Worth the Drive :: Gulf State Park
Recently, our family escaped to Gulf Shores, Alabama, for a relaxing vacation at Gulf State Park, and it quickly became one of our favorite family getaways. While Gulf Shores is known for its beautiful beaches, Gulf State Park offers so much more, making it the perfect destination for families looking to enjoy nature, outdoor adventures, and a slower pace.
Camping or “Glamping”
If your family loves camping, Gulf State Park has a spacious campground where you can bring your own RV or camper. Don’t own one? No problem! Several local companies will deliver a rental camper directly to your campsite before you arrive and pick it up after your stay. The campground is also conveniently located near the park’s pool complex, which includes a fun splash pad that’s perfect for younger kids.
Camping isn’t really our style, so we opted for one of the park’s Lakeside Cabins, and it was the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and modern comfort. Our cabin featured two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, bunk beds, a sleeper sofa, a fully equipped kitchen, and even a full-sized washer and dryer. Outside, we had a grill, picnic table, and fire pit, making it easy to enjoy family dinners and evening s’mores. These cabins are also pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your fur baby at home.
The cabins are also located near a fishing pier. If you plan to fish, just remember that you’ll need an Alabama fishing license, which can easily be purchased at the nearby Walmart, about 10 minutes away.
Easy Beach Access
One of our favorite perks of staying in the Lakeside Cabins was complimentary parking at the Beach Pavilion. Instead of searching for a parking spot, we were able to park just steps from the beach. The pavilion also has outdoor showers, making it easy to rinse off sandy feet (and beach toys) before heading back to the cabin.
More Than Just the Beach
While we definitely spent plenty of time soaking up the sun, Gulf State Park offers so many activities beyond the shoreline. The Nature Center is home to resident birds of prey, including an owl and a hawk, and offers educational programs throughout the week like Turtle Talk, where the kids learn about local sea turtles, their habitats, and simple ways we can all help protect Alabama’s coastal wildlife.
Miles of Trails to Explore
If your family enjoys biking, you’ll love Gulf State Park’s extensive trail system. There are miles upon miles of trails winding through forests, marshes, and lakes, with plenty to explore over multiple days. Several members of our family brought their e-bikes, which made covering more ground easy and gave them the chance to enjoy the trails every morning before the day’s adventures began. Don’t have an e-bike? You can rent one.
A Fun Side Trip: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Just a short 10-minute drive from the park is The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, making it an easy excursion when you want a break from the beach. Although it’s smaller than Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, it offers several unique animal encounters. Our favorite was feeding the giraffes for just $5 per person, which was an experience the kids are still talking about! The zoo also features a train, carousel, playground, and other family-friendly attractions, making it a fun half-day outing.
A Vacation That Let Us Slow Down
One of the best parts of this trip wasn’t checking attractions off a list, but it was slowing down. We spent our days riding bikes, roasting marshmallows around the fire, fishing, visiting the beach, and simply enjoying quality time together. There was no packed itinerary, no rushing from place to place, and no pressure to do it all.
Sometimes the best family vacations aren’t the busiest ones. They’re the ones that give you the chance to reconnect, relax, and make memories you’ll be talking about long after you’ve unpacked.
If you’re looking for an easy road trip from the New Orleans area that’s equal parts beach vacation and outdoor adventure, Gulf State Park is definitely worth adding to your family’s travel list.
