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    Home » Alabama » Gulf Shores » Things to Do in Gulf Shores

    ELEV8 Aviation - Gulf Shores

    Published: Oct 16, 2026 by Tammilee · This post may contain affiliate links

    Elev8 Aviation in Gulf Shores, Alabama, offers epic scenic air tours, flight training, and a flying club. If you are thinking about becoming a pilot, they are the people to talk to.

    Blue and white plane with a propeller on a sunny day with some clouds

    Here are my top finds for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Alabama
    🏢 Condos: Book with Beachball Properties (over 350 properties available) or Spectrum Resorts and get 10% off when you use code GULFJOURNEY
    🐬Dolphin Tours: I personally love Cruise OB and Southern Rose
    🏍️ Slingshot Rentals: For a fun adventure, make sure to book a slingshot with Gulf Coast Rental Company & use code GULFJOURNEY for 10% OFF!

    ELEV8 Aviation

    Contents show
    ELEV8 Aviation
    Elev8 Air Tour
    Discovery Flights
    Flight Training
    Flying Club
    Why you will love ELEV8 Aviation
    Things to know when planning a visit
    Gulf Shores Restaurants and Attractions nearby
    Additional Gulf Coast Articles
    Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
    Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging

    ELEV8 is the only Cirrus Training Center on the Gulf Coast, and the planes are modern Cirrus aircraft. During my scenic flight I was in awe of how modern the plane was.

    We flew with Peter one of the co-founders of Elev8 and he did an amazing job explaining the safety features of the plane along with why they chose them for their fleet.

    I didn't realize a plane can have a whole plane recovery parachute that you can activate from inside the plane. When Peter explained the emergency systems, I was honestly in awe.

    Tammilee and Brandy smiling wearing headphones

    Elev8 Air Tour

    The Elev8 Scenic Air Tour was amazing!!!! I would happily hop on the plane and do it all the time to see Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan from the air.

    Being able to see the island from the air and fly along the beaches and condos we drive by everyday was so much fun. It also provided a really cool perspective of where things are and how big they are.

    The 30 minute flights leave from the Gulf Shores Airport and head east towards the Flora-Bama before heading up the coastline along Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, then all the way out to Fort Morgan to see Fort Morgan Historic Site.

    Use code GULFJOURNEY to save 10% on flights. Call ahead for availability if you are booking less than 24 hours in advance. You can book online at the ELEV8 website or call for tour times. They carry up to 3 passengers, so it works for a couple, a family, or a small group.

    Turquoise Place and Orange Beach seen from the air with the beach

    Discovery Flights

    If you have ever wondered what flying a plane is like, ELEV8 offers two discovery flight options, each booked as a 2 hour session.

    Plane dashboard and windshield looking towards planes and clouds

    Flight Training

    ELEV8 offers training in Cirrus aircraft with a focus on a modern, comfortable learning experience. Programs include:

    • Private Pilot
    • Instrument Rating
    • Commercial Pilot
    • Multi-Engine Training
    • CFI and CFI-I
    • High Performance Endorsement, a 1 day course ($650, 3 hr)
    • 10 Week PPL and IFR Ground School
    • Snowbird and Embark programs
    Looking over Perdido Pass from the air

    Flying Club

    Club ELEV8 gives members access to newer Cirrus SR series aircraft, with easy booking and a renter checkout process. The club also offers a leaseback program for aircraft owners.

    Looking over a plane wing to Historic Fort Morgan and down the island towards Gulf Shores

    Why you will love ELEV8 Aviation

    • See the Gulf Coast beaches and water from above
    • Fly in modern Cirrus aircraft with CAPS and Garmin Safe Return Autoland safety features
    • Fits up to 3 passengers, a fun option for a couple or a small family
    • Discovery flights if you want to try flying a plane yourself
    • The only Cirrus Training Center on the Gulf Coast, with pilot training through the flying club
    • Save 10% on scenic flights with code GULFJOURNEY -Book Online

    Looking over Gulf State Park pier and Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores from the air

    Things to know when planning a visit

    Address - 1235 Commerce Drive, Gulf Shores, AL

    Phone - 251-300-3488

    Hours - Call for tour times

    Accessibility - There are steps to get into the airplane. Visitors will need to be able to step up onto the plane, carefully move along the wing to get into the seating area.

    Plus Size Seating - The seat was comfortable with no issues fitting the seatbelt. I would check with Elev8 Aviation to see if there are any weight restrictions based on the flight.

    Dress Code/Suggestions - casual, flat shoes that will not fall off or slip when getting into the plane

    Pets - Pets are not allowed

    Parking  - There is parking in front of the building

    The Lighthouse Condo building with buildings around it, beach views from the air

    Gulf Shores Restaurants and Attractions nearby

    LuLu's Gulf Shores - A family-friendly waterfront restaurant on the Intracoastal Waterway with live music and an outdoor play area for kids.

    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - Animal encounters, including sloths and lemurs, fun for the whole family.

    The Sloop - A local favorite for great food, cold drinks, and a chill atmosphere.

    Lickin Good Donuts Gulf Shores - Doughnuts, kolaches, and breakfast sandwiches.

    The Cove Bar and Grill - A casual local favorite known for the Cove Burger and live music.

    Looking over Historic Star Fort Morgan from the air

    Additional Gulf Coast Articles

    Romantic Getaway Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - Romantic ideas for couples on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

    Unique Things to Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - Beyond the beach, our favorite one-of-a-kind experiences.

    What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL - New restaurants, attractions, and things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

    Dolphin Cruise Orange Beach and Gulf Shores - A roundup comparing the top dolphin cruise options.

    Things to do in Gulf Shores Orange Beach when it Rains - Shopping, escape rooms, and other rainy day ideas.

    Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with Kids - Family-friendly activities for every age.

    Parasail Sky Surfer - Parasailing over the Gulf in Orange Beach.

    Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Public Beach Access Points - A guide to every public beach access in both cities.

    Free Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama - Free attractions and activities across the Alabama Gulf Coast.

    Best Things to Do in Fort Morgan, AL - A guide to the beaches, fort, fishing, and restaurants of Fort Morgan.

    Bottlenose dolphin jumping out of a wave on the Gulf of Mexico

    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 of Mexico views with Turquoise Place condo and white sand 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 and Lucky Bird Vacations 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!

    Check out our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.

    More Things to Do in Gulf Shores

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      Island Girl Jewelry & Souvenirs - Gulf Shores
    • looking over bike handlebars to a wooden boardwalk with trees on each side
      Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
    • Neon dinosaur statues in the middle of mini golf course indoors
      Jurassic Golf - Gulf Shores

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