Alabama’s Gulf Coast will unveil a multi-million renovation of its parks and beaches in 2018, making an already family-friendly beach area more enticing for vacations.
The first improvements will be seen at Gulf Place, as it completes its $15-million enhancement of the Gulf Shores Public Beach area. To be completed in April, visitors will find new beach access points, walking paths, shaded structures, restrooms, green space and public sidewalks.
Also opening in April are new restaurant offerings in Orange Beach with two new spring openings: Fin & Fork, a casual seafood restaurant, and Playa Restaurant.
However, the biggest investment will be seen in Gulf State Park, as its $85.5-million enhancements come to an end by fall 2018, including the addition of a new hotel. The Lodge at Gulf State Park will feature a beachfront property, managed by Hilton Hotels, with direct access to Gulf State Park and Gulf Shores Public Beach. The new hotel will feature 350 guest rooms and 20 suites, a Gulf-front pool with food and beverage service, and indoor and outdoor Gulf-front dining. With a direct connection from the hotel to the 6,150-acre park, families will find fishing, on- and off-road trails, a nature center, Segway tours and two additional miles of beachfront to explore. With its completed renovations, the park will extend its trail system to more than 27 miles and offer pedestrian bridges, dune restoration and a new adventure park.
The new Lodge at Gulf State Park will be a beachfront property in Gulf Shores, Alabama.