TL;DR:
- Gulf Tower offers direct Gulf Beach access and unobstructed water views from most units. Its early construction secures a prime position, with modern updates and hurricane-rated sunrooms for year-round enjoyment. The building features manageable amenities and is close to Gulf Shores attractions, making it ideal for quiet, beach-focused stays.
Gulf Tower is one of the best direct-beachfront choices on West Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. At 1051 West Beach Boulevard, about one and a half miles west of Highway 59, this mid-rise building holds a moderate number of units, most of them two-bedroom, two-bathroom layouts of typical size. Units sit directly on the Gulf, many with glass-enclosed sunrooms that keep those views usable even on rainy or windy days. If you want a quieter, sand-and-sea-focused stay without the crowds of a mega-resort, this building delivers. Browse available Gulf Tower vacation rentals on Gulfshoresalabama to check dates and current listings.
Table of Contents
What makes Gulf Tower a standout on West Beach?
Gulf Tower was built in the 1980s (sources cite 1984–1990), making it one of the earlier high-rise condo projects on West Beach. That early construction date matters: the building secured a front-row Gulf-front position before newer, setback developments filled in around it, so upper-floor units still enjoy unobstructed water views.
Architecturally, it is a single-tower footprint, compact by today’s standards. Recent building updates include new elevator systems with backup power, roof work, and weatherproof repainting, which help maintain the structure despite its age. The glass-enclosed sunrooms are the most distinctive design feature: sliding, hurricane-rated windows that open fully for Gulf breezes or close completely as a weather-protected viewing room. That makes Gulf Tower especially practical for shoulder-season trips in spring or fall, when wind and rain would otherwise cut balcony time short.
Standard building amenities include a seasonally heated outdoor pool and sundeck, communal grilling and picnic areas, a fitness room, elevators, direct beach access, and covered parking. Because the building has a moderate number of units, the pool and grills stay manageable rather than packed.
What’s nearby and how do you get around?
Gulf Tower’s location on West Beach puts you within easy reach of Gulf Shores’ best spots. The sugar-white sand is literally steps from the lobby. Highway 59, the main commercial corridor, lies a short drive east, where you’ll find grocery stores, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Gulf State Park is a short drive east and offers 6,150 acres of hiking trails, a fishing pier, a nature center, and additional beach access. For watersports and day-trip ideas along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast, regional activity planning guides can help you map out excursions from your base at Gulf Tower.
Parking at the building includes covered spaces for guests. Street parking along West Beach Boulevard fills quickly in summer, so confirm your unit’s parking allocation before you arrive.
How to find and book your Gulf Tower unit
Gulfshoresalabama connects you directly with property owners and managers, with no guest service fees added at checkout. You can search beachfront condo listings and filter by dates, bed count, and amenities to find available Gulf Tower units.
Before you confirm any listing, run through this checklist:
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Bed count and sleeping capacity — verify it matches your group size
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Floor and view — higher floors mean better Gulf views; confirm Gulf-facing vs. side views
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Sunroom type — confirm glass-enclosed vs. open balcony
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Washer/dryer — not every unit includes one; check the amenity list
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Pet policy — Gulf Tower allows pets for owners, but short-term rental pet permissions vary by listing; always verify
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Parking — confirm number of spaces included
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Fees — check for HOA fees, resort fees, and cleaning fees
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Cancellation terms — read the policy before paying a deposit
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Arrival logistics — confirm check-in method and key access
When you message an owner, include your travel dates, group size, and any special needs (accessibility, cribs, pets) in your first note. Owners respond faster to complete inquiries. View current Gulf Tower listings on Gulfshoresalabama and book directly with confidence.
Key Takeaways
Gulf Tower’s front-row Gulf-front position, glass-enclosed sunrooms, and intimate 49–52-unit scale make it one of West Beach’s most practical beachfront choices for families and couples.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Prime West Beach location | Sits at 1051 West Beach Boulevard, about one and a half miles west of Hwy 59, with direct beach access. |
| Classic high-rise scale | A mid-rise building with a moderate number of units keeps shared amenities uncrowded. |
| Glass-enclosed sunrooms | Hurricane-rated sliding windows let you enjoy Gulf views year-round, rain or shine. |
| Book with a checklist | Verify floor, view, pet policy, parking, fees, and cancellation terms before confirming any unit. |
| Gulfshoresalabama listings | Browse and book Gulf Tower units directly with owners at no guest service fees on Gulfshoresalabama. |
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About the Author
Joe Godar of the GulfShoresAlabama.com Editorial Team creates destination guides, vacation-planning resources, and local travel content focused on Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, Alabama.
Our team researches Alabama Gulf Coast beaches, vacation rental trends, family activities, local attractions, restaurants, events, and direct-booking best practices. Every guide is created to help travelers plan more confidently, discover the best of the Alabama Gulf Coast, and avoid unnecessary third-party guest service fees.
GulfShoresAlabama.com is part of the Emerald Coast by Owner marketing family, connecting travelers directly with verified vacation rental hosts throughout the Gulf Coast since 2016.
This article was reviewed for accuracy and updated using local destination research and current Alabama Gulf Coast vacation rental market insights.