How to Have Fun in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Not too far from the first European settlement in the New World, Pensacola, Florida, you can find a laid back little beach village along the Alabama border of the Gulf of Mexico called Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores pretty much passes into nearby Orange Beach without little in the way between them. The sun shines bright and the stars fall on this Alabama beach town with regularity that reaches pretty much around the clock. If you are heading for a vacation in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Mobile or Pensacola, you can find some excitement, thrills and bargains.

Tanger Outlet Mall
You may be expecting at this point to read about the opportunities for swimming, diving, skiing and other water activities. Those will come later, but first let's get to those bargains. Not far from Gulf Shores is another small town called Foley, Alabama. Many tourists who spend their days on the beaches and in the condos and hotels of Gulf Shores find their way to the Tanger Outlet Mall. Big changes have taken place in the appearance of Foley's Tanger Outlet Mall. This place used to have one of the best food courts in the area, but today it is a mere shell of a place. The pizza is delicious, however. The biggest change in the Tanger Outlet Mall for visitors to Gulf Shores who have been there before is the addition of a carousel and large play area for kids. An outdoor wall is also available for rock climbing wannabes. Stores come and go at outlet malls, but as of the publication date of this article you can find outlets representing Vanity Fair, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nine West, Bose, Kenneth Cole and Toys R Us.

Water Activities
If you are coming to a place called Gulf Shores for a vacation, then you should expect to enjoy the water. The warmth of the Gulf of Mexico is such that you can pretty much head into the water nearly all year round. The big exceptions are the very cold fronts of winter and tropical storm arrivals in summer. When it comes to water fun in Gulf Shores, the opportunities are many. Little kids can build sand castles while bigger kids work on their tan while you head out to the surf. The undertow can be a little strong in Gulf Shores, but the waves are usually not big enough to knock you down. Unfortunately, that means little fun for surfers. In addition to swimming, you can go deep sea fishing and reel in catches like red snapper, mackerel and, maybe, even a shark. Nighttime cruises of a romantic nature will take you out to sea to enjoy the setting sun. Cruises all during the day as well as at night will lead you out to catch playful dolphins.

Waterville, USA
If the sickly feeling of sand between your toes doesn't thrill you, it is still possible to have fun in the water around Gulf Shores. Waterville, USA offers a very exciting wave machine that very definitely makes the whitecaps rise higher than out in the Gulf. A lazy river will take you around the perimeter of much of this water park. Special areas are available for the younger kids who may face danger when trying to squirm into the business of big brother. The highlights of Waterville, USA for many people are the multiple water slides of varying heights and danger and thrills. If you've got a mind to go speeding through tubes at relatively fast speeds, then Waterville, USA is your Gulf Shores destination of choice. Plus, it's just down the road from the Tanger Outlet Mall.