Summer is in full swing, and nothing says summertime like a fun-filled day at the beach. When you visit the beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are just a few beach-usage rules to keep in mind: Keep off the dunes, vegetation and bird nesting areas. It may be tempting to walk up on the dunes for a photo op with those gorgeous sea oats, but please, please, please . . . resist. Our sand dunes and beach vegetation [...]
“Will we see dolphins?” This is understandably an extremely common question we hear from visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Dolphins’ beauty, athleticism, intelligence and fun-loving personalities make them a favorite among the many creatures who make their home in our back bays, waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. And the answer to that question is: “Yes, you just might! Do you know how to be Dolphin SMART?” Dolphin SMART is a partnership program developed by NOAA’s Office of National [...]
When you visit our beaches, we ask that you leave them better than you found them. But your Leave Only Footprints lifestyle doesn’t need to stop when you leave the beach. Below are just a few ways you can reduce your impact on our environment even after returning home. 1) Reuse, Reduce, Recycle Find information about recycling programs in your area. When you reuse, reduce and recycle, you save money, energy and natural resources. 2) Use Canvas Bags Instead of Plastic [...]
The Leave No Footprints policy in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is based on the seven Leave No Trace principles. The Leave No Trace program encourages everyone to enjoy and explore the outdoors while leaving minimal impact on the environment. Since we all want to preserve our beautiful beaches for generations to come, let’s take a look at how these principles apply when visiting our beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast. 1) Plan ahead. The best beach day starts before you [...]
When you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you’re apt to encounter many feathered friends during your visit. To respect and help protect these species, one of the best things you can do is refrain from feeding birds along our coastline. Although sharing your snacks with the birds may seem harmless or even kind, the practice can be harmful to them, to other native species and even to humans. 1) Protecting the birds Every species has a different diet, and [...]
Summer is in full swing, and it’s time to get your beach on! Before you head out for fun in the sun, make sure you have these essentials packed for your day at the beach. Since everything you bring must leave with you each day, these ideas will help you pack light and transport your beach gear to and from that beautiful sugar-white sand. 1) Your Seat on the Sand If you’d like to bring beach chairs, consider those with a [...]
One of the best ways you can protect the Gulf of Mexico? Reusing and recycling. In 2016, the City of Gulf Shores http://www.gulfshoresal.gov decided to completely revamp their recycling program to make it easier for both residents and visitors to do their part. Recycle at the beach During your day at a Gulf Shores public beach, you’ll notice blue and gray bins along the sand. The blue bin is for recyclable materials and the gray bin is for landfill items. [...]
You’re on the beach. The sun is high in the sky. You just finished the last sip of your cold, canned beverage of choice. What’s your next move? Well, we all know that if you’re one of the cool kids, you’ll recycle that bad boy in one of the recycling bins located along that sugar white sand. Here are just a few reasons why: Recycling conserves finite resources. When you recycle and use materials more than once, you conserve valuable [...]
Trying to decide when to plan your next trip to the beach? Plan your visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast during the Alabama Coastal Cleanup and join a 32-year tradition of giving back at the beach! Always the 3rd Saturday in September, this year’s gathering of helping hands is September 21, 2019, from 8 a.m. to noon. About the event The Alabama Coastal Cleanup, held on International Coastal Cleanup Day, is an incredible opportunity to come together and care for [...]
June is here! And it’s a great time to talk about a big question you might have: “What is with all the signs telling me to stay off those beautiful sand dunes?” Why is it a good time to talk about sand dunes? While June brings plenty of sunshine and breathtaking days at the beach, it also brings the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 through November 30. One reason it’s important to refrain from damaging [...]
