Unique Things to Do & See
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Hop aboard, mateys, and sail the coastal waters on a pirate ship cruise in Orange Beach. This swashbuckling experience is filled with excitement for people of all ages. Learn to live the pirate’s life, get your face painted, and help the crew defend the ship in a water-gun battle. During the cruise, you’ll also discover the history of real pirates who occupied nearby Pirates’ Cove. Cruises typically last around 1-2 hours and depart from Hudson Marina at multiple times throughout the day.

A short drive north along Highway 59 will take you to nearby Summerdale, where you’ll find Alligator Alley. This one-of-a-kind rescue sanctuary is home to over 600 alligators. A notable resident of Alligator Alley is Captain Crunch, who holds the world record for alligator bite strength. You’ll watch as these impressive creatures relax and sunbathe, and even have the opportunity to feed them. Feeding times are 11 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm. Be sure to check out the other resident wildlife that lives here, like turtles, owls, frogs, and osprey.

Most people go to Barber Marina in nearby Elberta to pack their boat and head out on the water, but did you know dinosaurs live here, too? Fiberglass artist Mark Cline’s sculptures feature four enormous dinosaurs, including a towering T. rex, hidden in the pines. There is also a 50-foot fiberglass woman, nicknamed the Lady in the Water, floating in the bay and several other quirky sculptures throughout the marina’s grounds, such as medieval knights and a huge sundial. The best part of all, the marina grounds are free to explore!

While here, you may notice a stack of shipping containers on the shore near Perdido Pass in Orange Beach. This is The Gulf, a casually chic restaurant on the beach serving Gulf-inspired seafood, fresh catch, seasonal dishes, and handcrafted cocktails. The restaurant is built out of bright blue shipping containers and offers. 

The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down on our beaches. Sea View Tours offers nighttime "Crab Grab" excursions, where you can paddle the Orange Beach back bays in neon-lit clear tandem kayaks. You'll make your way to Bird Island, where you'll search for ghost crabs, hermit crabs, and shells in the sand. You'll release all your crabby catches before heading back. Sea View provides all the equipment needed for nighttime paddles. Excursions last an hour and leave at 8 pm and 9 pm.

Hidden behind a vaulted door in an upscale jewelry store, 8 Reale is a prohibition-inspired speakeasy at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The high-end bar serves classic and original handcrafted cocktails made by skilled mixologists, using fresh ingredients, in an intimate, cozy setting. Patrons can enjoy live music from the bar’s pianist or a curated set from a local DJ. A secret code is needed to enter 8 Reale, but it can be found on the bar’s Facebook page. The entry code changes daily, so be sure to check social media before visiting.

You may think you’ll find the best views of the beach from a condo or boardwalk, but they’re actually found from above – on a helicopter! Lost Bay Helicopters is a veteran-owned and operated helicopter company that offers scenic tours over the white-sand beaches, bays, islands, and coastal landmarks of Alabama’s Beaches. The beach from the sky is an amazing sight you don’t want to miss experiencing. If you’re the adventurous type, book a lesson with Lost Bay and learn the ropes of operating a helicopter.

Our beautiful coastal waters are unlike anywhere else. A unique way to experience our back bays is on a paddle and paint kayak tour with The Wind & Water Learning Center on Wolf Bay. You’ll be fitted with a life jacket and paddle and instructed on safe kayak use before heading out onto the water. Additionally, you’ll get watercolor paints, a brush, and a canvas to paint the scenery as you explore the area. Your guide will take you to the perfect spots to capture on your canvas. Tours typically last about two hours.