Explore the natural wonders of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and discover what it means to be transformed.

GulfShores.com / OrangeBeach.com

Find yourself in a whole different state of discovery.

Gulf Shores & Orange BeachN a t u r e O p p O r t u N i t i e s

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

GulfShores.com / OrangeBeach.com

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.

Be trAnsFormed. The moment you

first detect a trace of saltwater in the air

through an open car window, the change

has begun. By the time you cross the

Intracoastal Waterway and glimpse the

sparkling Gulf, you are well on your way to

a different state. You feel a welcome lift in

mood; a sense of relaxation takes hold.

There’s no better place to discover nature’s

transformative power than here in

one of our country’s most beautiful

natural environments.

Immersing yourself in our

unspoiled coastal environment

means slowing down to reconnect

with nature, family, friends and

yourself. Spending time outdoors

away from your daily routine creates

memorable moments like quietly

guiding a kayak through the marsh or

watching bottlenose dolphins at play.

the Alabama Coastal Birding trail provides an

interpretive viewing and learning experience as it

winds through more than 50 unique birding sites

in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Loops are based

close enough to each other for easy driving.

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail Guidebook is

available at alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com.

the Hugh s. Branyon Backcountry trail is a

nationally-designated recreational trail

featuring 12 miles of paved, multi-use

bikeable paths that are home to six distinct

ecosystems. Once used by the area’s

indigenous people and early settlers, this

historic trail between Orange Beach and

Gulf State Park offers an up-close and

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

to the gopher tortoise and carnivorous

white-topped pitcher plant, you never know

what you might encounter. Pets are allowed on

a leash. The trail is open during daylight hours.

the Islands of Perdido marine Park, located

near Perdido Pass, offers a protected and

secluded sanctuary of sugar-white sand

islands for nesting birds, aquatic creatures and

respectful visitors.

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.

each year from may to october, Alabama’s beaches are the

nesting grounds for three species of endangered sea turtles.

to learn how you can help ensure turtles hatch and make it

safely back to the Gulf, visit Alabamaseaturtles.com

spring and fall migrations are magnificent on

Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The phenonmenon is

celebrated each fall during the annual BirdFest.

To learn more, please visit AlabamaCoastalBirdFest.com.

Gulf of Mexico

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Gulf State Park

Bon SecourNational Wildlife

Refuge

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HUGH S. BRANYON

BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL

Perdido Key

Elberta Lillan

to Pensacola

Graham CreekNature Preserve

The LuLu

Dauphin Island(To Sites: 3, 4, 14)

Five Rivers Alabama’s Delta Resource Center(To Sites: 7,11,13,16)

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Magnolia Springs

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Weeks Bay Reserve

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RECREATION

Beach Access

Canoe Trail

AL Coastal Birding Trail

Trail

Bike Route

Natural Area

VISITOR RESOURCES

City Hall/Municipal Center

Welcome Center/Information

EMERGENCY LOCATIONS

Hospital

Medical Center

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1. Gulf Bay Road

2. Cypress Ave

3. Waterfront Park

4. Palmetto Extension

5. Harrison Park

6. Mississippi Ave

7. Look Rook Rd

8. Wilson Blvd

9. Boggy Point

10. Cotton Bayou

CANOE TRAIL SITES

1 AlABAmA Gulf COASt ZOO1204 Gulf shores Parkway, Gulf shores251-968-5732 | alabamagulfcoastzoo.orgGet 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, summerdale251-946-2483 | gatoralleyfarm.comSee 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 Island251-861-3607 | dauphinisland.org/bird.htmThe 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., theodore251-973-2217 | bellingrath.orgLocated 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 refuGe12295 state Hwy.180 W., Gulf shores251-540-7720 | fws.gov/bonsecourEnjoy 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

21055 Waterway east, Gulf shores | 251-968-7576outdooralabama.com/research-mgmt/mariculture-center.cfmThe center conducts studies and research that enhance our understanding of the life history of red snapper, various finfish and shrimp.

7 five riverS AlABAmA‘S deltA reSOurCe Center*30945 Five rivers Blvd., spanish Fort251-625-0814 | alabama5rivers.comWith its exhibit hall, theater, trails, boat tours, banquet facilities, and kayak rentals, 5 Rivers is Alabama’s gateway to the 250,000 acre Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Open 7 days. Free Admission.

8 GrAhAm Creek nAture PreServe23460 Wolf Bay dr., Foley251-971-1471The 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.

9 Gulf StAte PArk20115 state Hwy 135, Gulf shores251-948-7275 | 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 Pier20800 east Beach Blvd., Gulf shores251-967-3474 | 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/dayChildren 11-under: $4.00/day or free with paying adultSightseeing $3.00/ all day. $2.00/ one trip

11 hiStOriC BlAkeley StAte PArk*34745 state Hwy 225, spanish Fort251-626-0798 | blakeleypark.comVisit 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.

12 huGh S. BrAnyOn BACk COuntry trAil4009 orange Beach Blvd., orange Beach251-981-1063 | backcountrytrail.comThe 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.

13 meAher StAte PArk*5200 Battleship Parkway us 98, spanish Fort251-626-5529 | alapark.com/meaher/CampingSituated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay, this 1,327-acre park features two self-guided nature trails that highlight the flora and fauna of this unique area.

14 the eStuArium At the dAuPhin iSlAnd SeA lAB*101 Bienville Blvd., dauphin Island251-861-7500 | sealabestuarium.orgOpen daily. Admission charged and group rates available. Handicapped accessible. Visual displays and interactive exhibits highlight Mobile’s estuary system. All ages welcome.

15 the lulu29* 59.520’ / 87* 33.037’alabamagulfcoastreef.comLess 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, mobile251-433-2703 | ussalabama.comFeatures 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 PArk500 Gulf shores Parkway, Gulf shores251-968-1420This 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 reServe11300 us Hwy 98, Fairhope251-928-9792 | weeksbayreserve.comThis 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

NATURE ATTRACTIONS

GulfShores.com / OrangeBeach.com

The numerous opportunities for connecting with nature, outdoor exploration and adventure

along Alabama’s Gulf Coast include:

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.

on lAndBikingBirdingHiking

Wildlife WatchingZip Lining

on WAterCanoeing

Dolphin Cruises Kayaking

sailing scuba Divingsnorkeling