Updated March 2024.
Discover the top things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores on Alabama Gulf Coast – enjoy the white sandy beaches, clear ocean waters, nature trails, fresh seafood and waterside activities.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are the names of two ocean-side towns just 3 miles apart, separated by the waterways and wooded parkland of Gulf State Park. With powdery white sand beaches bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama Gulf Coast is one the most beautiful places in the USA. The freshest seafood imaginable, miles of nature trails, water sports and fun family activities make this the ideal setting for a holiday.
Read our insider guide to find out more about this tropical paradise in the deep south. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores on Alabama Gulf Coast, combine affordable accommodation and lazy beach days with gorgeous scenery and lots of water activities.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores top the list of beautiful, pocket-friendly destinations for a summer vacation in the USA.
Although Miami Beach, Maui, Malibu, Half Moon Bay, and Cape May are famous across the planet, this invariably means a more expensive holiday. Southerners will have heard of Alabama Gulf Coasts’ stunning beaches, but the region remains relatively unknown to the majority of Americans and the rest of the world. If you’re thinking of taking a holiday in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, here’s our suggestions on the fabulous things you can do and see there.
- About Orange Beach
- About Gulf Shores
- 1. Explore Gulf State Park
- 2. Enjoy Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches
- 3. Rent a Boat on the Intracoastal Waterway
- 4. Take a Boat Tour on the Gulf Coast
- 5. Go Deep Sea Fishing
- 6. Indulge in Fresh Seafood
- 7. Have Fun at a Festival
- 8. Visit The Wharf
- 9. Picnic in Orange Beach Waterfront Park
- 10. Chill at Flora-Bama
- 11. Play a Round of Golf
- 12. Spend a Day at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- 13. Appreciate Nature in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
- Support Local Businesses
- Map of Alabama Gulf Coast
- Nearest Airports to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
- Destinations to Combine with a Vacation in Gulf Coast Alabama
- Weather in Alabama Gulf Coast and the Best Time to Visit
An Insider Guide to visiting Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama
Sammy Travis is a local woman who loves living on Alabama Gulf Coast. She’s put together this guide to the best things to do and see in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, for anyone wishing to visit the area.
Alabama is an extraordinary state in south USA which stretches inland to Tennessee but, if this is your first time here and you’re a beach-lover like me, let’s stick to the coast!
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, along with Gulf State Park and Fort Morgan Peninsula, make up the strip of Alabama Gulf Coast that lies between Mobile Bay and the Alabama-Florida state line in Perdido Bay. The whole area is extremely picturesque with countless islets, barrier islands, sea inlets, waterways, lakes and lagoons.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an action-packed adventure or a fun family holiday, these neighboring coastal towns have you covered – 32 miles of beach bathed by aquamarine waters, and plenty of activities to choose from, both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect place to spend your next vacation.
Looking for beautiful destinations to visit in the United States, which combine nature and beach activities? You might like to read these related posts about:
* St. Mary’s County
* San Francisco Bay Area
* New Jersey
* North Carolina
About Orange Beach
Orange Beach is well known for its white sand beaches. The soft sands and clear azure waters make it a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. Wonderfully located in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Basin, the summers are long, the evenings warm and the ocean is perfect for swimming. Right next door to the ‘Sunshine State’, this is Florida without the price tag!
Jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding are all popular activities in Orange Beach. Fishing is a favorite sport and some of the best charter fishing boats on the Gulf Coast depart from here. Dolphin watching is another exciting outing. Seafront parks, leisure centers, marinas and beach bars guarantee outdoor fun throughout the day into night, for people of all ages.
Flanked to the east by Gulf State Park, Orange Beach is otherwise almost entirely circled by the ocean and a succession of seawater bays. A canoe trail is marked along the coastlines of Wolf Bay, Bay La Launch, Arnica Bay, Bayou St. John, and Cotton Bayou. This is tremendous fun and easy to do in stages, stopping at any of the 12 landing sites on the way.
About Gulf Shores
Like Orange Beach, Gulf Shores has marvelous white sandy beaches and transparent waters. Adjoining the quieter Fort Morgan Peninsula to the west and Gulf State Park to the east, Gulf shores is snuggled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Little Lagoon, and just 4 miles from Oyster Bay. Bon Secour Bay, part of the much larger Mobile Bay, is only a short distance away.
Gulf Shores is a smaller town than Orange Beach, but there’s still lots to do. Water sports, boat trips, canoeing, golfing, walking and cycling are some of the top activities to enjoy. And don’t forget about the fresh seafood! Gulf Shores harvests some of the best shrimp in the country. Every fall, the town hosts the National Shrimp Festival, which is one of the biggest and best seafood festivals in the United States.
