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Media Contact Information:
Kimberly Shumack
Public Relations Manager
Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau
P. O. Drawer 457
Gulf Shores, Alabama 36547
251-974-4625
kshumack@gulfshores.com
Visitor Information:
Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-745-SAND (7263) or
www.gulfshores.com
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 NAME:
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Gulf Shores/Orange Beach; also known as Alabama's Gulf Coast,
Alabama's Beautiful Beaches, Pleasure Island, the island. |
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| LOCATION: |
Located at the southernmost tip of Alabama; 50 miles southeast
of Mobile, Alabama; 35 miles west of Pensacola, Florida; on
Alabama Highways 59 and 182; easily accessible from Interstates 65 and 10.
Alabama's Gulf Coast is bordered on the south by the Gulf of
Mexico, on the east by Perdido Bay, on the north by the
Intracoastal Waterway and on the west by Mobile Bay.
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| DESCRIPTION: |
The 30,000-acre island, comprised of 32-miles of sugar-white
beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, is characterized by dazzling sand,
tall sand dunes, sea oats and brilliant blue-green Gulf waters.
Inland areas are wooded with live oaks and pines. Freshwater lakes, rivers, bayous and coves add nearly 400,000 acres of protected
waterfront to the area. |
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| TIME ZONE: |
Central |
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| CLIMATE: |
Average temperatures:
| Winter |
62° |
| Spring |
72° |
| Summer |
87° |
| Fall |
78° |
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| AIRPORTS: |
Mobile Regional Airport; Mobile, AL
Pensacola Regional Airport; Pensacola, FL
Jack Edwards Airport; Gulf Shores, AL (Offers two runways, accommodating private and corporate aircraft)
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| APPROXIMATE MILEAGE FROM MAJOR U.S. CITIES: |
| Atlanta, GA |
370 |
| Baton Rouge, LA |
252 |
| Birmingham, AL |
274 |
| Charleston, SC |
594 |
| Chattanooga, TN |
435 |
| Houston, TX |
518 |
| Huntsville, AL |
369 |
| Jackson, MS |
276 |
| Jacksonville, FL |
380 |
| Little Rock, AR |
573 |
| Louisville, KY |
658 |
| Memphis, TN |
489 |
| Montgomery, AL |
181 |
| Nashville, TN |
450 |
| New Orleans, LA |
214 |
| Orlando, FL |
440 |
| Savannah, GA |
475 |
| St. Louis, MO |
632 |
| Tallahassee, FL |
200 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL |
273 |
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| RECREATION: |
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| POPULATION: |
Gulf Shores 5,340
Orange Beach 3,816 |
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| Golf |
Golf is a year-round sport due to the mild temperature of the
area. Ten signature courses in the Gulf Shores Golf Association within are within driving range of the beach. Gulf State Park Golf Course and the Gulf Shores Golf Club are also open for public play. Each course has a professional staff to reserve tee times and facilitate play. Golf on the gulf is a tee-riffic combination.
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| Tennis |
The City of Gulf Shores has 12 public courts and hosts numerous
tournaments throughout the year. The City of Orange Beach has
eight public courts open to the public. In addition, many area properties have courts for the use of their guests.
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| Fishing |
The Gulf of Mexico, numerous freshwater lakes, rivers, coves,
bays and creeks provide a multitude of year-round fishing
opportunities in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area.
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| Saltwater Fishing |
Orange Beach is home to the largest fishing fleet on the northern Gulf coast. With over 100 boats available for charter, seasoned captains licensed by the U. S. Coast Guard know where and when the fish are running. Boats are equipped with electronic fish-finding devices to make playing hooky even more fun.
Fishing the reefs yields great catches of red snapper, trigger, amberjack and grouper. Dolphin, mackerel and shark are in season mid-March through November.
Cobia, also known as ling or lemonfish, begin their migratory
run in early spring until late April. Sight-fishing from a tower equipped boat is the secret to catching this prize fish.
Bill fishing for blue and white marlin, sailfish and bull dolphin is
best from mid-May through October.
Saltwater fishing is not limited to the briny deep. Closer in,
mackerel, redfish, trout and bluefish can be caught from piers,
seawalls, rock jetties and by simply casting into the surf.
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| Freshwater Fishing |
Freshwater fishing can be enjoyed in more than 400,000 acres of
waterways in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. Lake Shelby at
Gulf State Park and the Bon Secour River yield bass, red drum and
bream. Fishing the area's back bays provides the opportunity to
catch redfish, flounder and speckled trout. If the currents cooperate, numerous saltwater species also find their way into back bay areas.
Alabama law requires anyone fishing in any public waters, fresh
or salt, to have a fishing license.
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| Watersports |
Small craft rentals are available from a number of area businesses and resorts. Lessons and charters for scuba divers and snorkelers are available, as are sailing charters. Parasailing is a popular way to get a bird's eye view of the island. Wave runners and water-bogans are available for the adventurous-at-heart.
Getting up close and personal with nature is easy and fun on a dolphin cruise. With many to choose from, enjoy the added bonus of great birding along with dance of the dolphin.
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| Recreation Centers |
The cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach boast superb
fitness centers available by membership. Both cities
have waterfront parks and Kids' Parks open year-round to the public. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach each have a first-class Sportsplex used for many events. The Orange Beach Senior Center overlooking Wolf Bay opened in 2003.
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| Shopping |
Souvenir and gift shops abound, and are complemented by
sportswear and fine fashion boutiques. Just 10 minutes from the
beach is the Tanger Outlet Center. With over 120 stores to choose from, you can truly shop 'til you drop.
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| Festivals |
The Pleasure Island Art Association signals spring each March
with an art show on the shores of Lake Shelby in the Gulf State Park.
The Annual National Shrimp Festival is a one-of-a-kind event. honoring the succulent shrimp. This popular festival, the highlight of October, takes place on the Gulf Shores Public Beach boardwalk. Website: www.nationalshrimpfestival.com
The Orange Beach Fishing Association turns a rodeo into a festival the entire month of October. Reel in the big ones for money and prizes. Website: www.gulffishing.net
The Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival makes November sing with excitement. Held in venues on the island and Perdido Key, songwriters and music lovers make their plans months in advance to attend. Website: www.fbisf.com
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| LODGING: |
More than 13,000 hotel, motel and condominium units are
available along Alabama's Gulf Coast. Ranging from hotels and motels, condominiums to houses, cottages and campgrounds, there is something for every taste and budget. Many privately-owned homes and condominiums are available through local rental agencies. Rental rates are lowest during the fall and winter when the beaches are quieter and the weather is milder. Accommodations may be searched through www.gulfshores.com
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| RESTAURANTS: |
Fresh seafood -- shrimp, crabs, oysters and an impressive variety
of fish -- is the main fare served in area dining spots, but
continental cuisine, ethnic specialties and hearty beef dishes are
also available. |
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