This Under-the-radar Beach Destination in Alabama Has All the Perks of a Florida Escape With None of the Crowds

Alabama's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have all the appeal of a Florida panhandle beach town, with none of the congestion.

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 68 words · Douglas Nicholson

And yet, it’s still not nearly as crowded as nearby Florida panhandle beach destinations.

The beach during sunrise at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach in Alabama

Credit:Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

A fishing boat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama

Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Gulf Shores boardwalk with a public statue

Jon Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure

Gulf State Park Nature Center in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama

Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Beach in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama

Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

The shops at The Wharf at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach in Alabama

Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Exterior of Fishers in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama

Courtland William Richards/Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism