10 Fun Beach Date Ideas

In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

January 10, 2023

Tired of dinner and movie date nights? You can ditch the usual date ideas on Alabama's beaches and try something new and exciting. Our 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, we’ve got a list of suggestions that’ll make your heart flutter with excitement.

1. 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!

2. Visit the Hot Shop

The Coastal Arts Center is the perfect place for a flaming hot date. And by hot, we 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.

3. 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.

4. Enjoy an Intimate Meal

If you’re interested in an upscale dining experience for an extra special date night, check out Chef's Table by Orange Beach Concierge, a signature experience in Orange Beach. Chef David Pan plans the perfect multi-course menu with locally sourced, high-quality produce, fresh seafood and game meats. Add some wine, and you’re living the dream.

5. 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!

6. 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. plans 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.

7. 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!

8. 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.

9. Karaoke Competition

Sing your heart out with a karaoke competition at The Sandshaker at The Wharf. The beloved bar hosts karaoke every Tuesday and Thursday night from 8 pm until midnight. Do a duet or serenade each other with a ballad. Be sure to grab a bushwacker while you’re there!

10. Embark on a Cat Boat Tour

A small, two-passenger boat might be the perfect setting for a daytime date with your special person. Give a look at Orange Beach Cat Boat Tours, where you’ll get a safety briefing before departing to explore the back bays of Alabama’s coastal waterways. Head down Ole River to the Flora-Bama Yacht Club for lunch, and you might just spot a dolphin popping out of the water to say hello!