Wow! This Alabama State Park has it all and it's FREE to enter! Free bikes to use to ride the 28 miles of trails, hiking, visitor center, nature center, fishing, swimming, camping, a restaurant, etc.

We love to walk the 6-mile loop around Lake Shelby at Gulf Shores. We park at the picnic area across from the State Lodge and walk across the boardwalk. There is a Bald Eagle nest about 4 miles into the hike. The adventurous can extend the trek on the Alligator boardwalk (Lake Shelby Overlook) and the campgrounds and Bear Creek Trail.

We visited the beach at the pavilion at 7pm when the sun is not so hot. We like the State park as veterans can park free. They have a nice boardwalk leading to the beach. The beach is very nice and we just sat in our chairs and enjoyed watching the waves and the sky as the sun set. The only problem was part of the rinsing station was not working.

Although the pavilion and pier are being remodeled, we enjoyed the beach. Plenty of parking. The campground across the street is beautiful. Large sites and bath house clean. Walk or bike the trails is easy riding/walk. There is a nice bike share/rental near the pavilion. Bikes are said to be free, but the app to use it asked for way too much information for my comfort, so we didn't bike. We did walk 10 miles of the 28 miles of trails.

My husband and I rented e-bikes (first time) for $45/4 hours each. The paths are paved and about 10 feet across, with many board walk bridges along the way. Go early, 8 am, when they open because it gets hot fast, and a lot of the trail is in the sun. They give you a map, but the signs are pretty confusing. Better to use the big maps along the way. There are several bathrooms along the ride. We loved the e-bike experience, and talk to many people who were riding their own e bikes. Noticed that there are bike racks along the way, with free beach cruiser bikes to borrow to. Mostly by the camp ground.

The park has 26 miles of paved trails and free bike rentals through a ride sharing app. It has diverse habitats and lots of birds and alligators. I rode there two days in a row and it is much quieter and cooler in the morning. It gets very crowded in the afternoon during spring break.

So thankful that the Gulf State Park exists, because it shows what Gulf Shores and the area used to be before all of the condos inundated the area. The Gulf Shores State Park is a great place to relax, walk on the sugar white sand, and see the dunes. It is a natural gem and I thank the State of Alabama, and its park rangers for preserving this piece of Heaven for future generations to enjoy as the city sprawls around it and population booms.

This park is truly a wonderful place to stay. Large lots!!! Biking trails are top notch, short distance to the beach/ocean, activities in the park BUT as in every park the wifi is almost non-existent. This extremely frustrating if you need to work, stream or just read the news. Either offer a functional system or pull it out. But don't promote it as a benefit. Also, at least verizon, cell service is one bar. So you can't really use hot spots. Would be great if the park service would work with the cell carriers to put up a tower. 500+ campsites as well as state cabins/condos in such a compact area I would think would benefit everyone.

Clean, comfortable relaxing atmosphere. The staff is wonderful,friendly and welcoming. The rooms clean and comfy. The noise level is low. Beds are nice. The beach is Just outside the hotel doors. Nice porch with rockers available to enjoy the views. The price of the rooms, drinks, food is pricey for a state park!!!!

We rented ebikes and did all the trails one morning. Trails are great, well maintained and full of wildlife. We saw various birds, missed the eagles, and an alligator momma and next with babies. Many tails were completely shaded. This was our first ebike excursion and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended