Looking for things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama? You’ve come to the right place! These two coastal towns offer a wide variety of activities and attractions that are sure to please everyone in your group.
Things to Do in Orange Beach – Museums, Parks and More
Orange Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Baldwin County, Alabama. It is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, and it’s connected to Gulf Shores. What are some things to do in Orange Beach itself? For starters, it’s home to a number of museums, cultural venues and art centers.
- Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum is a great place to learn about the area’s rich history and culture. The museum was originally built as a schoolhouse, and today it houses local artifacts and memorabilia of the town’s Native American and fishing heritage. Admission is free!
- Cool Shots Selfie Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that’s perfect for kids and teens. It’s an interactive space where you can take fun photos – for example, with butterfly wings. Tickets are $27 for adults and $22 for children aged 4-10.
- The Wharf Amphitheater is another great option. This outdoor concert venue hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, from country music to rock.
- The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is a great option for those interested in the arts. The center offers a variety of classes and workshops in things like painting, pottery and photography.
Natural Beauty in Orange Beach
There are also plenty of things to do in Orange Beach for nature lovers. Gulf State Park is a must-see, where you can hike, bike, fish and more. There’s also Orange Beach Waterfront Park, which offers stunning views of the bay. And don’t forget about the beaches!
Amusement Parks in Orange Beach – Family-Friendly Fun
If you’re looking for things to do in Orange Beach with kids, look no further than the Adventure Island. This amusement park has something for everyone, from go-karts and bumper boats to rollercoasters. There’s even laser tag!
Feel like riding a Ferris Wheel? There’s one on the Wharf, standing 112 feet tall. Tickets are $8 for a ride.
Things to Do in Gulf Shores – Shopping, Dining, Beaches and More
Gulf Shores is a shopper’s paradise, with a variety of unique shops and boutiques. Grab some gifts for your loved ones in Souvenir City or Alvin’s Island, or try on some T-shirts in the Purple Octopus.
The town is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, serving everything from fresh seafood to American classics. For example, the Hangout Gulf Shores serve great shrimp poboys, and the Gulf Island Grill is a go-to restaurant for a rib-eye steak.
Gulf Shores Beach
And of course, you can’t forget about the beaches! Gulf Shores Beach is a must-see, with its white sand and clear waters. It’s great for swimming, sunbathing and fishing, and in the morning you can spot some dolphins. Walk east from the beach to discover Gulf State Park Pier and Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail – Rosemary Dunes Trailhead.
Fort Morgan
Take the Fort Morgan Road west from Orange Beach (across the Little Lagoon from Gulf Shores) to arrive at Fort Morgan Historic Site. It’s a great place to explore the remains of an old fort, take photos and learn about the site’s history. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children and students.
On your way back, you can visit the Ft. Morgan Fishing Beach or rent a boat at Gulf Adventures Fishing. There’s also a nearly 100-year-old shipwreck (The Rachel) on the Beach Boulevard, and Kiva Dunes Public Golf Course. Next to the Gator Lake, you can take a leisurely stroll through Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
Waterville USA Waterpark & Amusement Park
Waterville USA is “20 acres of pure fun”. Splash and slide in the water park, try out the rides at the amusement park, and test your smarts at the on-site escape rooms. Prices start at $33.95 for 8 hours of play at the water park. Amusement park tickets cost $5 to $15 per ride.
Gulf Shores Museum
The Gulf Shores Museum is a great place to learn about the town’s history and culture. The museum is home to a number of exhibits, including one on the town’s famous shrimp industry. Admission is free!
Drive North to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
If you’re looking for things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the whole family, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great choice. It’s located in Gulf Shores, and it’s a great place to see animals from all over the world.
The zoo is home to lions, tigers, bears, reptiles and more. Kids especially enjoy the encounters with sloths, lemurs, and giraffes. Admission is $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children aged 12 and under.
Where to Stay in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores?
There are plenty of great places to stay in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. For example, the Turquoise Place offers luxury accommodations, with a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, and a lazy river.
Perdido Beach Resort is a popular choice, being the only full-service resort hotel in Alabama located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Or, you could stay at the more affordable Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach-On The Beach.
Where to Eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?
After trying out all the things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, you’re going to be hungry. In addition to the Hangout Gulf Shores and the Gulf Island Grill mentioned earlier, other popular restaurants in Gulf Shores include:
- Tacky Jack’s,
- LuLu’s,
- Fish River Grill,
- Shrimp Basket.
Some of the best places to eat in Orange Beach are:
- Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina,
- Live Bait,
- Wolf Bay Restaurant,
- Cobalt.
Things to Do in Perdido Key
Perdido Key is a beautiful barrier island located between Pensacola and Orange Beach. The island is home to some of the best beaches in the area, including Lost Key Beach and Perdido Key State Park Beach.
Other things to do on the island include:
- visit the National Naval Aviation Museum,
- try your hand at deep-sea fishing,
- go on a dolphin cruise,
- or explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
An Example Day Trip to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Perdido Key
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick example of how you could spend a day exploring the area:
- Start off by taking a walk along the beach in Orange Beach.
- Then, head to Gulf Shores and visit the Gulf Shores Museum.
- After that, take a drive north to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
- End the day with a sunset dolphin cruise in Perdido Key.
Even if you don’t try all the things to do in Orange Beach or visit all the interesting places in the area, you’re going to remember the great views for a long time to come.
Plan Your Visit to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Today
So there you have it – a list of things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama. Whether you’re looking for things to do indoors or outdoors, there’s something for everyone in these two towns.
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