Alligator Alley in Summerdale, Alabama, is the perfect family friendly thing to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast!
Alligator Alley
Alligator Alley is filled with gators! More than 600 American alligators call Alligator Alley home. It is a sanctuary filled with not only gators but also tortoise & turtles, snakes, reptiles, and other cypress swamp creatures.
We saw a ton of birds during our recent visit. I was amazed to see my birding app recognize 30+ bird calls while we walked through the Cypress Swamp. I was hoping to see owls in the cypress swamp but maybe next time.
One thing we really love about Alligator Alley is that you get to see the gators in their natural habitat. The swamp area is our favorite part, so make sure to plan time to head to the end of the path and wander through the swamp.
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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
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✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
You don't want to miss seeing Captain Crunch! This gator holds the world record for bite force. Captain Crunch is over 13 feet long and weights over 800 pounds.
His jaw bite strength has been measured at 2,982 pounds = World's strongest bite!, Don't worry you can look for him from an elevated pathway away from his teeth and strong jaw.
Alligator Alley has been a favorite family friendly thing to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast for over 20 years. Wes Moore owns Alabama's Alligator Alley and has created the sanctuary for nuisance animals to have a place safe for them to live out their lives.
Alligator Alley started with nuisance gators from Florida, and still today has offspring from the original gators. It is amazing to see these giant creatures up close and not to personal.
We like to see who can find the largest alligator while wandering the swamp area. It is the perfect fun competition that keeps us looking around.
Entrance and Gift Shop
The gift shop is also the main entrance to Alligator Alley. You can find baby gator stuffed animals, hats, and other fun items to remember your visit.
Pick up a cup or bucket of gator food to take on your adventure.
Self Guided Walking Tour
The sanctuary is set up as a self guided walking tour. There are set times for the gator feedings if you wish to view those.
The walking tour starts through the gift shops and leads out to the area where the feedings are held.
At the beginning of the walk is a covered area where hatchlings are kept if it is the right time of year.
You will see fenced in enclosures with 1 & 2 year olds, 3 year olds, 4 year olds, and 5&6 year old American Alligator.
If you need a break from the sun and heat head to the Porch for an air conditioned area. There is also a snow cone stand with cold drinks nearby.
The guided walk continues to the Swamp which is our absolute favorite part of the entire sanctuary. Elevated walkways guide you through the cypress swamp.
Plan time to wander through the different areas looking for big ole alligators! I stood in awe at the size of these gators.
We have explored Everglades National Park, Costa Rica, and other parts of the world known for alligators and have never seen gators this big before.
Why you will love Alligator Alley Gulf Shores
- Host birthday parties with baby alligators
- Enjoy a walk on the elevated boardwalk
- Feed alligators as you walk through the park
- Kids will love seeing gators at their level
Things to know when planning a visit to Alligator Alley
Address - 19950 Highway 71, Summerdale, AL 36580
Phone - 251-946-2483
Hours - 10 am - 5pm daily
Feeding Times
- 11:00 a.m.
- 1:00 p.m.
- 4:00p.m.
Final admission for the day will be 30 minutes prior to closing.
Please confirm with Alligator Alley to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - There is accessible parking near the front entrance. The walkways are paved to the swamp. The swamp has an elevated boardwalk that is pretty wide.
Plus Size Seating - There are picnic tables and benches spread through out the park.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual! Bring bug spray, sunscreen, wide-brimmed straw hat or head covering and don't forget to get water for the walk.
Pets - Pet are not allowed on the property
Parking - There is a nice size parking area next to the main entrance of Alligator Alley.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Dan's Diner - Step back in time and enjoy this retro diner.
Sweet Home Coffee (Robertsdale) - Cute coffee shop with a drive thru right off of Hwy 59.
What's New in Foley, AL - Check out the new restaurants, attractions, things to do, events, and more in town
Bamahenge - Check out the Alabama version of Stonehenge
Lady in the Lake - a fun roadside attraction located near the tiny town of Elberta, Alabama along the Gulf Coast.
Pirates Cove - Check out this local favorite right on the water.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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