Your Cheat Sheet to Plan Your Next Gulf Shores Holiday (2026 Edition)

New flavors, fresh openings, and classic Gulf Shores favorites all in one place: your 2026 cheat sheet for where to eat, play, and spend your days on Alabama's coast.

Gulf Shores is shining brighter in 2026! We're seeing a wave of great new spots around town that are quickly becoming local favorites, which, together with the existing local staples, incredible entertainment attractions, and outdoor and nature escapes, make this Alabama destination even more exciting.

If you haven't been in a while, or if it's your first time, in this quick guide, I'll share everything you need to plan your next trip: what's new, the local staples you shouldn't skip, go-to spots for family fun, cultural experiences, and the outdoor escapes to include in your itinerary.

But before that, a quick hello from us:

At Vacation Homes Collections, your comfort and happiness are our top priorities. With a wide variety of holiday homes in Gulf Shores and amazing vacation rentals in Orange Beach, we've been creating dream vacations for years, ensuring you and your family have the best time possible.

As experts in the area, we're always sharing insider tips on our destination blog. There, you'll find tips on cultural attractions in Gulf Shores, family-friendly activities in Orange Beach, and a complete insider guide to both towns, plus Fort Morgan and Perdido Key.

What's New in Gulf Shores (2026)

Let's start with what's new in town. Both first-timers and repeat visitors should include some of these new spots, which already have the local seal of approval.

New Openings Worth Knowing

Anchored Coffee House

A great caffeine stop paired with fresh pastries, warm hospitality, and modern décor. They serve a wide variety of classic espresso-based drinks and specialty creations such as Peppermint Mocha, Pumpkin Moon, Caramel Apple, and the Iced Van Gogh Latte, prepared with two shots of espresso, pistachio, and white chocolate, and topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. For food, try the beignets, cinnamon coffee cake, and biscuits with sausage gravy.

Pho-Mo Asian Kitchen & Grill

Here you'll find a bit of everything, such as pho, dumplings, and fried rice, but locals keep talking about the smash burgers. Pho-Mo is a chain that began on the Gulf Coast in 2019, and despite being a chain, you don't need to worry about quality. They take what they serve seriously and are consistent in both flavor and execution. Standouts from the burger menu include The Smash, Grilled Cheese, Smash It with Jason, Pimento Cheese Burger, and the Small Town Big Beach Cheeseburger.

Tap & Still Gulf Shores

One more spot in town for American comfort food like burgers and wings, fresh craft beer, and a casual, high-energy atmosphere for those looking for a more vibrant side of Gulf Shores.

ShoreFizz

A new spot for refreshing dirty sodas, milkshakes, and sweet drinks. I personally stopped by a couple of times for a soda on the go, and my favorites so far include Dr. Drift, Coastal Crush, Orange Dream, and the Watermelon Wipeout.

Mythic Beach Banana Bar

Born in Gulf Shores, Mythic Beach is a fun new beachfront dessert spot for dipped and frozen bananas, cheesecakes, and loaded ice cream, finished with decadent candy shells, rolled in toppings, and drizzled with sauces.

New & Updated Experiences

Gulf Coast Eco-Center

A new hub for environmental programming, including classes, guided activities, and hands-on learning, set next to Gulf State Park. Designed as an interactive space rather than a traditional attraction, it offers workshops, nature-based programs, and seasonal camps that connect visitors with the region's ecosystems. It's a place to go beyond sightseeing and engage with the landscape through biking, kayaking, gardening, and guided activities.

Wetland Park (Upgrades)

Tucked by the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, Wetland Park has always been a low-key spot that locals keep in their back pocket. It's easy to access, uncrowded, and a nice change of pace from the beach.

Recently, it's had a round of upgrades that make the whole experience feel more polished while still keeping its laid-back charm. The walking trails have been refreshed with new gravel, the boardwalks and pier cleaned up, and some of the older structures removed to make way for future improvements.

Event Cancellation

If you're looking for events to attend during spring or summer, Hangout Fest should be off your list, as it won't take place in 2026. For confirmed events this year in and around Gulf Shores, here are some of the top picks:

• Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival (May)
• Orange Beach Billfish Classic (May)
• Shark Fest (June)
• Fourth of July Celebration (July)
• Blue Marlin Grand Championship (July)
• Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show (July)
• Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (July)

Local Staples You Shouldn't Skip

These are the places people return to, and if it's your first time in Gulf Shores, they should definitely be included in your itinerary.