Gulf Place is the main public beach, one of the top beaches in the USA. Wheelchair accessible, there are beach mats which lead down from the boardwalk to the sea; beach attendants and lifeguards on duty in the summer months help anyone in need. This wide expanse of sands has loads of space for playing volley, digging sandcastles, or just lounging peacefully under a sun umbrella. It’s a favorite with everyone.
Top Things to Do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
1. Explore Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park is a nature lover’s paradise, located between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, and one of Alabama’s stunning nature reserves. With 28 miles of hiking and biking trails, nine different ecosystems to explore, and plenty of wildlife to see, there’s plenty to do. Meanwhile, fishing and kayaking in the lakes are popular water activities.
Along the Gulf State Park’s 2 miles of sandy beach there are areas of protected dunes where sea turtles lay their eggs. Visitors are urged to ‘leave only footprints‘ on the sands, to respect wildlife and marine life while enjoying a carefree day, and to help keep the environment pristine.
Innumerable marked trails cross the park and marshland, on paved paths, dirt tracks and boardwalks. From the few steps it takes to reach lookouts over the lakes to the 3 mile Oak Ridge route, where you can spot deer, none of them are difficult. The names of these walks give an idea of exciting wildlife that you may have the chance to see: Eagle Loop, Tortoise Trail, Bobcat Branch, Coyote Crossing, Beach Mouse Bypass or Alligator Marsh!
Cycling is a great way to explore the nature park and get some exercise at the same time! There are several places to rent a bike in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, ranging from regular bicycles to e-bikes.
Dozens of lookout spots and picture taking opportunities are waiting for you along the lake-land trails. Get gorgeous photos of wildlife and some nature inspired family pics! Finally, walk out onto the Gulf State Park Pier for a panoramic shot of Alabama Gulf Coast, and capture the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico just before evening falls.
Lake Shelby
Lake Shelby is a focal point in the wetlands of Gulf State Park. A 900 acre natural freshwater lake, Lake Shelby is a lovely respite from the sea. Swim in the calm waters or paddle out on a boat, then sit under a tree on the grassy banks for a picnic. A small river connects through to Middle Lake and Little Lake which lie behind Orange Beach.
Although pets aren’t allowed on the beaches, there’s a fenced park and Dog Pond beside Shelby Lake where dogs can run around on the grass and splash in the water.
2. Enjoy Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches
Of course, one of the best things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores is to go to the beach! Endless miles of white sandy beach frames the warm Gulf waters. It’s no wonder that these two resorts are top destinations along the southern coast of United States.
With fifteen public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for you to choose from, in addition to private beaches in front of houses and condos, there are endless possibilities to enjoy.
You can relax on the sand, go for a swim, stroll along the beach walk, try your hand at stand-up paddle-boarding, kayak or even parasailing, and end the day out on a sunset cruise.
Sea turtles come to nest along the sands of Alabama Gulf Coast in summertime so conservation and responsible tourism is a top priority. Gulf State Park organises a ‘Share the Beach’ program whereby volunteers help keep the beaches in pristine condition, and assist hatchling turtles on their journey to the sea.
3. Rent a Boat on the Intracoastal Waterway
Naturally, one of the best ways to experience Orange Beach and Gulf Shores is from the water. A number of nautical companies operate in both towns, offering a variety of vessels and charters for visitors to choose from. You can rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, and powerboats, for example.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider renting a boat and exploring the Intercoastal Waterway. The Intracoastal Waterway is a man-made waterway that runs along the coast of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Easy to navigate, this is the ideal setting for a peaceful boat ride, and you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful scenery Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have to offer.
4. Take a Boat Tour on the Gulf Coast
Many different boat tours are available from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. You can take a dolphin cruise, a fishing charter, or even spend the day out on a yacht. Boat trips are a great way to see the Gulf Coast from a different perspective. Choose a reputable company that has experienced captains and crew.
5. Go Deep Sea Fishing
The Gulf Coast is known for being one of the best places for deep sea recreational fishing, the artificial reefs attract shoals of fish. The summer months of June and July are the best times to go. There are several charter companies that offer deep sea fishing trips, or you can even rent a boat and go fishing on your own.
Going out on a deep sea fishing trip is an awesome experience, worth it just for the amazing views of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores from the water, you’ll have the chance to hook red snappers which are plentiful here, grouper, and mahi mahi. Shark fishing is exciting, but seasonal and strictly regulated.
Orange Beach hosts many deep sea fishing tournaments throughout the year, so if you’re looking for a little competition, be sure to check out one of these contests.
6. Indulge in Fresh Seafood
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are both known for their freshly caught seafood. There are dozens of seafood restaurants in both towns, ranging from casual to fine dining. If you’re looking for a culinary experience, try the tasty shrimp-focused local dishes, seafood platters, crab cakes, and seafood gumbo.
