Wade Ward Nature Park is located in the heart of Gulf Shores right off of Highway 59! This great nature park has elevated boardwalks over wetlands perfect for wildlife and bird watching.
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Wade Ward Nature Park
I hate to admit that we drove by Wade Ward Park many times before we stopped to explore it the first time.
It is close to the main public beach in Gulf Shores, so we would drive by on our way to watch the sunrise and always comment that we needed to stop and explore.
I know the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are hard to leave but a it is worth it! Especially if you are a birder or love to check out wildlife hot spots.
After our first walk on the elevated boardwalk we were hooked! It is a birders dream walkway right in Gulf Shores.
The boardwalk reminds me of the Anhinga Trail in Everglades NP. You can easily see on both sides of the boardwalk what is in the shallow water and what may be flying by.
This pocket of natural wetlands are home to otters, occasional alligator, and tons of bird species.
When I looked on eBird, there were 112 species observed in the park, including Royal Tern, Osprey, Red-Tailed Hawk, Northern Cardinal, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, Carolina Chickadee, Fish crow, Clapper Rail, Cedar Waxwing, Pelicans, plus so many more.
This is a great park to visit for migrating and local birds. The coastal salt marsh is ideal habitat for some really great birds.
There are picnic tables right off of the narrow waterway, making it a great place to watch for wildlife. The covered small pavilion provides shade and a small break from the sun.
I would bring bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the elements.
The short boardwalk can be accessed just down from the Wade Ward Nature Park sign. Follow the sidewalk to the scenic boardwalks entrance.
This is the only public pedestrian access and exit to the elevated boardwalk. The wetlands park connects Little Lagoon and Lake Shelby.
There are beautiful views of the wetlands from the elevated walkway. Kids will enjoy looking for gators and frogs in the waterway.
Why you will love Wade Ward Nature Park
- Alabama Coastal Birding Trail Sites
- Perfect spot for picnics
- Beautiful view of the wetland area
- Benches and an observation deck
- Birder's paradise in a vibrant resort city.
- Natural area in the heart of Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Family friendly activity in Gulf Shores
Things to know when planning a visit to Wade Ward Nature Park
Address - 500 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, Al 36542
United States
Accessibility - Paved trails and an elevated boardwalk allow wheelchair access to much of this park.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual and comfortable
Pets - Pets are allowed but PLEASE keep them on a leash. There are alligators in the water.
Parking - Free public parking can be found just a short walk south one block walk on Highway 59 and then one block east on E. 1st St.
Restrooms - There are no restrooms within the park. There are bathrooms at Gulf Place just down the road.
Wade Ward Nature Park features a variety of wildlife and scenic landscapes, as can be seen in these stunning photos. We love seeing Wade Ward Nature Park Photos!
Alligators - PLEASE remember that the gators are wild and this is their home! PLEASE do not try to feed them or pet them.
Gulf Shores Wildlife is a diverse and captivating collection of flora and fauna found in the coastal region of Alabama.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Papa Rocco's - Directly across the street from the park is great pizza, oysters, and fun.
Crico's Pizza & Subs - Grab a great pizza just down the street from the park!
Souvenir City Gulf Shores - You can't miss taking a photo in the giant sharks mouth.
Cherry on Top Ice Cream - A couple blocks away you can enjoy a delicious ice cream treat.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - Check out all of the amazing animal encounters and fun!
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - Another great bird watching spot just down the road.
Gulf State Park - Hiking, Biking, and so much fun can be had at the park.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Best free things to do in Gulf Shores - Check out the local playground, public beach access points, and so much more.
New Restaurants Gulf Shores - Check out all of the new restaurants and fun things happening in town.
Epic Donuts in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Start your morning with a sweet treat!
Best pizza in Gulf Shores - Best pizza in Gulf Shores from a local perspective! Who offers delivery and who has great flavor.
Best Cheeseburgers in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - The best cheeseburgers you will want to try on the Gulf Coast.
Things to do in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach when it Rains - Don't let a little rain ruin your trip to the Gulf Coast! These activities are perfect for rainy days.
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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