Couple laughing over a bushwacker cocktail at Shipp's Dockside Grill restaurant in Orange Beach

Fun Beach Date Ideas

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Published on: December 30, 2025

Tired of dinner and movie date nights? You can ditch the usual date ideas on Alabama's Beaches and try something new and exciting. The area is home to plenty of fabulous attractions and activities that will take your next date up a notch. Whether you’re an adventure-loving couple or prefer to keep things low-key, here's a list of suggestions that’ll make your heart flutter with excitement.

Best Dates Ideas on Alabama's Beaches

couple parasailing over the Gulf in orange beach

Go Parasailing

Parasailing as a couple is an adrenaline-rushing way to do something exciting, get a bird’s eye view of the Gulf and even check off a possible bucket-list item. Maybe you’ve watched from the beach as the parasailers breezed by, wondering what it felt like to have the wind kissing your face and adrenaline propelling you forward. Now is the time to give it a try!

Artists creating glass blown ornaments at The Hot Shop in Orange Beach

Visit the Hot Shop

The Coastal Arts Center is the perfect place for a flaming hot date. And by hot, I mean fiery, as it’s home to The Hot Shop. Here you can take a “Make Your Own Glass” class with your partner and learn all about the art of glass blowing. You’ll be able to create your own piece to take home to remember the experience.

People paddling to Bird Island in a glow kayak from Sea View Tours in Orange Beach

Kayak at Night

Cruise through the beautiful back bays and catch the sunset in a clear kayak from Sea View Tours. You’ll be able to see the water below you thanks to the transparency of the kayak. If you’re up for something more adventurous, embark on a crab grab tour where you’ll paddle to Bird Island in a lit-up neon clear kayak. Once you arrive, you’ll search for shells and crabs in the sand.

Couple cheering wine glasses at dinner on the outdoor deck at Perch fine dining restaurant in Gulf Shores

Enjoy an Intimate Meal

If you’re interested in an upscale dining experience for an extra special date night, have a romantic dinner at one of the many fine-dining restaurants in our area. You'll enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, incredible coastal cocktails, and unbeatable Southern hospitality at these fabulous local spots.

Friends sitting behind sandcastles built during a lesson from Sand Castle University

Take a Sandcastle Class

Get sandy together during a class by Sand Castle University and learn sandcastle-building techniques that will have everyone on the beach in awe of your skills. They come to you, bring the equipment and include a free time-lapse video of your lesson for you to keep. Now, that’s a souvenir!

Couple enjoying a beachfront picnic from Southern Charm Picnic Co. in Orange Beach

Have a Picnic on the Beach

What’s better than a picnic on the beach? One you don’t have to pack! Southern Charm Picnic Co. and Beachside Blankets plan the perfect picnics providing set-up and clean-up that includes flowers, food, seating, décor, and more. All you have to do is pick the date and time, and they handle the rest.

a flight of four craft beers at Big Beach Brewing local brewery in Gulf Shores

Sample Beach Drinks

For the beer connoisseurs, head to Big Beach Brewing and taste the goodness of locally crafted beer brewed right in Gulf Shores. You and your sweetheart can each get a flight and sample the delicious brews on tap. If you’re searching for something a little sweeter, check out Kentucky Mist Distillery at The Wharf and try a few of their unique moonshine flavors, like lemonade and caramel apple!

woman taking a helicopter ride over the beach with Lost Bay Helicopters in Gulf Shores

Take a Helicopter Tour

Take flight with Lost Bay Helicopters! A veteran-owned and operated helicopter tour company, Lost Bay Helicopters offers stunning beach tours, romantic sunset flights and skydiving rides. You’ll be in the more-than-capable hands of highly skilled pilots dedicated to making your experience safe and memorable.

Couple laughing at a private swing suite golf simulator at Tee Off at The Wharf

Take Your Best Swing

Add a little competition to your next date night by visiting Tee Off at The Wharf. This modern bar and restaurant boasts several private Swing Suites powered by TopGolf, perfect for sipping cocktails and testing your skills. In addition to traditional golf simulation games, the suites have a variety of other sports-based games like soccer, hockey, baseball, football, dodgeball, and even carnival games. The two of you will have a blast playing the innovative games and snacking on sharable bites.

Visit Alabama's Beaches Content Specialist

A Gulf Coast native and Travel Marketing Professional, Sydnie is Alabama's Beaches Content Specialist (AKA taste tester and destination researcher.) She spends time visiting restaurants, attractions, activities, and events in the area to get the inside scoop on all things happening in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.