Are you searching for a sustainable getaway in Alabama? The Lodge at Gulf State Park alongside Alabama’s seashores gives you simply that!
There’s actually no higher place to remain in Gulf Shores than The Lodge at Gulf State Park—and for good motive. This isn’t simply any beachfront lodge; it’s the hallmark of resilience, sustainability and sensible design.
First opening its doorways in 1974, The Lodge turned a group occasions hub till it was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Rather than merely rebuilding, the brand new Lodge was designed and reimagined with sustainability at its core. The end result? A spectacular coastal retreat that actively enhances the encompassing habitat with eco-conscious options.
From energy-efficient structure to conservation initiatives that shield native wildlife, each element has been fastidiously thought-about. The Lodge at Gulf State Park pledges a keep in Alabama that’s as accountable as it’s enjoyable. Get prepared to take in the Gulf Coast sunshine, discover the park’s intensive path community and luxuriate in regionally sourced eating.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park
sustainability in Gulf State Park
In 2018, Gulf State Park underwent a serious transformation with the Gulf State Park Restoration Project, a $140 million initiative funded partly by BP settlement funds from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The undertaking emphasised sustainable tourism with eco-friendly infrastructure, together with the Gulf State Park Lodge, an environmentally aware lodge designed to minimise its environmental impression whereas offering trendy facilities.
This important funding has supported the restoration of shoreline habitats and dunes that additionally forestall coastal erosion and the enlargement of 28-mile path networks for biking and mountain climbing. The enhancement undertaking aimed to spice up the native financial system by creating new jobs and enterprise alternatives throughout the group. Additionally, the LEED-certified Learning Campus serves as a hub for environmental training, selling sustainability and accountable tourism.
Transforming Gulf State Park right into a hub for training, analysis, and eco-savvy tourism units a blueprint for bringing in earnings whereas defending the ecosystem. The 22 State Parks in Alabama all depend on self-generated funds for operation and upkeep, making the Gulf State Park’s sustainability mannequin each modern and very important to their existence.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park operates underneath the Hilton model for advertising and reservations however the property is managed by Valor Hospitality whose mission is to be a number one hospitality firm in sustainability.
Protected dunes in entrance of The Lodge
Review of The Lodge at Gulf State Park
I’ve explored the sustainability efforts of Gulf State Park as an entire, however now let’s give attention to The Lodge. If you’re searching for lodging in Gulf Shores, why not keep proper on the seashore and immediately contribute to the preservation of Alabama’s 22 State Parks?
Sustainability at The Lodge
The Lodge at Gulf State Park is greater than only a place to remain—it’s a mannequin for sustainable tourism alongside Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Designed with environmental conservation in thoughts, the Lodge has earned prestigious certifications, together with LEED© Gold, SITES© Platinum and FORTIFIED Commercial™, highlighting its dedication to accountable growth. From the bottom up, sustainability has been a precedence, by part-building with recycled supplies and recycling building supplies to divert from landfills.
Energy effectivity is a prime precedence within the Lodge’s design and each day operations. Guest rooms are geared up with automated sensors that flip off air con when balcony doorways or home windows are left open, serving to to forestall pointless power waste.
The use of LED lighting with movement sensors additional reduces consumption, and while the seashore is stored darkish, there may be turtle-friendly lighting on walkways. The orientation of the buildings takes benefit of pure Gulf wind, incorporating passive cooling methods to minimise reliance on air con. Wooden screens additionally assist filter daylight, preserving indoor areas snug whereas decreasing power calls for.
Water conservation is one other key pillar of the Lodge’s sustainability efforts. The HVAC system is designed to seize condensation, which is then repurposed to refill the swimming pool, considerably lowering water waste. In addition, a practical wetland naturally filters and absorbs stormwater runoff from rooftops and paved surfaces, easing stress on municipal drainage techniques. This modern strategy conserves water and helps native ecosystems by mimicking pure hydrological processes.
Beyond the buildings themselves, the Lodge prioritises environmentally pleasant infrastructure all through the property. The permeable automotive park permits rainwater to percolate into the bottom reasonably than contributing to floor runoff. This helps replenish groundwater whereas stopping erosion and flooding.
