Mix two parts sugar-white sand with one-part crystal blue water. Add a generous helping of Southern hospitality, and you have the key ingredients of the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast and discover a multitude of experiences along our 32 miles of beaches. Our extensive selection of accommodations, attractions and dining experiences will satisfy everyone.

From championship golf, cuisine, world-class fishing, and unparalleled nature experiences to savoury seafood and broad lodging choices, our beach destination is a haven for everyone who seek refuge and relaxation in our family oriented destination. From flip-flops to "Flipper," our mission is to exceed all our visitor's expectations.

EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS THIS YEAR 

FESTIVALS - COME HANGOUT: Started by the owner of a local restaurant called The Hangout, this festival takes place May 18-20, 2018. More than 40,000 people attend the event, which takes up the entire Gulf Shores Public Beach during its three-day run. The Hangout Music Festival even plants 400 palm trees in advance of the event and then re-homes them afterwards. There are several beachfront stages and a swimming pool and hot tubs (all with great views of the main stage!) in the “Super VIP” area. This year's headliners are The Killers, The Chainsmokers, Halsey and Kendrick Lamar. www.hangoutmusicfest.com

 CULINARY - YOU BE THE JUDGE: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are proud to be the host venue of the World Food Championships, which in previous years has taken place in Las Vegas and Florida. This past November, 450 teams from 40 states and 13 countries came to compete in ten different categories. Amateur and professional chefs show their stuff, competing in two rounds in each of those categories – which include desserts, chili, seafood and – obviously – bacon.

And guess what? The event welcomes members of the media as guest judges!

This year's event is scheduled for Nov. 7-11, 2018. www.worldfoodchampionships.com

WHAT TO DO
Popular options are dolphin-watching cruises, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding in area bays, inshore and deep-sea fishing, golf, historic Fort Morgan, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and biking the 25-mile Backcountry Trail through Gulf State Park.

A WILD PLACE:

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 7,000 protected acres of wildlife habitat right along the Gulf Coast. It's a great spot for a hike (it's very flat around here), during which you have the chance to see alligators, coyotes and foxes. The site is also along the flyway, making September/October phenomenal times to watch for birds overhead while you're keeping an eye out for the scaly and furry things that tend to stick to land and water instead. More than 360 species of bird have been spotted in the refuge. The refuge lives up to its name, Bon Secour (which translates to “Safe Haven”) by being home to the tiny endangered Alabama Beach Mouse, a mammal that lives among the dunes and acts as a living indicator of the region's ecosystem. In the centre of the island, Gulf State Park adds another 6,000 protected acres including lakes, 28 miles of biking and hiking trails, plus a nature centre and guided nature walks. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are also a home away from home to three species of endangered sea turtles – loggerheads, green and Kemp's Ridley – all known to nest on the beach from early May through August.

LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS:

We all share in the responsibility of taking care of our natural environment, which is why city ordinances now dictate that all personal items – towels, chairs, coolers, toys, you name it – must be removed from our beaches one hour after sunset. Anything left behind will be removed by the authorities and recycled. We also limit digging on our beaches, all part of our effort to help the sea turtles that use our beaches for nesting. 2016 was the first year for Leave Only Footprints, and we saw a record number of sea turtle nests. Clap your turtle flippers in a round of applause!

HOW TO GET HERE
One of the best aspects of a Gulf Shores and Orange Beach family summer break is its accessibility.

The destination is located at the southernmost tip of Alabama, between Mobile, Ala. (50 miles to the northwest in Mobile County) and Pensacola, Fla. (35 miles to the east in Escambia County). UK visitors can fly via Atlanta or New Orleans to Pensacola or Mobile.

WHERE TO STAY
Finding accommodations is a breeze in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The destination is made up predominantly of vacation rentals – beachfront condominiums and homes with kitchens and laundry facilities – with a good mix of full-service resorts and limited service major hotel brands. With such a diverse array of lodging options, visitors are able to find great value, so book early as many places offer summer break specials.

• The Tides: A boutique line of the Best Western brand, this property opened in late 2016 on the beach in Orange Beach and located just minutes from a variety of locally-owned dining options. tideshotelorangebeach.com
• Hotel Indigo: One of the newer boutique hotels in the area, Hotel Indigo is part of the Holiday Inn brand. Located across the street from the beach in Orange Beach and adjacent to one of the trail heads for the 28-mile Backcountry Trail for biking, jogging and hiking through Gulf State Park, more than 6,000 protected acres in the centre of the island. ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/orange-beach
• Island House Hotel: This formerly privately-owned property was purchased and underwent a major renovation to meet the high standards of being a new Hilton Doubletree property. Located on the beach in Orange Beach. islandhousehotel.com
• Springhill Suites by Marriott at The Wharf: Springhill Suites opened in 2016 on the north side of the island overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway and walking distance to multiple restaurants, boutiques, specialty shops and movie theater at The Wharf. Fishing charters and a dolphin-watching cruise are just steps away at the marina. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pnsor-springhill-suites-orange-beach-at-the-wharf