The best Alabama Gulf Coast fish are red snapper, grouper, yellowfin tuna, flounder, mahi mahi, amberjack, and pompano. Local seafoods are oysters, crawfish, jumbo sea scallops, king crab, mussels, clams, and 4 species of Gulf shrimp. Wonderful however they are cooked, seasoning and dips are mild to cajun spicy.
Dine in seafood shacks, oyster bars, seafood buffets, or elegant waterfront restaurants with an outdoor terrace… and you can even cook your catch! For picnics, campers or eating at your family holiday home, get fresh ingredients or ready-cooked meals from the seafood markets. There are lots of kid-friendly eateries on the Gulf Coast, and most do takeaways too.
Of course, there’s not only fish on the menu. You’ll find beef tornadoes and rib-eye steaks, home-made sausage, and even alligator meat featured on the menus. Orange Beach and Gulf shores are vegetarian and vegan friendly too – seasonal salads, grilled vegetables fresh from the farmer’s market, fruit smoothies and sweet pastries are yummy. Italian and Mexican style eateries are also good.
7. Have Fun at a Festival
Some memorable festivals take place in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores throughout the year. There’s the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade, and the Annual National Shrimp Festival, Orange Beach Seafood Festival, the Hangout Music Fest, and more. These festivities are a great fun, and a way to experience the local culture.
Gulf Shores National Shrimp Festival
Photo courtesy My Shrimp Fest
As mentioned earlier, Gulf Shores is home to the Annual National Shrimp Festival. One of the most popular festivals in the region, the celebrations are held over 4 days at the beginning of October (2024 dates are Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th October). Set up along the seafront boardwalk, fifty food stalls offer a tantalizing array of local and regional delicacies. Shrimps are served every way imaginable, along with lobster, crab, and conch.
Apart from eating delicious shrimp, there are live concerts -listen and dance to southern rock, zydeco country, blues, and Motown music- and all sorts of activities for the family. Take part in the sand sculpture competition, or the races, then peruse the infinity of craft stalls. It’s the best event of the year!
Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show
Orange Beach has its own annual seafood festival in late February. Now approaching its 33rd edition, ‘Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show’ will be taking place along The Wharf on 22nd February 2025. Once again, there will be an amazing choice of local seafood dishes for all the family to taste, such as fish cakes, shrimp tacos, surf burgers, gumbo, and crawfish pistols. Craft stalls, kiddies’ games, and on-stage entertainment complete the day’s agenda. The car show is set up along Main Street, where you can look over an impressive display of classic, antique or hot rod cars.
8. Visit The Wharf
The Wharf is an outdoor recreation center in Orange Beach. Totally free to wander around, this family-friendly complex that has something for everyone – shops, restaurants, cafés, leisure activities, and a marina where you can book a dolphin spotting tour, fishing trips, and other boat excursions.
There’s also a huge ferris wheel, a ‘choo choo train’ for the little ones, a mini-golf, the evening laser light and music shows, and an amphitheater where live concerts or special events are held. The Wharf is ideal for spending a few hours away from the beach, and for a fun night out.
9. Picnic in Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Orange Beach Waterfront Park looks over Wolf Bay. This public park is a favorite spot for picnics and barbecues. The long pier which juts out into the lagoon-like bay has two open-air pavilions, where you can sit on a bench for an alfresco meal in the breeze, sheltered from hot sunshine. Line fishing is allowed here, which means you could actually catch your own fish and later cook them over a grill in one of the picnic pavilions in the grassy tree-lined park. Otherwise, pick up some fresh seafood, or whatever you fancy, from Orange Beach indoor food market on your way here. The kiddies play-park makes this a good outing for families.
10. Chill at Flora-Bama
No trip to Orange Beach is complete without a visit to legendary Flora-Bama Lounge, immortalized in the songs like Flora-Bama or Bama Breeze. Possibly the most famous beach bar in the United States, Flora-Bama has been a local favorite since it opened in 1964! Yes, we are talking about THE Flora-Bama that our megastar country singer, Kenny Chesney, has helped make famous. And it’s only 4 miles along the Gulf front from Orange beach!
Renowned for live music and awesome pub food, Flora-Bama ‘roadhouse’ sits on the Alabama-Florida state line, on Perdido Key barrier island overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Imaging sucking oysters and sipping bushwackers on the deck? The Bama is iconic, a cool place to relax and enjoy drinks on the beach with great company.
