Cheap & Free Things To Do
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
An unforgettable beach vacation doesn't have to break the bank! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to plenty of fun and affordable things to do that the entire family will enjoy. Check out these activities and attractions, book a place to stay on our lodging page, and start planning your next beach trip!
Discover free and cheap attractions and activities on Alabama’s Beaches.
Beach
Beach
You came to the Alabama Gulf Coast to visit the beach, and our 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches are beautiful. One of the best free things to do is to catch the sunrise or sunset over the beach. The colors of the coastal sunsets and sunrises are quite breathtaking.
Biking
Biking
Biking is an excellent way to explore the area’s natural beauty, and there’s no better place to do that than Gulf State Park. The park offers over 28 miles of paved trails, perfect for hiking and biking. You’ll discover the local wild and plant life as you traverse through the nine different ecosystems inside the park. You can bring your own bike or rent one for free with the park’s bike-share program. Fifty complimentary bikes are located throughout Gulf State Park for guests to use for up to three hours.
Orange Beach History Museum
Orange Beach History Museum
If you’re in Orange Beach, visit the Orange Beach History Museum. Built in 1910, it was originally a schoolhouse before becoming a museum. Inside, you’ll discover memorabilia and artifacts about the local history of Native Americans and the fishing industry. Admission to the museum is free.
Gulf Shores Museum
Gulf Shores Museum
While visiting museums, check out the Gulf Shores Museum, which offers an inside look into the town’s history. It hosts a variety of both permanent and rotating exhibits. Admission is free.
Nature Center & Learning Campus
Nature Center & Learning Campus
Gulf State Park’s Nature Center and Learning Campus offer amazing free programs that the whole family will enjoy throughout the year. You’ll learn about coastal wildlife, local history and more about the area. The Nature Center is a living museum full of plants and animals native to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. While there, be sure to take part in one of the guided nature walks, beach walks, or pier walks.
Coastal Arts Center
Coastal Arts Center
The Coastal Arts Center is your one-stop shop for all things art-related. You’ll have the opportunity to browse the fabulous pieces from local artists on display inside the gallery for free. A glass-blowing and pottery studio are also located on the site, and artists often offer free demonstrations for visitors.
Lake Shelby
Lake Shelby
Believed to be the closest body of freshwater to the Gulf, Lake Shelby provides a gorgeous setting for guests to spend the day. The lake is connect to the Backcountry Trail, so park goers can bike, hike, or drive to this scenic spot. Pack a lunch and enjoy a lakefront picnic at one of the tables scattered around the lake or let the kids play on the playgrounds. Even your four-legged friends will have a blast splashing and playing at the Dog Pond. There are restrooms and parking on-site as well as a pedestrian bridge that leads to The Lodge and Gulf State Park Pier.
Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a a nature lover’s dream. This refuge boasts 7,000 acres of beautiful coastal habitats and is thought to be one of the last remaining undisturbed areas on the Gulf Coast. Inside Bon Secour, you’ll discover four designated hiking trails, a kayak launch, a lookout point, and beach access. You’ll see plenty of native plant life and maybe even a few furry, feathery, and scaly residents who call the refuge home.
Bingo & Trivia
Bingo & Trivia
Time to add a little friendly competition to your beach vacation. Several restaurants and bars in the area offer free, seasonal bingo and trivia every week. You can also stop by the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar any weekday throughout the year for free bingo on the beach. From music bingo to themed trivia, there’s something for everyone to join in on.
Cheap Things to Do
Mini Golf
Mini Golf
Mini-golf is the ultimate vacation activity, and here at the beach, we have several themed courses for you to enjoy. The putt-putt spots in the area charge around $5-$12 per person to play, and many offer added amenities like snack bars and arcades.
Gulf State Park Pier
Gulf State Park Pier
Cast your line at the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. Guests can access the pier for just $9. You can bring your own gear or rent a rod and reel for four hours for $10. If you don’t want to fish, you can visit the pier for only $3 and sightsee.
The Wharf
The Wharf
The Wharf in Orange Beach is a great place to spend the afternoon or evening. This 222-acre entertainment and shopping district offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and an array of shops, restaurants, and free events throughout the year. While there, check out the area from above with a ride on the Ferris wheel. One of the tallest in the southeast, the Ferris wheel offers riders incredible views for just $8 a person.
Historic Fort Morgan
Historic Fort Morgan
Historic Fort Morgan is a must-see for all guests visiting the area. This iconic masonry fort played an essential role during the Civil War’s Battle of Mobile Bay. Explore the barracks, tunnels, dry moat, beaches and museum found at the site. Admission to Fort Morgan is $8 for adults, $5 for students and children, and free for veterans and active members of the military.
Ready to Break for the Beach?
You deserve an accommodation that will fit all your needs during your vacation on Alabama’s Beaches. From waterfront condos in Orange Beach to spacious homes down Fort Morgan, to everything in between in Gulf Shores, you’ll find the ideal vacation rental here.
