Gulf Shores, Alabama has a local identity defined by its town motto, “Small Town, Big Beach”. Gulf Shores encompasses over thirty miles of spectacular, snow white coastline drawing in beachgoers and fueling the cities economy, however, the city has managed to stayed true to both parts of its motto, including “small town”, featuring lively and robust locally owned businesses, affluent residential areas, and a strong sense of community.
The combination of Gulf Shores’ rural and urban amenity has led to a flourishing residential populace along with a booming beach economy making it one of the true hidden gems of the emerald coast. Geographically, Gulf Shores is situated about thirty minutes away from Pensacola, Florida, twenty minutes south of Foley, Alabama and directly next to Orange Beach, Alabama. This prime location has led to a strong social and economic connection between Gulf Shores and these prospering coastal cities fostering urban growth within Gulf Shores and offering residents direct and easy access to the full expanse of the Emerald Coast. After the completion of the intracoastal waterway of 1937, people quickly began to realize the natural beauty of Gulf Shores and its serene, laidback coastal atmosphere. This tourism ultimately led to overall growth in Gulf Shores with businesses, top tier residencies, high caliber schools, sports complexes, and a dynamic local economy quickly emerging in the beach town.
Despite this rapid urban growth, Gulf Shores still maintains a strong local identity with a plethora of local spots to go along with every mainstream attraction Gulf Shores has to offer. With this history, local identity, natural amenity, and laid back atmosphere Gulf Shores has been given the motto, “Small Town, Big Beach”, drawing residents in with the city’s natural beauty, and making them stay with its vital, relaxed, beach lifestyle