Gulf Shores, located in the Heart of Dixie (as Alabama is commonly known), is a beautiful destination with a superfluity of breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, highly-rated museums, friendly communities, and incredibly rich historic roots. With attractions such as Gulf State Park, The Park at OWA, Fort Morgan, and The Wharf and great culinary joints such as The Village Hideaway, Cowbell Rolled Ice Cream, and Pines Pizzeria, you will never run out of interesting things to do. While you work on your itinerary, don’t forget to think about where to stay in Gulf Shores. There are beautiful seafront resorts that you might want to check out. For the best experience, read below for some of the top beach resorts in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
What to look forward to in Gulf Shores:
Every April, the city celebrates the Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival. Here, you can try as much spicy crawfish as you want to welcome the spring while listening to the best local bands. Kids can also join in on the celebrations with a variety of arts and crafts booths.
If you’re visiting in October, however, you won’t have to miss out on trying tasty seafood. Head to Gulf Shores Main Public Beach to celebrate The Annual National Shrimp Festival. The event will feature dozens of food vendors, plenty of musical acts, and more!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 30, 2024.
Beach life in Gulf Shores
Eager to enjoy the sparkling waters around Gulf Shores? Luckily, the city has 32 mi (51.50 km) of shoreline and eight public beach access points. To ensure your safety as you enjoy the water, there are also lifeguards between the months of March and October.
Gulf Shores provides visitors with 11 public beaches, including Gulf Place (Gulf Shores Main Public Beach)—which has a playground and picnic area. Meanwhile, Gulf Shores 6th Street Public Beach has a handicapped-accessible restroom, and Gulf Shores 13th Street Public Beach has a dune walkover in addition to restrooms and showers. Another highlight is Lagoon Pass Beach, which has a fishing pier.
Beach resorts in Gulf Shores, Alabama
1. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel (from USD 279)
Touted as one of the best resorts in Alabama’s Gulf Shores, The Lodge at Gulf State Park is a 4-star property around 100 m (328 ft) from Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion. It offers beachfront accommodation in rooms that feature a flat-screen TV, a small refrigerator, and private bathrooms. The units also have a work desk, so remote writers like me can easily sneak in some work while on holiday.
Some of the notable shared amenities at this facility include a restaurant, 24-hour front desk services, free Wi-Fi, and a swimming pool. The hotel is approximately 500 m (1640.4 ft) from Gulf State Park Pier and about 4.4 km (2.7 mi) from Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
- Property highlights: The on-site restaurant overlooks the stunning ocean.
- Nearest beach: The beach is only a short walk from the pool.
- Suggested room/unit: The 1 King 2 Room Gulf Front Balcony Suite has a suite bar for a refreshing nightcap.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Beautiful place. Right on the beach. Long stretch of beach area, so there is plenty of area to get away from others." - by Google reviewer, James Ward
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel
Address: 21196 East Beach Blvd
3.57 km (2.3 mi) from Gulf State Park
2. Gulf Shores Plantation
At this lovely resort in Gulf Shores, you will be accommodated in rooms with air conditioning, a spacious seating area, a private bath, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, and a wardrobe. Some of the amenities you will have to share with other guests include an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a shared lounge, and free Wi-Fi.
The hotel’s location allows easy access to a myriad of activities, including cycling, hiking, and snorkeling among others. Some nearby attractions that I would love to check out if I were in the area include Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, about 21 km (13 mi) from the resort, and Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, about 25 km (15.5 mi) away.
- Property highlights: The property's location means guests can enjoy miles of a sandy white shore.
- Nearest beach: You can walk along the boardwalk leading to the beach.
- Suggested rooms/units: The two-bedroom ocean-view condo offers spacious accommodations for large groups.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "We were on the beach side and our view was INCREDIBLE! The boardwalk and outdoor showers are definitely a bonus. The beach was kept very clean. This place is about 20 minutes from the busy area of gulf shores, but if you want to be on a beautiful beach that's away from the tourist traps this is your place." - by Google reviewer, Duke Ingraham
Gulf Shores Plantation
Address: 497 Plantation Road 1250
24.94 km (15.5 mi) from Gulf State Park
Other beach accommodations
3. Best Western Premier – The Tides (from USD 226)
Reasonable pricing for great location and amenities, but additional fees for parking and beach chair rentals.
Clean, modern facilities, friendly staff, beach access, pool bar, and complimentary breakfast with a variety of options.
Conveniently located near shops and restaurants, with beautiful beach views and easy access to activities.
Delicious and varied breakfast buffet with indoor and outdoor dining options, but some occasional issues with food quality and service.
Best Western Premier sits directly on the beach along the Gulf of Mexico. It offers rooms featuring a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, a refrigerator, and a microwave. Some of the on-site facilities include a restaurant, a bar, and a heated beachfront pool. A number of attractions worth exploring around include Adventure Island Waterpark and Cotton Bayou Trail, both of which are less than a five-minute drive away.
