Wade Ward Nature Park, South Alabama Travel Guide

4.4 (137)

Discover a peaceful wetland escape in the heart of Gulf Shores, offering boardwalks, birdwatching, and a chance to connect with nature.

Home
Travel Guides
Alabama
South Alabama
Wade Ward Nature Park

Wade Ward Nature Park is a 12-acre natural area in the heart of Gulf Shores, Alabama, offering a serene escape into a coastal wetland environment. Featuring elevated boardwalks, the park provides visitors with beautiful views of the waterways connecting Little Lagoon and Lake Shelby, making it a prime location for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

A brief summary to Wade Ward Nature Park

500 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, Alabama, 36542, US
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 6 am-10 pm
Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
Thursday 6 am-10 pm
Friday 6 am-10 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wade Ward Nature Park.

Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails and boardwalks.
Apply sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself from the elements.
Visit during the spring or fall for milder weather and increased animal activity.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

Majestic Caverns

Vulcan Park and Museum

Alabama Safari Park

Lover's Leap

Explore Wade Ward Nature Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Wade Ward Nature Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Wade Ward Nature Park is located two blocks north of Gulf Place, the main public beach in Gulf Shores. From Gulf Place, walk north on Gulf Shores Parkway (Highway 59) for two blocks. The park entrance will be on your right.
Public Transport

The Coastal Express Trolley provides transportation around Gulf Shores [https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3284/2024-Trolley-Brochure]. Check the trolley route for the nearest stop to Wade Ward Nature Park. From the trolley stop, follow the walking directions to the park. Trolley fare is $1 per ride [https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/2013/Coastal-Express-Trolley].
Taxi/Ride-Share

From anywhere in Gulf Shores, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) can bring you to Wade Ward Nature Park. The drop-off location is 500 Gulf Shores Parkway. A typical ride from Gulf State Park Pier to Wade Ward Nature Park costs approximately $15-$25.

Discover more about Wade Ward Nature Park

Wade Ward Nature Park offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city of Gulf Shores, providing a unique opportunity to experience a natural wetland environment. This 12-acre park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.The park features elevated boardwalks that wind through the wetlands, allowing visitors to observe local wildlife without disturbing their habitat. From these boardwalks, you can enjoy views of the waterways connecting Little Lagoon and Lake Shelby. The park is also part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, making it an ideal spot to observe migrating and local birds. Keep an eye out for otters, pelicans, and even the occasional alligator.The park can be accessed from a sidewalk on Highway 59, leading to a small pavilion and deck overlooking the water. Benches line the waterway, providing spots to relax and take in the scenery. The paved trails and boardwalks make much of the park wheelchair accessible.It is important to note that feeding alligators is prohibited and can be dangerous, as it can cause them to associate humans with food.