There are a lot of things that keep families and visitors coming back to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach year after year, but one thing is for sure. The beaches are at the top of that list.

Visitors to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach can jump into water sports, with diving, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing and paddelboarding available for the active water-sports enthusiast.

The sound of the surf may be music to your ears but it's definitely not the only option on our coast! Take your pick from a wide variety of music venues, specialty touring acts, local favorites and grand concerts on the Gulf Coast.

The seven famous signature golf courses, designed by greats such as Arnold Palmer, Bruce Devlin, Jerry Pate, Earl Stone and Robert Von Hagge, are all conveniently located within easy driving range of the accommodations.

Whether you fish along the back bays of coastal Alabama or take your reel to the gulf, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores fishing charters are booking and leaving daily. Alabama's Gulf Coast is home to one of the largest charter fishing fleets on the gulf, with more than 100 experienced captains ready to help you reel in the catch of a lifetime.

Whether you’re looking for an atmosphere that is relaxed or upscale or beachfront to bay front, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants fit the bill for any tastes. With open-air restaurants offering live entertainment and play areas for children, family-style dining is easy during your beach vacation.

With miles and miles of nature trails and ecological restoration projects the area is ideal for those later afternoon walks are simply exploring the wildlife diversity along the Gulf Coast.

NAIA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, American Volleyball Coaches Association's Sand Volleyball National Championships and the SEC women's soccer tournament are just some of the great sports events happening this year.