• Original Oyster House Boardwalk: A waterfront eatery for fresh Gulf seafood. Some of the standouts here include the Parmesan Garlic Oysters and Joe and Dave's Favorite Oysters.
  
  
• Fish River Grill: Home to the famous Swamp Soup, along with plenty of seafood dishes, hearty burgers, and signature cocktails in a funky, vibrant setting.
  
  
• The Cove Bar and Grill: Also boasting a fun and lively atmosphere, this local staple serves great food alongside entertainment such as live music and pool tables.
  
  
• Sunliner Diner: Classic diner cuisine, all-day breakfast, and hand-spun milkshakes in a full retro 1950s setting featuring vintage-style newspaper menus and collector cars. Buttermilk pancakes, Sunliner French toast, and country-fried steak & eggs are all amazing. For milkshakes, be sure to try crowd pleasers like Cookies & Cream, the Authentic 1950's Shake, and the Banana Split Shake.

Where to Play

Year after year, two places never get old and remain must-visit spots, especially for those traveling with kids. Here they are:

• The Track: The Track is all about classic, no-frills entertainment such as go-karts (including that elevated track that's way more thrilling than it looks), mini-golf, and bumper boats that are especially welcome on a hot day. There's also the high-flying Skycoaster, the Spinning Coaster, and, especially good for rainy days, you can have fun with the little ones in their massive Fat Daddy's Arcade.
  
  
• Waterville USA: Race down slides, float along the lazy river, or get tossed around in the wave pool. Beyond the water fun, you can also enjoy mini-golf, go-kart racing, and an incredible arcade.

Experiences With a Bit More Substance

• Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: Voted the "#1 Zoo in Alabama" for two years in a row, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a beautiful place to visit, where the experience is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the incredible animals. Located about six miles from the beach, the moment you step onto the grounds, you're immersed in a tropical, park-like setting. The focus here isn't on entertainment; the team takes animal care seriously, with clear attention to their well-being, which makes a difference if you're not typically a fan of zoos. A highlight? The animal encounters are a one-on-one, up-close experience with some of their most captivating residents.
  
  
• Fort Morgan: Fort Morgan is a historic coastal fort at the entrance to Mobile Bay, best known for its role in the Civil War's Battle of Mobile Bay. You can explore the original brick fortifications, walk through tunnels and artillery positions, and climb to vantage points with wide views over the Gulf and bay. On-site exhibits and signage explain its military use across multiple wars, while the surrounding grounds offer a pier, beach access, and space for walking and fishing.

Nature & Outdoor ActivitiesL: The Essentials (Don't Skip These)

• Gulf State Park: An absolute must for anyone visiting the Gulf Coast, Gulf State Park is a 6,000+ acre outdoor hub where you can cover multiple activities in one morning or afternoon. It features over 28 miles of paved trails for walking and biking, access to Lake Shelby for kayaking and fishing, and designated areas for wildlife spotting, including birds, butterflies, and occasional alligators. You'll also find direct beach access that's typically less crowded than the main public areas, along with picnic spots and facilities.
  
  
• Gulf Shores Public Beach: Gulf Shores Public Beach is the main access point to the coastline, known for its wide stretch of soft white sand and calm, swimmable water. It's fully equipped with public restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and boardwalk access, with parking and nearby food options within walking distance. This is the most convenient spot for a simple beach day if you don't want to go through too much planning.
  
  
• Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: This protected coastal area offers a quieter alternative to the main beaches. Beyond uncrowded stretches of shoreline, you can explore dunes, marshes, and maritime forests. The refuge is known for wildlife sightings, including migratory birds, sea turtles, and the rare Alabama beach mouse, so keep your eyes open while visiting.

Time to Make Your Way to Gulf Shores!

If you're chasing sunshine, stunning views, and nonstop fun, the Gulf Coast will provide you with unforgettable experiences.

With years of experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we at Vacation Homes Collections are experts in crafting unforgettable experiences. When you stay with us, all you need to do is soak in the coastal beauty and let it whisk you away, because it surely will!