Gulf Shores

Life generally moves at a lazy pace in Gulf Shores, a beachside community on the Alabama coast. White sand, waving palm trees, and the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico make lazing oceanside the preferred pastime for locals and visitors alike.

But for those who prefer more action, there's plenty to do. Fishing, swimming, sailing, and other water sports are all popular options. So is shopping in a multitude of stores and outlet malls offering everything from swimsuits to cookware to original artwork.

Nature preserves, such as the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, offer a walk on the wild side. For another up-close encounter with nature, try a boat tour of the area's bays, bayous, and marshes, all of which teem with native flora and fauna. At the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium, interactive exhibits showcasing the aquatic animal and plant life of Mobile Bay and the Gulf Coast region entrance visitors of all ages. History buffs are sure to enjoy visits to Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan.

With mild temperatures and sunny skies the norm year-round, Gulf Shores is an ideal spot for an off-season getaway. It also offers a variety of special events throughout the year, including the wildly popular 'Sand In My Toes' music festival each May (formerly the Hangout Music Fest), the National Shrimp Festival each October, and the annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, a 10-day musical celebration held each November.

With a year-round population of just over 7,000, Gulf Shores may be a tiny town, but don't be deceived. When it comes to fun, it delivers big time.