Cooler coastal breezes • Pristine beaches • Fresh Gulf seafood • Easy 3-hour drive
New Orleans is endlessly fun—but summer heat and humidity can be intense. When locals need a breezy reset, they head to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Here are the top five reasons New Orleanians spend summer weekends (and weeks) on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
Just about 3 hours from New Orleans, Gulf Shores is an easy, spontaneous escape. The region’s broad white beaches and clear, tropical hues are a refreshing contrast to the Mississippi Delta—no long-haul required. It’s the premier summer beach destination for families across Louisiana.
NOLA folks won’t compromise on cuisine—and they don’t have to in Gulf Shores. The area is known for fresh, locally sourced seafood including blue crab, snapper, oysters, grouper, and Royal Red shrimp. Book a stay with boat-slip access or hop on a local charter to reel in dinner yourself from one of our Gulf Shores condos. Prefer a chef? Many restaurants and private chefs cater special events.
Beyond sugar-white sand and warm, blue water, you’ll find nature-rich escapes: miles of biking and hiking in state parks and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge—7,000+ acres supporting migratory birds, sea turtles, and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. And while Bourbon Street has its charms, it can’t match Gulf Shores’ pro-designed golf courses just minutes from the coast.
From luxury resorts, spas, and shopping to family-friendly condos, beach houses, amusement parks, zoos, and aquariums, Gulf Shores checks every box. There’s a memorable vacation waiting for everyone—couples, friend groups, and families—just a short drive from New Orleans.
Both New Orleans and Alabama’s beaches have shown resilience through past storms. Today, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach boast exceptionally clean beaches and a thriving seafood scene. Our communities share a love for the Gulf Coast’s culture, flavors, and natural beauty—and celebrate them all summer long.
Beat the heat without going far. Map out a weekend (or week) of beaches, seafood, trails, and family fun in Gulf Shores.