canal Rd | 251-948-0288 |
Dessert/Coffee
| Chocolate Corner | 200 W Fort Morgan Rd | 251-948-2462 |
| Foam Coffee and Shop | 2200 E 2nd St | 251-948-0660 |
| Cafe Beignets | 200 W Fort Morgan Rd | 251-948-2311 |
| Starbucks | Inside Target | 251-948-9995 |
Fast Food
| Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers | 1800 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-0400 |
| Hardee’s | 837 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-948-4232 |
| Dairy Queen | 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy | |
| McDonald’s | 2000 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-967-3700 |
| Burger King | 1501 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-236-8792 |
| Arby’s | 1551 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-968-5688 |
| Subway | 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-968-4007 |
| Subway | 1545 Gulf Shores Pkwy | 251-968-5024 |
| Burger King | 1501 W Beach Blvd | 251-968-4803 |
Things to Do
In addition to all of the Outdoor Activities above, there are lots of things to keep you busy inside the city limits of Gulf Shores.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Yes, Gulf Shores has a zoo, and a lot of people miss it because it’s a little hidden (in plain sight). Located off of Gulf Shores Pkwy and 1 mile from the beach is a really cool zoo that is packed with activities for the kids. Check out their site.
Waterville USA
What’s a beach resort without a great water park? Waterville USA is actually an amusement park too with go-karts and a roller coaster.
The Track
Located just north of the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge, The Track is hard to miss. Here you’ll enjoy go-karts, kiddie rides, bumper rides, putt-putt, and an arcade.
The Factory
Get your bounce on at this huge trampoline center. Features include open jump, trapeze, mega slide, ninja obstacle course, foam pits, adrenaline jump, Xtreme Jump, flight simulator, and arcade games. Fun for all ages. 18948 Oak Rd W
Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf
Challenge your friends and family to putt-putt golf just a few miles from the beach on Hwy 59. Fun for the whole family!
Zooland Mini Golf
Quirky putt-putt just minutes from the beach. 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Coast Escape Room
This is the same concept of Break Out. You’re put into a selected themed room and you have to escape by cracking codes. 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores Museum
This museum is small but packed with information about the history of this great city.
Cobb Theatres
See the latest flick at the Pinnacle 14. 3780 Gulf Shores Pkwy
WEATHER & CLIMATE
In the deep south, you’re going to have hot and muggy summers, but how nice is it to be on the beach? Here are the average temperatures throughout the year in Gulf Shores.
The “hot season” lasts from May 27th through September 26th with a daily average high temperature of 84 degrees. The hottest day of the year is July 23 with 89 degrees.
Most of the year is quite pleasant which attracts many of the buyers moving to Gulf Shores.
While rain falls throughout the year in Gulf Shores, the bulk of the rainfall happens during the 30-day period centered around July 31st.
PUBLIC SAFETY
The Gulf Shores Police Department is committed to treating its residents like gold and creating the safest place to live on the Alabama coast.
All areas have some degree of crime (which I loathe), but most of the crime that happens in Gulf Shores has to do with property. As you’ve read so far, tourists are a big factor when it comes to our economy, but guess what? We have laws too and if you break them, the GSPD will bust you.
Gulf Shores Police Department
220 Clubhouse Drive
251-968-2431
We obviously love the millions of tourists who come to Gulf Shores year after year, but you have to have some rules. Mostly, rules are in place for your own safety, like those for the Gulf . . .
Below you’ll find our beach flag warning system. This is no joke, folks; heed the warning.
SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS
Gulf Shores public schools are fine which is proven by its test scores below . . .
With the exception of the primary elementary school in Orange Beach, all students on the coast participate in the Gulf Shores school system (Orange Beach is in the process of building a new middle school).
Most of the people who move here to Gulf Shores are retired, but if you do have kids in school, you can rest assured that your kids are in a great school district.
