White sandy beaches line the shimmering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico in the laid-back town of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Named one of 10 best beach towns for families by "Parents" magazine, Gulf Shores is known for such popular recreational activities as deep-sea fishing, golf and parasailing.
The only beachfront hotel in Gulf Shores, Best Western on the Beach, provides family-friendly accommodations. While adults unwind in the two hot tubs, children can frolic in the three pools -- a kiddie, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool -- all while taking in views of the gulf. Book a room facing the water and enjoy the sweeping panorama from your private balcony. The hotel is just steps from Perdido Key Parasail, an excursion company that provides parasailing, personal watercraft and banana boat adventures.
Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach is just 10 minutes east of Gulf Shores. Grab a snack or a cold drink from the lobby's 24-hour convenience store and head out to the hotel's private beach for a leisurely afternoon of sunbathing. If you're feeling a bit more active, make use of the beach volleyball courts.
Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach-On The Beach is 10 minutes from Gulf Shores. Enjoy a dip in the beachfront heated outdoor pool or take a soak in the adjacent hot tub. A wooden plank walkway connects the hotel with the beach.
A little more than 10 minutes from Gulf Shores, Sleep Inn on the Beach provides a relaxing atmosphere. Splash about in either of the hotel's two waterfront pools. Take the five-minute drive to Beach Bike Rentals, located right outside Gulf State Park, and rent a three-speed bike, beach cruiser or tandem bicycle to explore the region. Keep in mind, however, there are no waterfront trails in the area.
Unwind at Hampton Inn and Suites Orange Beach, less than 15 minutes from Gulf Shores. Spend a leisurely afternoon relaxing by the beachfront zero-entry indoor/outdoor swimming pool, a pool that mimics the beach with its gradually sloping floors. The hotel is also just five minutes from Blue Dolphin Cruises, a company that provides dolphin and wildlife viewing boat rides throughout Perdido Bay.
All the rooms at The Island House Hotel include private balconies with gulf views. Or visit the hotel's more than 300 feet of private beach. You're less than five minutes on foot from Getaway Charters and Aquastar Charters, two deep-sea fishing excursion companies. The hotel is 15 minutes from the heart of Gulf Shores.
