How much you enjoy this park will be based on what you're there for. We were staying at the Hilton on the beach, so that was great. We went across the street to do a few quick and easy trails, maybe a walk around part of the lake, and check out the nature and interpretive center. It seems the trails are enjoyed more if you have more time, and probably best on bike. The indoor stuff, and rentals, were closed the day we were there. And it was a really windy day, so didn't spend a lot of time around the lake. A bit disappointing overall. For us at least.

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach was a fun family getaway. The beach was in great shape and the water was refreshing. I am not a beach person but it was enjoyable. I enjoyed a 12+ mile bike ride at the Gulf State Park Trail system though the bike share could use some work. I wasn’t able to use the app to reserve a bike. Thankfully a park worker/rep pulled up and was able to help me out. Traffic was busy at times in the main road but overall not bad. I wish the cell service as better overall. Trying to find a restaurant or directions (or reserve the bike share) at times was frustrating as my phone wouldn’t connect. (AT&T service)

Did an eBike ride through part of the park. Rented the bikes at e-bike and board rental on Hwy 59 (just about 1.5 blocks south of Hwy 180, west side of the road). It was really a hot day...we're from the midwest and used to some shade on bike trails...don't expect that here. So be ready with wide brim hats and lots of water. Overall the trip was great. Navigation was a challenge...Use your phone app. The map the place gave us was useless (the bikes and service were excellent, but the maps weren't) We looped around the big lake on the east to the south, sent over hwy 182 to a hotel bar for a refresher then back up the west side of the lake. Somewhat time crunched as we got a late start but that was maybe 1.5 hours to 2 hours. Could have been faster. Park was pretty, can imagine a longer ride would have revealed even more.