The basics--you'll find grocery stores in Gulf Shores on Hwy 59 about 1-1.5 miles north of the beach.  Winn-Dixie and Bruno's are directly on Hwy 59.  Wal-Mart Super Center is just east of Hwy 59 on Hwy 180 (Ft Morgan Road).  You'll also find a Winn-Dixie, Bruno's and a new Publix (hooray!) about 6 miles east of Hwy 59 in Orange Beach.  There are a number of good local seafood shops and one of our favorites just 1/2 mile north of the beach, Gulf Shores Seafood, also hand-cuts steaks.

The closest Sam's Club is just off I-10.

Some of us can't go anywhere for long without a little shopping expedition so here are some places to try when you are looking for more than groceries!

We have a major outlet center about 8 miles north in Foley.  The Tanger Outlets have GAP, Nike, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Juicy Couture, etc., etc., etc.  There are a number of restaurants, a new bowling alley (with amazingly good gumbo, really), a movie theater and an indoor soccer and baseball place all located around this for those in your group who are not hard core shoppers.

The Wharf is a development on the Intercoastal Waterway with a number of good restaurants, an array of local shops, a movie theater, indoor miniature golf, the Southeast's largest ferris wheel, an outdoor concert amphitheater, a marina and more.  It is a good place to check out the boutiques and you'll find activities here around holidays and events like the boat races.  You'll find it on Canal Road just next to the Beach Express bridge.

San Roc Cay is a small center with several very good restaurants, local boutiques, and a charming marina.  This can be a great spot to watch tournament fisherman bring in their catch before enjoying a good meal.

Colonial Pinnacle located 3-4 miles north of the beach on Hwy 59 has a Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Books-A-Million, plus lots of other local and chain boutiques to meet an array of needs.  You'll also find Cobb Theater here.