A trip to gorgeous Gulf Shores, Alabama typically provides visitors with a chance to soak up the sun from a place on the sand at their own leisurely pace. While Gulf Shores is packed with options for beach hopping, dining, shopping, and exploring the wave alike, it’s also a destination that’s loved by wildlife enthusiasts for its many opportunities to observe incredible species thriving in their natural habits. Here, a collection of captivating environments and ecosystems offers up a place for Gulf Shores wildlife to thrive and for wildlife lovers to make the most of observing the scenery in awe-inspiring wonder. Whether you’re hoping to spot incredible creatures on land, in the water or the sky above, Gulf Shores have it all and more.
Take Time to Explore Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Located at 12295 State Highway 180 in Gulf Shores, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a prime place to enjoy time in nature and make the most of wildlife watching too. The refuge was first established in 1980 by Congress as a place that would be designed to protect local endangered species and migratory songbird habitats. Today, the refuge sprawls across more than 6,700 acres of terrain and welcomes well over 100,000 visitors annually. While boating and hiking are popular activities to enjoy, those who come for the Gulf Shores wildlife watching will find the refuge is home to everything from green sea turtles and Atlantic Ridley to snowy plover and even the Alabama beach mouse. Be sure to pack your binoculars for a trip this way and plan on lingering longer than you originally planned as you find inspiration around every corner. When independent wildlife watching is your style but you could use a bit of guidance, there are self-guided tour routes through the refuge that highlight the fauna and flora along well-maintained and scenic trails.
Check Out the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail
The skies above Gulf Shores are a great place for bird watchers to get their fill of exciting moments of observation during a visit. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail in particular, is a prime place to catch a glimpse of a variety of winged species in the area. The Gulf Shores to Orange Beach loop section of the trail begins at the Perdido Pass bridge which is just east of AL 59 on AL 182. Along the way, there’s a good chance bird watchers will get to set their sights on everything from pelicans and eagles to gulls, herons, shorebirds, and all types of birds of Gulf Shores Alabama.
Book Your Stay Today
Savor every second of your getaway to beautiful Gulf Shores and make sure you have vacation rental accommodations to match the moment by partnering with Poole & Associates. Reach out today to learn more about our many property options and to begin planning!