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The Lobby at The Lodge
Entering the massive open foyer space with daylight beaming via the floor-to-ceiling home windows, illuminating Alabama-made furnishings crafted from reclaimed supplies, making a heat, eclectic really feel. The partitions function a fastidiously curated gallery showcasing Alabama artists, highlighted by the hanging fibreglass reduction named “Turtle Tracks” by April Hopkins and Zach DePolo.
The reward store promoting eco-friendly wares is tucked behind the reception, and the Roasted Oak is readily available to serve lattes with local-inspired names equivalent to Beach Mouse and Yellowhammer. The recycling bins and foyer signage showcase its spectacular portfolio of sustainability certifications, reflecting its dedication to preserving the coastal surroundings and guaranteeing a optimistic ecological impression.
The foyer at The Lodge
Facilities at The Lodge
The Lodge at Gulf State Park gives a unbelievable vary of amenities designed for leisure and recreation. Guests can take a refreshing dip within the out of doors pool with beautiful ocean views, keep lively within the totally geared up gymnasium and luxuriate in recent, regionally sourced delicacies on the Lodge’s on-site eating places. However, the true spotlight of a keep at The Lodge is the Gulf State Park itself, an enormous pure playground ready to be explored.
Swimming pool at sundown
Rooms at The Lodge
The Lodge options 350 visitor rooms, and I used to be lucky to have a seashore view, the place the ever-changing skies over the Gulf of Mexico offered a surprising backdrop. From refined sunrises to blue skies, blushing sunsets to starry nights, each second was a pleasure to soak up from the balcony.
While the rooms had a easy décor, the beds have been extremely snug—like sleeping on clouds. Thoughtful sustainability touches included separate recycling bins lined with biodegradable baggage and BeeKind refillable toiletries, with moisturiser obtainable in paper packaging.
Eating at The Lodge
Sustainability is central to eating at The Lodge, with initiatives just like the Zero Single-Serve Initiative to scale back waste and native sourcing to assist Gulf fisheries. The eating places additionally assist management invasive species via accountable fish harvesting.
The Bycatch Seafood Program ensures unintentional catches don’t go to waste, whereas partnerships with the Sustainable Seafood Organisation and Gulf Seafood Foundation reinforce their dedication to eco-friendly eating.
There are 5 eating choices at Gulf State Park, and through my go to, I had the pleasure of beginning the day at Foodcraft and ending with a refined meal at The Perch. Other choices embody Woodside, set amongst the paths, Roasted Oak for takeaway espresso and treats within the foyer, and the poolside Dragonfly Bar + Grill for informal bites and drinks.
Perch Restaurant
The Perch at Gulf State Park guarantees a relaxed eating expertise the place the elegant menu sings with native elements. With a give attention to seasonal and sustainable sourcing, The Perch crafts dishes that spotlight the flavours of the area, from expertly ready seafood to artistic Southern-inspired plates. Crimson Bay Oysters within the Seafood Tower are the primary draw however strive imaginative mains equivalent to seared Gulf grouper with roasted purple pepper succotash or pecan smoked rooster.
My go to occurred to coincide with an unseasonably chilly spell, so the balcony firepit was roaring, completely complementing a fiery sundown. I can solely think about how magical it have to be to take pleasure in dinner or a scrumptious cocktail right here, with the same old heat coastal breeze and stupendous views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Crimson Bay Oysters at Perch Restaurant
Foodcraft
Foodcraft at Gulf State Park is an informal eating spot situated beneath The Perch, with equally gorgeous beachfront views. With regionally impressed menus, it’s a fantastic alternative for a tasty breakfast, laid-back lunch, or dinner whereas sundown paints the sky.
The Lodge Breakfast Buffet options Southern specialities like grits, applewood bacon, buttermilk biscuits with peppered gravy, and even a dawn mimosa to kick-start your day. The lunch and dinner menu highlights native produce, bringing genuine Southern dishes to life.
Tri-Tip Steak and Eggs for breakfast at Foodcraft
Alternative Accommodation at Gulf State Park
For these seeking to keep inside Gulf State Park however searching for a substitute for The Lodge, a wide range of lodging choices cater to completely different journey types, all of which guarantee a keep that’s near nature.
