During your stay at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you might find yourself in need of something to do on a rainy day or as respite from the heat. This destination isn't just sugar sand beaches and clear water. Learn more about some of our favorite Gulf Shores and Orange Beach indoor activities below.
Orange Beach History Museum
The building that houses the Orange Beach History Museum was originally built in 1910 as a schoolhouse. It has served...
AMC Classic Wharf 15
Experiencing a rainy day at the beach? Then come see the latest movie releases at AMC Classic Wharf 15. It...
Foley Art Center
For almost 50 years, The Foley Art Center has served the Gulf Coast area with our cultural enrichment programs in...
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
The public is invited to tour the grounds and monuments, utilize the picnic area, fish from the fishing pier, and...
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climb the 177 steps to the historic Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for one of the most beautiful views of...
Downtown OWA
Inspired by Southern small towns, Downtown OWA's pedestrian-only streets are a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment—just outside the Tropic...
Gulf State Park Nature Center
Gulf State Park's Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals that are native to the Gulf Coast...
Gulf Shores Museum
This local history museum tells the stories of our coastal town, its people, their lives and their livelihood. You can...
Arena the Next Level
Come experience the thrills and exhilaration at Arena the Next Level! Located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, we are...
Africatown Heritage House
Africatown Heritage House is a community building that houses “Clotilda: The Exhibition,” to share the long-untold story of the nation’s...
Breakout Games
You have one goal: escape the room in under 60 minutes. You’ll solve puzzles, crack codes and find hidden items...
Fairhope Museum of History
We are located in the heart of downtown in Fairhope’s 1928 Spanish Mission-style city hall building. The museum includes the...
City of Gulf Shores Public Library
Open Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm - Building capacity is 50 - 4 computers available in the computer lab...
Escape House Waterville
Need an escape? We’ve got two game rooms to put your team to the test! Can you survive an approaching...
Learning and Creating
Learn more about the local ecosystem when you take a trip to the Estuarium, with over 100 coastal species to see up close. The facility has 31 aquariums, exhibits, hands-on activities and experts to answer your questions. Another great way to spend the day indoors is to get creative and learn a new skill. There are ample opportunities to take art classes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Try your hand at jewelry making at Blue Girl Beading or have some fun while making a painting to take home with Christie's Paint n Shop. The Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach is known for glass blowing. It offers classes and demonstrations, as well as pieces for sale.
Museums
Do you have history lovers in your group? They might be interested in stopping by the museums in the area. The Gulf Shores Museum has free admission to explore a historical home. Visit during a rainy day, and learn about the history of the city from friendly guides. The museums often host lectures and show movies highlighting events in Gulf Shores history.
Art and Culture
Whether you like looking at art, or you're looking for a piece to purchase and bring back home, you'll enjoy the local artists that call Gulf Shores home. Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is a great place to start, with a gallery that features over 50 local artists. You'll find several other small galleries and art shops throughout the area, each with incredible, unique pieces that showcase the style, culture and flair of the area.
Fun and Games
Looking for a family-friendly activity that doesn't involve being outdoors? There's still fun to be had away from the beach. Visit Fat Daddy's Arcade for arcade games that the whole family can enjoy. Adventure Island is home to over 100 games, a rock wall, and a roller coaster simulator - allowing you to enjoy the thrill of amusement park rides while staying indoors.
Shopping
If you're in the mood for retail therapy, you're in luck. Spend an afternoon out of the elements checking out local shops and well known stores. The Tanger Outlets offer over 120 stores to visit, including favorite brands at discounted prices. For some local gulf flavor, visit the smaller shops around town where you'll find everything from handmade jewelry to cute souvenirs that will remind you of your trip to Alabama.
Rain or shine, you'll always have a good time at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Be sure to look at the calendar of events to see what will be happening around town while you're visiting the area and start making your list of rainy day activities. Request a vacation guide to find out what else the area has to offer and plan a Gulf Coast vacation today!