Gulf State Park: Immerse in the natural world just down the road
Story and photos by Allison McCrory
When an escape to the healing arms of Mother Nature is beckoning, consider packing a bag and journeying an hour west to the reprieve called Gulf State Park.
Skip the traffic and flight delays of remote destinations with an easy ride along the scenic Perdido Beach Boulevard from Perdido Key to the pristine seashores of the eastern edge of Alabama.
With its tasteful Gulf-front lodge and wealth of activities, the park is a nature lover’s playground boasting 6,150 acres and nearly 30 miles of trails. In fact, USA Today named Gulf State Park’s trails the best in the country this year. They’re multi-use for cyclists and hikers and are ADA compliant.
If lugging bikes isn’t on your vacation wishlist, take advantage of the park’s free Bloom Bike Share app. There are 50 available bikes but only one bike per phone. So, unless children have phones, at least a little bike lugging may be in order after all!
Guided segway tours typically include a stop to say hello to Lefty the three-legged gator. If you’re extremely lucky, a bike ride through Rosemary Dunes might mean a glimpse of an elusive resident bobcat. Stroll under old moss-draped live oaks on Gulf Oak Ridge Trail.
Angler Academy, kayaking, geocaching, a nature center, a dog pond, birding and playgrounds for the kids are among the many Gulf State Park recreational activities.
PICK YOUR LODGING!
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton property, with its Gulf access, stylish renovation, 350 guest rooms and three restaurants is a beautiful escape merging nature and modern comforts. Dip in the Gulf or have a cocktail by the infinity pool. Or play table tennis, giant Jenga or corn hole. Trams provide easy access to park amenities.
While The Lodge is a great place to stay, park guests have options for where to lay their heads.
Two groups of cottages — Lakeside and Eagle — offer guests cooking and lounging spaces as well as a more wooded vibe. Longleaf pines, palmettos and 900-acre Lake Shelby encircle the 20 cabins.
For adventurers seeking to be even closer to the earth, camping options from primitive to tent to glamping to RV hookups are available.
ACTIVITIES ABOUND
Besides an array of active pursuits at the park, there are educational opportunities as well. Step into the Gulf State Park Nature Center to get close to a variety of plants and animals that live in the park. In addition, naturalists from the center lead excursions including shelling walks and classes about creepy crawlers, constellations, animals, raptors, oyster shell art, celestial navigation, camouflaged creatures, turtles and more. Stargaze along the beach at night with park educators.
For a getaway, check out nearby attractions. Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the Flora-Bama Lounge, The Wharf for shopping, dining and a ferris wheel, Fat Daddy’s Arcade or The Track for a spin on a high-in-the-sky go-cart, as well mini-golf, blaster boats and more.