The Gulf State Park Campground and RV Park are good for nature lovers, providing over 500 full-hookup websites with trendy facilities, together with bathhouses, laundry amenities, and entry to mountain climbing and biking trails.
Eagle Cottages present a country and cozy keep alongside Lake Shelby, full with screened porches and quick access to the park’s waterways.
The Cabins at Gulf State Park supply lakeside and woods-surrounded choices, supreme for these wanting a peaceable escape with trendy comforts.
For group vacationers, The Bunkerhouse is a good alternative, that includes dorm-style lodging designed for households, faculty journeys, or journey teams seeking to discover the park collectively.
Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park
Activities In Gulf State Park
Take a Class at The Learning Center
The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park has an excellent lineup of instructional and fulfilling lessons, offering hands-on experiences that join guests with the native surroundings. We might select from natural gardening and composting, turtle talks, river biodiversity, or guided hikes and bike rides. These packages are designed to be partaking and informative for anybody—vacationer or native—seeking to deepen their appreciation of the Gulf Coast’s pure wonders.
For my class-based exercise, I selected “Sea Salt Bath Bombs,” from the eco-art mini-series, which turned out to be each a science lesson and a artistic workshop. The session started with an introduction to the bodily properties of salt, the place it comes from, and sustainable strategies of sea salt extraction. Then got here the hands-on half—making our personal pure tub bombs utilizing regionally sourced elements. It was a enjoyable and interactive option to study sustainability whereas crafting an eco-conscious memento.
Explore the Trails
The award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail winds via 28 miles of various landscapes, showcasing 9 distinct ecosystems throughout 6,150 acres of Gulf State Park. From Live Oaks draped in Spanish Moss to the scenic Gulf Oak Ridge Trail and the tranquil shores of Lake Shelby, it’s simple to see why USA Today named this breathtaking path the Best Recreational Trail within the nation in each 2023 and 2024.
It could sound cliché, however spending time in nature really nourishes the soul. Take an unhurried stroll or a brisk hike alongside the paths, discover at your personal tempo and give attention to what fascinates you most. As a eager wildlife photographer, it takes me longer to get round to attend for the wildlife moments making my day unforgettable. I did linger in hopes of recognizing Lefty, the park’s resident alligator however luck wasn’t on my facet.
How to you get across the Gulf State Park
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is designed to be accessible to all, with easy paths and mild slopes that accommodate wheelchairs simply and hikers of any degree. Plus, with sure sections closed to autos, you possibly can totally immerse your self in nature with out the distraction of visitors.
To cowl extra floor, I extremely suggest hopping on a motorcycle. To make exploration even simpler, Gulf State Park gives a Free Bike Share Program—and sure, you heard that proper—it’s fully FREE! With bike stations situated all through the park and at The Lodge, you possibly can borrow a motorcycle for as much as three hours without charge. It simply entails downloading the Bloom app in your cellphone, creating an account, scanning the QR code on the bike you wish to use and the app unlocks it. And off you go!!
To achieve a deeper understanding of the ecosystem, I joined a Guided Bike Ride on the Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead. Led by Cory, a naturalist from The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park, the tour flowed with details in regards to the park’s various landscapes and wildlife, together with the results of invasive plant species and the way prescribed burning helps keep the park’s ecological steadiness.
Birdwatching in Gulf State Park
With its 9 distinct ecosystems, together with wetlands, pine forests, dunes, and freshwater lakes, Gulf State Park offers supreme habitats for each resident and migratory birds all year long. Ospreys, Great Blue Herons, and Belted Kingfishers are generally seen close to Lake Shelby, whereas Red-Bellied Woodpeckers and Eastern Bluebirds thrive alongside the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. During spring and fall migrations, the park turns into a necessary stopover for warblers, flycatchers, and different songbirds.
Visiting in January throughout an surprising chilly snap, I figured many birds had already flown south to the hotter climes of Mexico. However, I used to be nonetheless removed from upset, as I had the chance to admire a Bald Eagle guarding their nest, observe Red-Bellied Woodpeckers at work, see Ospreys circling, and watch Black Scoters diving. These sightings left me in awe of the Gulf State Park’s wildlife.
