Your perfect getaway is closer than you think. Within a few short hours, you could be lounging on Alabama's spectacular Gulf Coast, soaking up thirty-two miles of the whitest sand, most sparkling blue water and friendliest people you could ever dream of. But the appeal of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach extends far beyond the glistening sand and smiling faces. This is a place where you can find a spot on the beach that's all yours. It's a place where you can stand, toes in the water, with only flocks of pelicans interrupting expansive views of the Gulf. Where you can choose from luxury hotel suites, top-notch condominiums or a variety of beach houses.

Whether vacationing with family, escaping with the one you love or spending a week golfing with the guys, Alabama's Gulf Coast offers the perfect balance of non-stop activity and lay-around-doing-nothing time. Putter around a bit on one of ten championship golf courses, where the allure of a perfectly maintained fairway is enhanced by the taste of salt spray on your lips. Cast your line on a deep-sea adventure, dreaming of the one that won't get away. Travel back in time with a visit to Fort Morgan, the site of the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay. Or shop 'til you drop at outlet stores, antique shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques.

And as the lullaby of waves rocks you gently to sleep, breathe deeply, knowing these are the memories that will last a lifetime.