- Property highlights: Easily enjoy your meals on the beach thanks to the accommodations's Grab and Go Deli.
- Nearest beach: The beach is just beyond the property.
- Suggested rooms/units: The 1 King Bed Beachfront Room has a balcony overlooking the beach. Meanwhile, families can book the 1 King Bedroom & Kid’s Bunk Corner Beachfront Suite for convenience.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Easy access to the beach. Chairs and umbrellas available for rental by an outside company but didn't have any trouble using our own stuff. The hotel is located right next door to the public beach access which honestly made it seem less busy than some of the beach areas outside the larger condos and hotels. The beach outside this hotel never seemed over crowded. " - by Google reviewer, David Webster
Best Western Premier - The Tides
Address: 26032 Perdido Beach Boulevard
5.17 km (3.3 mi) from Gulf State Park
4. Best Western on the Beach (from USD 231)
Cheers!Case of the Mondays? Cheers to imagining yourself here instead. The annual Mullet Toss festival is this weekend! Book your stay today!
Posted by Best Western on the Beach on Monday, April 23, 2018
Best Western On the Beach is a beachfront hotel offering accommodation in spacious rooms that come with standard features, such as a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, coffee-making facilities, and a microwave.
The hotel also has an indoor heated pool, a beachside outdoor pool, a business center, vending machines, and free Wi-Fi. There are also various notable attractions that I would love to see one day. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is about 2.1 km (1.3 mi) away, while Waterville Amusement Park, is a quick drive from the hotel.
- Property highlights: This establishment provides easy access to a beautiful beach along the Gulf of Mexico as well as an in-house restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.
- Nearest beach: The beach is only a few steps from the on-site pool.
- Suggested rooms/units: Save some money by cooking your own meals in the Ocean View Two Kitchenette option.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "A great location on the beach! Places close to walk to on the beach to eat at and have a margarita too!!" - by Google reviewer, Robert Hartle
Best Western on the Beach
Address: 337 East Beach Boulevard
5.25 km (3.3 mi) from Gulf State Park
5. Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach (from USD 240)
Reasonable rates, additional charges for parking and breakfast
Beachfront location, heated pool, hot tub, pet-friendly, spacious rooms
Convenient access to beach, restaurants, and shopping in Orange Beach
Good quality breakfast available at an additional cost, on-site restaurant with delicious options
This view never gets old.
Posted by Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach on Tuesday, April 27, 2021
This hotel is situated on the Gulf of Mexico and offers accommodation in rooms that come with a private balcony, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, and coffee-making facilities.
A modern fitness center, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a business center, and two hot tubs are some of the amenities that you will have to share with the other hotel guests. For those who would love to explore around, Tanger Outlet Foley can be reached within a 22-minute drive, while Adventure Island is only 3.1 km (1.9 mi) away.
- Property highlights: There's a boardwalk leading to a beach dotted with umbrellas and sun loungers.
- Nearest beach: The beach is just a short stroll away.
- Suggested rooms/units: The 1 King Bed Room - Beachfront W/ Balcony is an excellent option if you want to enjoy ocean views from your private accommodation.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Great beach front access with an excellent breakfast selection. The beach lounge chairs can also be rented through beach services and charged to your room incidentals." - by Google reviewer, Jordan Gilbertson
Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach
Address: 23092 Perdido Beach Boulevard
1.22 km (0.8 mi) from Gulf State Park
6. Sleep Inn on the Beach (from USD 254)
At Sleep Inn on the Beach, you can have a memorable stay in spacious rooms that come with a work desk, a small refrigerator, and a separate vanity area. Select rooms have a balcony or a sofa bed. If I were a guest here, I would also be looking forward to the complimentary continent breakfast.
Popular attractions in proximity to the hotel include Perdido Key and Waterville USA, both of which are about 16 km (9.9 mi) away. Orange Beach Marina, Sportsman Marina, and Bear Point Marina are also in proximity to the hotel, just about 13 km (8.1 mi) away.
- Property highlights: After a day on the beach, retreat to the property's sun deck to continue enjoying spectacular views without worrying about getting sand everywhere.
- Nearest beach: You can quickly walk from the on-site pool to the beach.
- Suggested room/unit: The 1 King Bed, Gulf View has a balcony overlooking the sparkling sea.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Good location. right on the beach and near a lot of shops and restaurants." - by Google reviewer, Kevin Erick
Sleep Inn on the Beach
Address: 25400 Perdido Beach Boulevard
4.14 km (2.6 mi) from Gulf State Park
7. Perdido Beach Resort (from USD 313)
Reasonable pricing for top-notch luxury and amenities.
Beach access, multiple pools, live entertainment, and a variety of dining options.
Beautiful beachfront location with convenient access to local attractions and activities.
Excellent dining experiences with a range of options from casual to fine dining.
At Perdido Beach Resort, you can stay in well-appointed rooms, each featuring a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an iPod docking station, and a private bathroom. For an upgraded stay, you can choose a room with views of the city or the pool.