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Bald Eagle
Walk alongside Gulf State Park Pier
The Gulf State Park Pier has confronted its justifiable share of challenges since its authentic 825-foot construction was inbuilt 1968. After being destroyed by Hurricane Frederic in 1979 and later by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, it was rebuilt to be stronger than ever; solely to maintain harm once more from Hurricane Sally in 2020. Today, it stands because the longest fishing pier on the Gulf Coast, designed to endure the weather.
More than only a fishing spot, the pier serves as an academic hub, with interpretive panels detailing marine conservation, sustainable fishing practices, and native wildlife. Anglers can forged a line for redfish, pompano, and Spanish mackerel, whereas nature lovers can take pleasure in dolphin watching, birding, or just taking within the sweeping Gulf views.
Gulf State Park Pier
Things To Do In Alabama Beaches
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a pristine sanctuary of seven,000 acres on Alabama’s Gulf Coast defending essential habitats for migratory birds, sea turtles, and the endangered Alabama seashore mouse. It is house to Piping Plovers, Black Skimmers, and Least Terns, in addition to the occasional Bald Eagle hovering overhead. Strolling alongside the seashores or exploring the marshes, you may also spot Roseate Spoonbills wading within the shallows.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge opens each day dawn-dusk | LOCATION
Live Music at Flora Bama’s
A go to to Flora-Bama is greater than only a evening out; it’s a beachfront establishment and a ceremony of passage for anybody visiting Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Established in 1964 by the Tampary household, it started as a small watering gap and has since grown into an iconic reside music venue, that includes each day performances, three hundred and sixty five days a 12 months, from nation, rock, blues, and seashore tunes throughout a number of phases.
Inside, the environment is exuberant. Bras dangle from washing traces above the dance ground, US flags wave and memorabilia-packed partitions inform tales of a long time of excellent instances. Sitting on the Alabama-Florida border, Flora-Bama is known alongside the Gulf Coast and ensures an evening to recollect—particularly in the event you order a Bushwacker!
Flora-Bama opens each day from 9.30am to 2.30am | LOCATION | READ REVIEWS
Eat Seafood at DeSoto’s
For a real style of the Gulf, DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen is a must-visit. Known for its Southern hospitality, this family-run restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served foundation owing to its recognition (particularly within the snowbird season).
DeSotos has been serving up recent, flavoursome seafood for over 20 years. The menu highlights one of the best of the native catch from fried flounder, blackened catfish, and Royal Red shrimp, or try their well-known seafood platters. Beyond its seafood specialities, they provide a variety of comforting Southern classics, from fried inexperienced tomatoes to fragrant seafood gumbo.
DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen opens each day for lunch and dinner | LOCATION | READ REVIEWS
Royal Red Shrimps
Take An Eco Tour
While I didn’t have time to expertise them myself, you could wish to think about taking an eco-tour in Gulf Shores, with choices like;
Orange Beach Dolphin Eco-Tour, the place you’ll rise up near a neighborhood pod, study their names, observe their behaviours and uncover extra in regards to the ecosystem and wildlife out of your educated captain.
Orange Beach Sunset Sailing Cruise onboard a catamaran, capturing coastal views and recognizing native wildlife like ospreys, bald eagles, and herons because the solar units over the Gulf.
Navy Cove Oyster Farm Tour, a family-run operation, helps guests study in regards to the ecology and geology of Mobile Bay and the sustainable aquaculture methods used to lift oysters.
Give-back Initiatives
Gulf Shores gives loads of volunteering alternatives for locals, together with Alabama’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program, which requires some coaching. For guests seeking to take part in regenerative tourism and assist shield the coast’s pure magnificence, organisations like Eco Clean Marine and Alabama Coastal Cleanup present alternatives to get entangled—simply examine their schedules for upcoming occasions.
Beach dawn in Gulf State Park
Thank you to Alabama Travel, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism and The Lodge at Gulf State Park for supporting me in my mission to advertise sustainable initiatives within the journey area. All opinions are my very own.
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