Gulf Shores Guide
Guide
What I'd tell a friend coming to Gulf Shores
I began visiting Gulf Shores in 1990, and I've been taking care of a place here for more than 20 years.
So this isn't a list of everything you can possibly do on the Alabama coast.
It's the stuff I actually think is worth your time, the places I go myself, and a few things I wish visitors knew before they got here.
And one more thing: you don't have to do anything.
Go to the beach. Get some drinks. Have dinner. Come back to the house. Do it again tomorrow.
That's a perfectly good Gulf Shores vacation.
The Beach
The Beach Is a Short Walk Away
Jellyfish Twist is on Ponce de Leon Court in Fort Morgan, about 17 miles from the center of Gulf Shores. The house has Gulf views, with beach access about a three-minute walk away.
Jellyfish Twist is beach-view, not beachfront.
And the beach itself? This is the sugar-white sand people come to Gulf Shores for. It's a great beach for couples, solo travelers, friends, and families. You don't need a special reason to be here.
Surf Fishing
Planning to surf fish during your stay? Jellyfish Twist has a fish cleaning station for preparing your catch after a day on the coast. An Alabama saltwater fishing license is generally required, with exemptions based on age and residency. Check the official requirements and purchase your license online before fishing.
Check requirements and buy a fishing licenseKnow Your Beach Flags
Please take the beach flags seriously.
I am an ER nurse, and I've personally been part of teams trying to resuscitate people who got into trouble in the Gulf after ignoring the warning flags. The Gulf can look calm and inviting while conditions in the water are dangerous. A red flag is not a suggestion.
Check the flags before you get in the water, and if conditions change, get out.
Green
Low hazard and calm conditions - enjoy the water, but swim with caution.
Yellow
Moderate surf and rip currents.
Red
High hazard. Rip currents and dangerous surf present.
Double Red
Water closed. Stay out of the Gulf.
Purple
Dangerous marine life is present.
Beach Rules
- No glass
- Clean up your trash
- Clean up after your dogs
- Stay off the dunes
- Fill in large holes before leaving
Large holes can injure people and trap or injure nesting sea turtles. Fill them in before you leave.
Eat
Bushwackers & Bites
I’m not going to give you a list of 50 restaurants. These are places I’ve actually been and recommend.
Paw print = Dog-friendly
In Gulf Shores
Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails
A Gulf Shores choice for lunch or dinner. I recommend the fish tacos and the crawfish mac and cheese.
Orange Beach
Laurel's Pick
Cosmo's Restaurant & BarMy all-time favorite.
- The Gulf
- Luna's Eat & Drink
- Tiki & Raw Bar by Barometer
- GT's on the Bay
- BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets
- Coastal
Explore
Things to Do When You Feel Like Doing Something
- Gulf State Park
- Fishing
- Dolphin Cruises
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding
- The Wharf
- Shopping
- Movies
Dogs
Bringing Your Dog?
Dogs are welcome, including large dogs. Bring up to two dogs for one $150 pet fee per stay, not per dog or per night.
Paw print = Dog-friendly
Where Can My Dog Go?
Dogs aren't allowed on the public beaches in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, but Fort Morgan is different. Leashed dogs are welcome on the public beaches along the Fort Morgan peninsula. Clean up after your dog and pay attention to posted restrictions around the wildlife areas and Fort Morgan State Historic Site.
Where Your Dog Can Go
- Fort Morgan public beaches
- Dog-friendly restaurants
Practical Advice
Getting Around
Bring a car.
Jellyfish Twist is in Fort Morgan, about 17 miles from the center of Gulf Shores.
But West Beach is mostly houses and condos, with only a handful of restaurants. If you want to explore Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, or Pensacola, you'll want a car.
Seasons
When to Come
- March
- Gets busy with spring break.
- April
- Is usually calm.
- May
- Is when the busy season starts. May is one of my favorite months on the coast.
- June & July
- Are the busiest.
- August
- Things start slowing down when the kids go back to school.
- September
- Is quieter.
- October
- This is my absolute favorite month on the coast.
- November & December
- Are temperate. Some days are chilly, while others are extremely pleasant.
- January & February
- Are the coldest and windiest months.
Good to Know
A Few Things That Might Surprise You
The Sand Really Is That White.
That sugar-white sand is one of the first things people notice when they arrive. There's a reason people keep coming back.
You Don't Have to Fill Your Vacation.
Seriously.
You can spend the morning on the beach, have lunch, take a nap, go get a drink, have dinner, and call it a day.
You don't get extra vacation points for being exhausted when you go home.
Now You Know.
Go enjoy Gulf Shores. And if you find a place you think I need to add to this guide, tell me about it.
Back to Jellyfish Twist