There are four on-site dining options where guests can enjoy a variety of meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel offers an array of activities including bike hires, snorkeling, and golfing. I think these will make the property a great option for travelers who love to stay active even while on vacation!
- Property highlights: The in-house Aquatic Adventures service will assist guests with getting sunscreen and renting beach equipment and offer them insider tips on the local beach life.
- Nearest beach: Easily reach the adjacent beach via the boardwalk.
- Suggested rooms/units: The One Bedroom Suite has a balcony with amazing views of the beach.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "The real reason we chose Perdido Beach Resort is the huge, private beach. The beach is easy to access and beautiful. We rented chairs/umbrellas every day to stay cool while not in the water. You can check-in with the Aquatic Adventures staff to reserve your spot and they will have you set-up every day when you arrive" - by Google reviewer, Ryan Schreckenghaust
Perdido Beach Resort
Address: 27200 Perdido Beach Boulevard
7.05 km (4.4 mi) from Gulf State Park
8. Island House Hotel Orange Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton (from USD 254)
High room prices, additional charges for breakfast and beach chair rental
Beachfront location, balconies in all rooms, clean pool, Starbucks on-site
Centrally located, steps from the beach, close to other attractions
Delicious cookies at check-in, good on-site restaurant, but pricey and limited options
Island House Hotel Orange Beach offers beachfront accommodation, each with sea views and private balconies. The rooms also have a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, and plush beds. Notable on-site facilities include a restaurant, an outdoor pool, meeting rooms, and a sun terrace. Attractions that you can easily access from the hotel include Waterville USA, which is 12 minutes away, and Pensacola Beach, which is 41.8 km (25.9 mi) away.
- Property highlights: This establishment is home to Beachside Bistro & Bar, and it also has a pool service so you don't have to leave your lounger for a snack.
- Nearest beach: The beach is just off the pool area.
- Beach access: Private
- Suggested room/unit: Opt for the Penthouse with a balcony to experience the peak of luxury and striking views.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Beach front hotel. Beautiful and clean. Great pool and bar area with hot tub. The beach is not private so to get a good spot you will want to go down early. It is decently clean and life guards patrol the area and they have chairs with umbrellas you can rent. Bring your beach gear back with you. Dont leave it on the beach they take it up each night." - by Google reviewer, Rashan Fulenwider
The Island House Hotel a Doubletree by Hilton
Address: 26650 Perdido Beach Boulevard
6.22 km (3.9 mi) from Gulf State Park
9. Phoenix All Suites West (from USD 268)
Reasonable pricing for beachfront property with ocean view balconies.
Fully equipped kitchen, beach access, and convenient parking availability.
Conveniently located near restaurants, shops, and with easy beach access.
No breakfast provided, but close to eateries and fully equipped kitchens in rooms.
At Phoenix All Suites West, accommodation is offered in units that feature a spacious seating area and a flat-screen TV. There are also fully equipped kitchens with a dishwasher and a coffee machine that I think cooking enthusiasts will appreciate. Some of the amenities that you will have access to include an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk.
There are sun loungers where you can unwind after a long day. The hotel also has direct access to the beach, but if you want to explore further, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is about 2.5 km (1.6 mi) away.
- Property highlights: The establishment's outdoor pool and a kiddie pool overlook the sprawling beach area.
- Nearest beach: Simply walk across the boardwalk leading across the sand to enjoy the seawater.
- Suggested rooms/units: The Deluxe King Suite has a private balcony overlooking the water and a full kitchen.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Great place right on the beach, balcony with a beautiful view! They have 2 chairs w/umbrella on beach u can rent for $45 a day" - by Google reviewer, Dee-Anna
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Address: 533 West Beach Boulevard
6.59 km (4.1 mi) from Gulf State Park
10. Island Sunrise II (from USD 139)
Nestled on the harboring banks of Gulf Shores Public Beach, this 4-star seafront hotel offers delightful accommodations. The air-conditioned guestrooms come equipped with deluxe beds, a TV with cable channels, a DVD player, a coffee machine, and free Wi-Fi. Free toiletries are supplied in the private bathroom. You can book a room with a kitchenette that will come complete with a dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator.
This property has an array of outdoor activities to choose from such as mini golf, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, windsurfing, and fishing. Parking comes at a fee. There is an on-site ATM for emergency cash needs.
You can keep Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and The Park at OWA in your itinerary as these places are not too far away from the hotel.
Island Sunrise II
4.84 km (3.1 mi) from Gulf State Park
Enjoy top accommodation in Gulf Shores
A trip to Gulf Shores will always be one to remember due to the number of things that you can do and see here. This means that at the end of the day, you are likely to be exhausted from a tiring but fulfilling day. The resorts on the beach in Gulf Shores will ensure a comfortable and fun stay.
Choose any of the top beach resorts in Gulf Shores, Alabama, so that you are guaranteed a great place to rest every night.
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