Population 11,809
Located about 30 miles off of Interstate 10, Gulf Shores is worth the short detour for Gulf State Park (www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park) alone. This 6,100-acre state park occupies a prime piece of beach real estate, and offers a two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible cabin on the shore of Lake Shelby. The cabin includes a full kitchen, a spacious great room, a screen porch, and bathroom with a 36-inch square roll-in shower. And the cabin is just a short drive from Gulf Oak Ridge Trail — a 2.75 paved level trail that winds through the woods. Accessible restrooms are located along the trail, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take a break. And don’t forget to visit the Fishing and Education Pier, while you’re in the park. There’s accessible parking close to the pier and barrier-free access to the 1,500 foot-long pier, which features a nice water view, with wayside wildlife exhibits along its length. Best of all, guests staying at the Gulf State Park cabins get free admission to the pier.