Gulf State Park – Sunset Properties Blog

May 8, 2017

How to Make the Most of the Gulf State Park Pier

The vast and biologically diverse sanctuary that is Gulf State Park features some of the area’s best opportunities to spot flora and fauna like nowhere else. Features of the park, like the Gulf State Park Pier, allow you to soak it all in and take advantage of some of the best scenery and fishing the park has to offer. So, when you plan your visit to the Gulf Shores area, be sure to make the most of your trip with a stop at the Gulf State Park Pier.

Gulf State Park and the Gulf State Park Pier are a couple of great things to do on Alabama’s Gulf Coast! Fortunately for you, there’s plenty more where those come from. Here at Sunset Properties, we want you to have the best vacation ever. So, we’ve put together a free, downloadable Vacation Guide, just for you! It’s the best way to plan and see all the great things our area has to offer. You’re going to love it!

What’s There to Do at the Gulf State Park Pier?

The Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier is one of the park’s focal points, and it offers some of the best views along the Gulf Coast. It is the second longest pier along the entire Gulf Coast at 2,448 feet of available fishing space. So, what’s the best way to enjoy the pier? Here are a few options.

Fishing

The obvious answer. With 2,448 feet of fishable pier, all you have to do is pay a small daily fee to enjoy great pier fishing. You can fish off the pier for just $9.00 per day, and you can rent a fishing rod for $20.00 per day. Children under 11 may fish for free when accompanied by a paying adult. And, for your fishing needs, the indoor retail area on the pier has you covered. Be sure to get your Alabama saltwater fishing license before you go!

Photography and Sightseeing

The second longest pier on the Gulf Coast is naturally a wonderful scenic vantage point. Bring your camera or enjoy a moment of tranquility on one of the pier’s benches, and you’ll know what we mean. This is a spectacular sunset view whether you want a picture or just want to relax. There is a small fee for sightseeing on the pier, just $3.

Other Things to Do at Gulf State Park

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

This is your opportunity to see the beauty of the park up close and personal. Wonderful hiking and biking trails and paths wind through the park, highlighting the waterways, wooded areas, and dunes the park contains.

Nature Center

Gulf State Park’s Nature Center features plants and animals native to the park and the Gulf Coast region. Whether it’s the turtles, the snakes, the trees, or the taxidermy, there’s something to enjoy for everyone in the family!

Beautiful Beaches

Over three and a half miles of white sand beaches will capture your attention and delight your toes. And, these family-friendly beaches are ideal for beach days full of fun and relaxation. Cool off in the water or lay out and get a tan, it doesn’t matter! You’ll love these beaches!

The Perfect Vacation for Utter Relaxation

When you consider all the incredible experiences you can have along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, it’s a no-brainer to book your summer vacation here. So, get to planning! Here at Sunset Properties, we’re ready for you! Our beautiful condos and beach houses are the best way to make beachy memories you and yours will never forget. So, browse our available properties and see for yourself how great a vacation here can be. Contact us today to book your beach getaway!

January 16, 2017

How to Plan the Best Day at This Gulf Shores State Park

The Alabama Gulf Coast is home to one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the south. When you plan your visit the area, you’ll want to plan to spend some time at this Gulf Shores state park, Gulf State Park. Explore the rich natural resources of the area at Gulf State Park. Let us be your guide to the best day at this Gulf Shores state park.

Are you looking for the most incredible experiences on Alabama’s Gulf Coast? You need to check out our recommended activities! Here at Sunset Properties, we specialize in everything coastal Alabama, so you can trust our expertise when planning your visit.

A Gulf Shores State Park Full of Fun and Adventure

You’ll love the pristine sands, surf, sea shells, and peace and harmony found at Gulf State Park.There’s so much to do there, you may want to plan more than one day! Two miles of beaches, a golf course, a beach pavilion, tennis courts, hiking trails, and a fishing pier make this an ideal activity for any vacationer! Here’s what you don’t want to miss at Gulf State Park.

