The Ultimate List of What to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama

 

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are great choices for a beach vacation. They both have beautiful white sand beaches, plenty of water activities, indoor activities when it rains, some nightlife and very yummy food.  Activities range from a day on the water or out on the beach to exploring local museums.  So, you may ask – what is there to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama? – Plenty.

Before you read our list of the most fun things to do in Gulf Shores consider reading our local’s guide to Gulf Shores for information on the best time to visit, where to stay, and other tips for a great beach trip at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama.  The number one fun thing to to in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is …

Go to the Beach 

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach both have beautiful beaches.  The area is famous for its white sandy beaches.  When the water is calm it’s a beautiful green especially when it is flowing from the east.  When the waves are higher the water is usually darker. There are numerous choices for beautiful beaches.  The best beach to visit depends on if you like waves, calmer areas or even if you have a boat.  Always use beach and sun safety to prevent and treat sunburns.  Beaches are more fun when you pack the right beach supplies. 

We do participate in Amazon’s Affiliate program which means if you make a purchase from our site we get a very small percentage at no cost to you.

These are some of my favorite must haves for a successful beach trip with the family. 

A large beach blanket that does not hold sand and folds down to an easy to carry size – yes please!

This spray is awesome for treating a sunburn. Please try not to get burned but if you do, this spray is the best stuff I have found to minimize peeling and pain and it smells so good too.

The sun is hot and it burns. If you want to stay longer at the beach, especially with little ones that may need a nap then a easy to set up and small shade tent can make a bid difference.

Enjoy Water Activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

There are so many ways to get out on the water in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Some of the most fun things to do on the water are are:

• Parasailing
• Rent a Jet Sk
• Bring your own Boat
• Rent a Pontoon
• Kayak
• Canoe
• Paddle Board
• Deep Sea Fishing Charter
• Sailing Charter
• Pirate Ship
• Dolphin Cruise

Want more details on fun things to do on the water in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach then Click here or the photo below.

 

Have some fun with an Indoor Activity

The weather is not always perfect in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and let’s be honest sometimes people don’t always do a good job preparing for the sun and they get burned.  Luckily Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have things to do inside too like: 

• Escape Rooms
• Arcades
• The Factory – Indoor Trampoline Park
• Movie Theater
• Shopping
• Go to a Spa
• Gulf Shores Museum
• Orange Beach Museum
• State Park Nature Museum
• Recreation Centers – Bodenhamer Center and Orange Beach Recreation Center

Want more details on Fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach indoors or when the weather is bad then click here or click the photo below. 

Go Golfing

Gulf Shores has several nearby 18 hole golf courses.  If golf is your fun thing to do on vacation then you have a few choices including a 9 hole course and driving range run by the city of Gulf Shores. 

Go Mini-Golfing

Mini-golf is a popular vacation activity for good reason – it’s fun.  Mini-golf is both family friendly, date night appropriate and fun for a group of friends. Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have several courses.

 

Go to the Zoo

Gulf Shores has a great little zoo with several animal interactions available.  The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo was featured on the Animal Planet show The Little Zoo that Could.  The zoo is small but at times has the availability to interact with lemurs, kangaroos, and other animals. Get a bucket of food when you buy tickets.  Throughout the zoo you will find marked areas where you can feed the animals. 

Bike through the Gulf State Park

The Gulf State Park has fabulous biking and hiking trails.  Along the trails are play areas and spots to rest.  There is wildlife and we usually wil see a little gator (or two).  The State Park also has a long fishing pier, nature center, and beach area with nice facilities.  During the summer the state park hosts numerous educational activities.

Go to an Adventure Center

There are several adventure complexes in Gulf Shores in Orange Beach.  These businesses have many activities including bungee jumping, go-carts, arcades and laser tag.  Gulf Shores has the Track.  Orange Beach has Adventure Island. 

Visit the Warf

The Warf in Orange Beach has numerous activities through the year including popular concerts and a ferris wheel.  Certain days of the week the Warf closes off some areas and hosts kids activities.

Go to a Water Park- Waterville

Waterville is a water park and adventure area that has many great slides, a lazy river and wave pool.  It’s generally a full day activity but at times can have discounts later in the day.  There are not many shady spots so come sun prepared.  There is also a nice area for younger kids as well. 

Get Some Great Local Seafood

Gulf Shores and the surrounding Gulf Coast has amazing seafood.  Eating out can be an event and some restaurants have activities while you wait.  Others can have live music  There are many choices for fabulous food.

Get Dessert

There are several yummy ice cream and yogurt shops in Gulf Shores.  The most popular by far is the Yard.  People will wait for hours to get into the yard.  The yard is known for ridiculously complicated and very expensive shakes that are part artwork, part desert and all diabetes.

Go on a Day Trip of Explore nearby Towns and Cities

There is plenty to do to stay busy no vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach without leaving the island but if you want to explore different areas then consider a day trip to cities and towns near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.  Day trips can range from quick drives to Summerdale to see the Alligator Farm to longer visits to Mobile or Pensacola.  Each city has its own features and areas to explore.

Nightlife

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach overall cater more toward family travel and aim less for the party crowd.  There are a few fun places for late nights.  The most famous late night attraction is the Flora-Bama.  The Florabama is a sprawling bar that straddles the Florida and Alabama state lines.  There is usually several areas of live music and always an interesting crowd.  They even host a church service on Sunday morning.

There are several other restaurant/bars that have live music.  Most will have bands after the dinner crowd.  Some stay open later than others. 

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are popular vacation destinations for good reason.  They both have a lot to offer.  If you’re looking for fun things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach you do not have to look far – there are plenty of options. 

We’re a family of 5 (Physician Assistant mom, IT project manager dad and 3 kids ages 3,6,10) taking a gap year from normal life to travel.  For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.