Blog

7 03, 2018

Take a walk on the wild side when visiting the Alabama coast

By |2018-03-07T17:25:28+00:00March 7th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

Give your kids a lesson in sustainable travel and eco-tourism when you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach this spring. It’s simple and fun to do by including a few key stops on your vacation agenda. First, visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo on Highway 59 in the heart of Gulf Shores. The zoo is an entertaining place to spend a morning and gives visitors up-close views of more than 500 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, primates, leopards, wolves and [...]

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27 02, 2018

What you shouldn’t take to the beach

By |2018-02-27T23:42:10+00:00February 27th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

When you visit our beaches, it’s important to know the rules and restrictions. Leave Only Footprints regulations prohibit leaving any items overnight on public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In addition, several items are prohibited anytime on the beach, including: Glass containers Metal shovels or excessive digging Litter Tents or structures larger than 12 x 12 Overnight camping Fireworks Loud music Fires Pets Vehicles The reason for many of these restrictions concerns safety, others are for the comfort [...]

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21 02, 2018

Birds you may encounter at the beach

By |2018-02-21T17:15:15+00:00February 21st, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

Whether you are a birding enthusiast or just starting out as a birdwatcher, you’ll discover a paradise on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Even if birdwatching isn’t high on your list, you’re going to encounter shore birds during your visit. Sandpipers, great blue herons, laughing gulls, ring-billed gulls and pelicans are common sights along our coast. The Coastal Birding Trail, featuring six birding loops in Baldwin and Mobile counties and totaling more than 200 miles, is a terrific place to watch and [...]

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14 02, 2018

How to build a top-notch sandcastle

By |2018-02-14T16:54:41+00:00February 14th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

Want to build a sandcastle while visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? We’re all for it. In case you need some tips, we got some from experts. First, find the perfect spot. It should be close to the water to get that firm, wet sand, but not so close your creation will get washed away. Experienced sandcastle builders know the sand must be wet to make a good form. Second, put those sand buckets and shovels to good use. Fill [...]

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7 02, 2018

Why is our Alabama Gulf Coast sand so soft and white?

By |2018-02-07T15:23:43+00:00February 7th, 2018|Blog|5 Comments

Everyone loves getting their toes in the sand along Alabama’s beautiful beaches, but do you know how that sand is created? Our sand is softer and finer than you see on most other beaches around the world. That’s the result of pure, white quartz crystal that washed down from the Appalachian Mountains and was deposited in the Gulf of Mexico. According to Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University (aka Dr. Beach), [...]

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31 01, 2018

Help us spread the word about Leave Only Footprints campaign

By |2018-01-31T18:03:52+00:00January 31st, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

Our Leave Only Footprints campaign is fairly new, launched in 2016. We’ve put up signs, and rental properties have helped us spread the word about the program, which requires all gear to be removed from the beach each day. The Leave Only Footprints (LOF) mission also includes educating beachgoers on the principles and practices that protect wildlife as well. But as 2018 gets rolling, we’d like to ask for your help. If you’re on social media, get the word out [...]

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24 01, 2018

Follow green fishing practices during the winter

By |2018-01-24T16:53:20+00:00January 24th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

Anglers enjoy reeling in redfish, black drum, pompano and sheepshead during winter months. Whether fishing from the pier or the beach, or going out on a charter, be eco-friendly when you cast that line. Hook and line is the most responsible method for fishing (as opposed to using gill nets or seines, though those methods have their place, too). The No. 1 cause of habitat destruction is derelict gear. It’s a phenomenon known as “ghost fishing.” Left-behind line, hooks and [...]

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17 01, 2018

Enjoy the revelry of an environmentally friendly Mardi Gras

By |2018-01-17T16:44:40+00:00January 17th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

It’s Carnival season on the Alabama coast, bringing a partying atmosphere to our already festive location. Parades will roll in on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 in Orange Beach, and again on Mardi Gras Day (Feb. 13) in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We love welcoming visitors to enjoy the revelry, but we ask that you use environmentally friendly practices while here. Let’s deal first with the beads, many of which end up in the streets or in trash [...]

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10 01, 2018

Tips for winter visitors to help keep our beach clean

By |2018-01-10T15:45:55+00:00January 10th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

Spending your winter on our beautiful Alabama beaches? We’d like to ask you to keep those beaches clean and help preserve them for future generations. How can you do that? Glad you asked. First, just follow our Leave Only Footprints rules. Basically, the regulations prohibit leaving anything on the beach overnight. That gear you tote down to the shoreline - things like chairs or umbrellas - needs to be removed each night. If items are left on the sand, crews [...]

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27 12, 2017

Four tips to be an eco-friendly angler

By |2017-12-27T22:48:39+00:00December 27th, 2017|Blog|0 Comments

Winter is an excellent time to hit the waters of the Alabama Gulf Coast. With mild temperatures and great fishing, boaters can enjoy the gulf and our bays year-round. But there are steps you should take to protect those waterways while you’re out. First, report any leaking-fuel incidents you see while out boating. Anyone witnessing an oil spill, chemical release or maritime security incident should call the National Reporting Center hotline at 800-424-8802. Watch out for the spread of aquatic [...]

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