Planning a vacation to the beach doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re spending days on the shore, exploring native wildlife areas, or checking out local events, there are plenty of free or nearly free activities to enjoy, especially in Gulf Shores! This month, we’re giving you the scoop on how to make the most of your trip while spending the least amount of money. See how many of these free things to do in Gulf Shores you can add to your itinerary when you visit!
Remember the most important tip for saving money on a beach trip: book your vacation rental directly instead of with a third party. At Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals, we have excellent homes perfect for family reunions or large group vacations. Check out our inventory and find your dream home away from home today!
Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores
Soak up the Sun
The first one is obvious, but… it’s also probably the reason you came to Gulf Shores in the first place – the beach! With miles of gorgeous, soft white sand and the warm emerald waters of the Gulf right outside your door, spending days on the beach is the best free activity you’ll find in Gulf Shores.
You can challenge the family to sandcastle-building contests, try out your boogie-boarding skills, or just relax with a good book and listen to the waves. At night, take the buckets and flashlights to the water’s edge and hunt for ghost crabs – the kids will love it!
Visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Explore the 7,000 acres of unspoiled coastline when you visit this protected refuge along the coast. This free nature reserve is full of trails to wander and also offers excellent bird-watching opportunities for native and migratory shorebirds. Pack a picnic and your rod and reel and spend the day fishing, or bring the camera along for excellent nature photography opportunities.
Check out the Gulf Shores Museum
Visit this free museum to learn all about the history of Gulf Shores. Here, you’ll find unique permanent exhibits on the region's fishing history, the development of the city of Gulf Shores, and a history of hurricanes that includes everything you need to know about these forces of nature. Rotating exhibits focus on everything from food and art to regional holidays like Mardi Gras and more!
Create a Beach-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Head back to the beach for this fun and free thing to do in Gulf Shores with kids! Here are some items you can add to your homemade scavenger hunt:
- Find a red scallop shell
- A piece of a sand dollar – bonus points for finding a whole one!
- Something on the beach that’s not a shell
- Something slimy
- Spot a pelican
- Something smooth
- Find a fish
- A blue boogie board
- Goggles
- A crab
- Bonus points if you spot a dolphin!
See the Spectra Light Show and Fireworks at the Wharf
The Wharf in Orange Beach is a shopping hub, and while that’s not free, they host events all summer that are! After the sun sets, head over for the Spectra Light Show, which happens every night from 7:30 – 8:30 PM on the half hour. On Thursday nights in the summer, you can also catch the Sparks After Dark fireworks show. If you don’t mind spending a little bit of money, the giant LED-lit Ferris wheel is fun to ride and gives you a great view of the water and surrounding area.
Mini-Golf
Beachside Mini Golf stands out as one of the best mini-golf spots along the Gulf Coast, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The thoughtfully designed 18-hole course is fully ADA-compliant and accessible, making it enjoyable for everyone, regardless of ability. As you putt your way through each hole, you'll encounter fun landmarks like the impressive 50-foot Lighthouse, a delightful Charter Fishing Boat, and the soothing Tropical Waterfall. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Beachside Mini Golf makes for an easy, spontaneous activity, plus, when you book with Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals, you can enjoy two free adult rounds of mini golf every day of your stay thanks to our Xplorie benefits!
Enjoy Free Activities from Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals
We saved the best for last—did you know when you book directly with Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals, you have access to $800 of free activities every day of your stay? That’s right! We’ve partnered with Xplorie to ensure our guests have tons of options for free things to do when they visit Gulf Shores. Enjoy tickets to the Alabama Gulf Zoo, Tropic Falls Theme Park, dolphin cruises, rounds of golf, and so much more! Guests receive two free tickets to each of our available activities every day. Check out the full list of free activities and start planning your adventure!
Book Your Affordable Gulf Shores Vacation Directly Today!
Featured Property: Ola Vista
With these fun and free things to do in Gulf Shores, the only thing standing between you and an affordable getaway is booking your stay directly with Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals.
Booking directly not only gives you access to the largest inventory of properties, but it also saves you tons by letting you bypass the third-party fees that Airbnb or Vrbo add to your bottom line.
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront rental, a home with a pool, or a pet-friendly property where your pup can tag along, you’ll find it here with us. Browse our full catalog of Gulf Shores vacation rentals and book your stay directly today!