Beautiful Beaches

Refuge Golf Club

The natural resources and beauty of the park make for a wonderful golf opportunity. At Refuge Golf Club, you will experience a championship course with over 6,500 yards of wonderfully manicured courses, a driving range, putting green, and pro shop. Grab a bite to eat at the Refuge Grill after you’ve worked up an appetite after 18 holes!

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Fishing

This Gulf Shores state park features an education and fishing pier that is 20 feet wide, offering 2,450 feet of fishing space for anglers who seek to reel in a big one! You can fish off the pier for just $9.00 per day, and you can rent a fishing rod for $20.00 per day. Children under 11 may fish for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Nature Center

A Great Day Trip from Your Beach House

During your vacation to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you’d be remiss to not venture out into Gulf State Park. And, when you stay in one of our lovely beach houses or condos, you’ll be just a short drive away from the beautiful park. So, whether you’re looking for that adventure or just want to bum around on the beach, let Sunset Properties be your guide to the best stay in the area. Check out our available rentals and see for yourself the quality that awaits you. Then, contact us today to book your stay!

February 4, 2016

Gulf State Park; Future Plans and Updates

Recently a community meeting was held to present the final plans for the updates for Gulf State Park. The community has been meeting for some time about the proposed changes to be made to the park with money received from the 2010 Oil spill that damaged the local wildlife and tourism industry. Some of the ideas have been very controversial, some are extremely welcome and needed changes. Overall the final plan appears to be s community enhancing project that will rival larger Nature preserves.

Some of the many changes proposed include rebuilding the Dune system in this area that is so protective to the island. A Convention Center will be added a little further back from the original conference center on the beach side of the refuge land. The hiking trail system will be expanded and part will be paved. Some of the streets in the park will be closed to cars and a tram system will be in place. The Camp ground will be expanded and improved. The golf course will be converted to an educational area, and much much more.

Take a look at the exciting future plans here at Gulf State Park

November 27, 2015

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, offers lots of fun things to do, from geocaching, biking, and days on the beach to golfing, fishing, and exploring the nature center. Open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., you could spend the entire day exploring here! The two miles of gorgeous beaches offer room to kick back in a chair, throw a Frisbee or football, or splash around in the Gulf. Beyond the beach, enjoy recreational activities, the Nature Center, and more.

Nature Center

A nice place to cool off and meet some interesting critters, the Nature Center at Gulf State Park is home to native plants and animals. The “living museum” aims to teach people about caring for the environment and its many living things. It’s open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and entrance is $1 per vehicle into the campground area.

Fishing & Education Pier

The pier at Gulf State Park has 2,448 feet of fishing space along the rails. You’ll find trash cans, lights, and bench seating, as well as some great chances to catch some fish. There is even an indoor seating and concession area, as well as a retail store where you can get tackle and souvenirs. The pier is also wheelchair accessible.

Refuge Golf Club

Set in the scenic Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Refuge Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole championship course designed by Earl Stone. It features 6,593 yards of landscaped courses, along with a driving range, putting green, and pro shop. It’s open from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. seven days a week with reasonable daily fees. Play 18 holes for $24.99 ($21.24 for seniors and $12 for children) or nine holes for $14.99 ($12.74 for seniors and $10 for children). Cart fees are $9 and $15 for nine holes and 18 holes, respectively.

Hiking, biking, beach fun

There are 15 miles of trails in Gulf State Park, spanning Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. Trails feature a variety of terrains, providing opportunities for people of many skill levels to bike, walk, and run.

Dog-friendly fun

Gulf State Park is dog friendly in several areas! As long as your well-behaved four-legged friend is leashed, you can bring him or her along on the trails and at the picnic area. You can even unleash pets at the Dog Pond at Lake Shelby, where they can run, play, and swim. The dog park is on the west end of the parking lot below the Gulf Adventure Center. Just be sure to check the rules before heading over.