Key Takeaways
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Boardwalk in Gulf Shores, Alabama, sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico at 409 East Beach Boulevard, giving guests immediate beach access without crossing a road.
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Every unit at Boardwalk faces the Gulf and includes a private balcony with water views, making it one of the most sought-after beachfront addresses on Alabama's coast.
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Boardwalk's walkable location puts The Hangout, Gulf Place, and several other local restaurants within easy strolling distance.
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At Emerald Coast by Owner, we connect travelers directly with hosts at Boardwalk, cutting out guest service fees and middlemen. Our platform makes it easy to find your perfect vacation rental with specific filters, detailed listings, and direct communication with hosts.
Boardwalk Gulf Shores Puts You Directly on the Beach
Gulf Shores draws thousands of visitors every year because the beaches here are genuinely stunning. White quartz sand, warm Gulf water, and a laid-back atmosphere make it one of the top beach destinations in the country.
Some of the best oceanfront vacation rentals in Boardwalk include units 187, 186, and 983. What separates Boardwalk from other Gulf Shores condominiums is its orientation, beach access, and amenities.
Every unit in the complex faces the Gulf and has oversized private balconies. This means there's no trade-off between a cheaper interior view and a premium Gulf-front unit. You get the water view regardless.
Below, you’ll find more information about the top Boardwalk vacation rentals and how to book them without paying guest service fees.
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Amenities That Make Boardwalk Worth Booking
The Beachfront Pool & Sundeck
The outdoor pool at Boardwalk is one of its strongest selling points. Positioned facing the Gulf, the pool and surrounding sundeck give guests a front-row view of the water without having to be in the sand. For families with younger kids who want to alternate between the pool and the beach, or for guests who simply want to float while watching the waves, this setup is ideal.
Private Beach Access for Guests Only
One of the most underrated advantages of staying at Boardwalk is the private beach boardwalk that connects the building directly to the shoreline. Unlike staying at a property near the beach where you share public access points with day-trippers and crowds, Boardwalk guests have a dedicated path that gets them from their condo to the sand in just minutes.
Parking, BBQ Areas, & Everyday Conveniences
Beyond the pool and beach access, Boardwalk handles the practical side of vacation logistics well. With on-site parking, you won’t have to hunt for a spot after a long drive down to Gulf Shores. BBQ areas give groups and families a place to grill out without leaving the property.
Top Boardwalk Vacation Rentals
1. Boardwalk 187
Boardwalk 187 has a private balcony overlooking the Gulf.
Boardwalk 187 is a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom beachfront condo in the heart of Gulf Shores, Alabama. It sleeps up to 10 guests, making it one of the larger rental options in the Boardwalk complex and a strong fit for families, multi-generational trips, or groups of friends who want to stay together without feeling cramped.
The private balcony is a genuine highlight, positioned to catch the Gulf breeze and offer unobstructed views, making it the natural gathering spot for morning coffee, evening drinks, or simply watching the waves.
Direct beach access to the Gulf of Mexico puts the sand and water steps from your door, and the complex amenities include a pool, grill area, and on-site parking, so you don't need to leave the property for a full day of relaxation.
2. Boardwalk 186
Boardwalk 186 is within walking distance of the Sea-N-Suds restaurant.
Boardwalk 186 is a completely renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Gulf-front condo in the heart of Gulf Shores, sleeping 6–8 guests across a well-thought-out layout that balances comfort with practicality for families. The open living area connects the kitchen, dining space, and living room into a single flowing space with Gulf-front views, and the balcony provides a private outdoor spot for morning coffee or evening drinks overlooking the water.
The Boardwalk is a 70-unit complex with a heated outdoor pool, communal grilling area, and Gulf-front pool views, and its location is one of its strongest selling points. The famous Sea-N-Suds restaurant, a Gulf Shores dining staple, sits right next door, and attractions, shopping, entertainment, and additional dining are all within walking distance, meaning you can genuinely park your car on arrival and not need it again until checkout.
3. Boardwalk 983
Boardwalk 983 accommodates up to eight guests.