11. Play a Round of Golf
Yes, you can play golf 365 days of the year on the greens of Alabama Gulf Coast! Enjoy good weather and first-class golf year round. A golf-lovers paradise, these are the top Golf Courses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
- Coastal Alabama Golf, Gulf Shores
- Kiva Dunes Golf Course, Gulf Shores
- Craft Farms Golf Resort – Cotton Creek, Gulf Shores
- Gulf Shores Golf Club, Gulf Shores
- Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club, Gulf Shores
- Orange Beach Golf Center & Driving Range, Orange Beach
12. Spend a Day at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo homes a variety of exotic fauna, including tigers, lions, giraffes, in fact there are some 600 animals including 22 endangered species. The focus is on conservation of the planet’s wildlife through hands-on learning. Apart from fun events, there’s a ‘petting zoo’ where children can interact with some of the animals.
A lovely place to take the kids, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is open year-round.
13. Appreciate Nature in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour is a National Wildlife Reserve out on Fort Morgan Peninsula, some 10 miles west of Gulf Shores. The wildlife refuge and walking trails are open from sunset to sunrise everyday (the Visitor Centre, where you can get maps and information on the fauna and flora, opens weekday mornings).
The unspoiled wildness of this sandbar barrier ecosystem is a contrast to the rapidly developing coastline. It provides a natural sanctuary of dunes and woodlands for migratory birds, Green Sea Turtles, Loggerheads, small Ridley Turtles, and the cute Alabama Beach Mouse!
Where to Stay in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
Pocket-friendly accommodation includes camp grounds, holiday rental apartments and family hotels. Booking a lakeside cabin or camping inside Gulf State Park or out by the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge are other extraordinary options. In fact, there’s a whole range of places to stay in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores from budget to luxury, including lavish seafront Hiltons and fabulous beach houses. And if you love it here as much as I do, you might eventually get a second home on Alabama Gulf Coast!
Invest in a Condo or Beach House
If you are planning on vacationing in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach more than once a year, investing in a condo or beach house is a great idea for the long run! Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are some of the fastest growing cities in Alabama. Investing in real estate will give you a place to stay when you come to the Gulf Coast and will save you money in the long run.
The best part about investing in the community is that you can rent your condo or beach house out to vacationers while you are away. This will help pay for the property itself! There are a variety of condos and beach houses available for rent or purchase. If you are interested in learning more about what Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have to offer or would like a market report, reach out to a reputable, licensed local realtor.
Support Local Businesses
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are home to many different local businesses. Not surprisingly, the best places to eat are the locally run restaurants which serve the freshest seafood imaginable, Alabama barbecue, and authentic southern cuisine.
In our shops you can find unique gifts and souvenirs too. Be sure to support our local trades when you’re in town, or shop online from home if there’s something that you particularly love and miss.
I myself have designed this Gulf State Park Sticker.
There you have it! These are just a few of the many great things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and come experience all that these two amazing ocean-side towns have to offer!
About the Author
A graphic designer and digital creative, Sammy Travis lives locally in Orange Beach. Sammy loves the beach and incorporates it into her designs. She publishes design tutorials and insight weekly on her blog Sammy Travis, in addition to teaching fellow designers and illustrators on her website and Youtube channel. Follow her on Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram.
Useful Info for Visiting Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
Map of Alabama Gulf Coast
Nearest Airports to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
- Penascola International Airport (PNS) is 30 miles from Orange Beach, or 37 miles from Gulf Shores. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Gulf Coast’ most visitors fly into this Florida Airport. Airport shuttle services available;
- Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is 49 miles from Gulf Shores, or 55 miles from Orange Beach. Located at the top of Mobile Bay, this is a regional Alabama airport;
- Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) is 2 miles north of Gulf Shores. Formerly called Jack Edwards Fields and mainly used for private flights, the airport is being developed as a transportation hub for the Gulf Coast, and should soon be receiving commercial flights.
Destinations to Combine with a Vacation in Gulf Coast Alabama
- Alabama – Combine a stay on the Gulf Coast with a trip through AlabamaState:
- Alabama Scenic River Trail flows down 5300 miles of navigable waterways from Georgia State to the Gulf Coast;
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville is the most famous site in Alabama (372 miles from Gulf Shores);
- New Orleans (Louisiana) is only 200 miles west of Gulf Shores by road;
- Florida borders Alabama Gulf Coast to the east which creates endless possibilities;
- Caribbean Cruise to Mexico – There is a cruise liner port in Mobile City some 50 miles away up the Mobile Bay inlet.
Weather in Alabama Gulf Coast and the Best Time to Visit
Alabama Gulf Coast has a subtropical climate with hot humid summers, and mild winters with cooler weather that is usually bright and sunny.
- Best times of the year to visit Orange beach and Gulf Shores are springtime, particularly May and June
- or the autumn months of September and October, when the weather is pleasantly sunny and sea temperatures in the Gulf are warm enough for swimming;
- Summer will be hotter and fairly humid, this is peak tourist season and accommodation prices will be higher;
- Although winter is chillier and the ocean colder for swimming, it’s perfect for a peaceful getaway, for long walks along the beaches and nature reserves.
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