Boardwalk 983 is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo sleeping up to 8 guests, offering unobstructed Gulf of Mexico views from a private balcony accessible from both the living room and the master bedroom. The custom birch-and-granite kitchen is both attractive and functional for meal prep during your stay, and updated bathrooms, a full-size washer and dryer, new carpet, and free Wi-Fi bring the rest of the condo up to a comfortable, well-maintained standard.
The balcony is the centerpiece of the daily routine at Boardwalk 983. It is a natural spot for watching dolphins in the morning or catching the sunrise with coffee.
Top Boardwalk Vacation Rentals: Summary Table
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Feature |
Boardwalk 187 |
Boardwalk 186 |
Boardwalk 983 |
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Guests |
Up to 10 |
6–8 |
Up to 8 |
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Bedrooms |
3 |
2 |
2 |
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Bathrooms |
2 |
2 |
2 |
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Best For |
Larger families or groups needing 3 bedrooms and a maximum capacity |
Families with kids wanting a renovated, repeat-guest-favorite condo |
Couples or groups wanting flexible sleeping options with Gulf views from bed |
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Gulf Views |
Yes (panoramic via large windows) |
Yes (Gulf-front from room and pool area) |
Yes (unobstructed from private balcony, living room, and master bedroom) |
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Walkability |
Dining, shopping, and entertainment within walking distance |
Sea-N-Suds next door; attractions, shopping, dining, all walkable, no car needed after arrival |
Sea-N-Suds steps away; Pancake House and The Hangout are walkable; Waterville USA is 1.2 km |
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Key Advantage |
Largest capacity (10 guests) with 3 bedrooms and an open-concept layout for big groups |
Fully renovated with a premium kitchen, a king master with Gulf views, and a walkable "park the car" location |
Murphy bed + sleeper sofa combo maximises sleeping flexibility; unobstructed Gulf views from balcony accessible from 2 rooms |
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Location |
Boardwalk complex, Gulf Shores, AL |
Boardwalk complex, Gulf Shores, AL |
Boardwalk complex, Gulf Shores, AL |
Book the Best Boardwalk Properties at Emerald Coast by Owner
When you book through Emerald Coast by Owner (ECBYO), you’re getting connected directly with the hosts of these condos, not a large rental platform taking a cut from both sides of the transaction.
With ECBYO, there are no guest service fees added to the nightly rate, and you can communicate directly with the host for questions, special requests, or early check-in flexibility. You also get transparent pricing without surprise charges at checkout.
Ready for Your Perfect Boardwalk Vacation? Browse Our Listings Now→
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Boardwalk Gulf Shores pet-friendly?
Pet policies vary by individual unit and host. When booking through Emerald Coast by Owner, you can communicate directly with the host to confirm whether pets are welcome before you book.
Does Boardwalk Gulf Shores have a pool?
Yes. Boardwalk has a beachfront outdoor pool with a sundeck that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, available to all guests staying at the property.
Where exactly is Boardwalk located in Gulf Shores?
Boardwalk is located at 409 East Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores, Alabama, in the East Beach area directly on the Gulf of Mexico.
What is within walking distance of Boardwalk in Gulf Shores?
Guests can walk to The Hangout, Gulf Place public beach area, Pirate's Island Adventure Golf, The Track Family Recreation Center, Sea-N-Suds, and multiple dining options along East Beach Boulevard.
Does Emerald Coast by Owner charge guest service fees?
At Emerald Coast by Owner (ECBYO), we connect guests directly with hosts, so there are no platform guest service fees added to your reservation. The direct communication aspect is just as valuable as the fee savings.
When you book through Emerald Coast by Owner, you get access to hosts who want your stay to go well. As such, questions about early check-in, parking, local recommendations, or unit-specific quirks get answered by someone with firsthand knowledge.
*Disclaimer: Rental rates, fees, availability, and policies are subject to change and vary by property, season, and host. Always confirm current details directly with the property owner before booking. For more information, visit Emerald Coast by Owner (ECBYO).
