Unique Things to Do & See
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
These 12 Coastal Alabama adventures promise Insta-worthy opportunities and lasting memories.
There are so many ways to experience Alabama beaches. From outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind experiences to cool local restaurants, our area is home to some pretty unique things to do and see. If you’re looking for quirky attractions and places in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we’ve got you covered. Book the perfect beach accommodation on our lodging page, then experience these 15 fantastic one-of-a-kind adventures.
1. Play with Leaping Lemurs
What better way to snap a selfie than with a lemur on your head? The Madagascar Adventure at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo allows you to walk through the lemur enclosure and interact with these friendly animals. Take a seat on the bench inside the area and watch as the lemurs jump and play. They may even approach you and climb onto your head or lap!
2. Be Pirates for a Day
Hop aboard, mateys, and sail the waters on a pirate ship cruise. This swashbuckling experience is filled with excitement for those of all ages. Learn to live the pirate’s life, get your face painted, and help the crew defend the ship in a gun battle. During the cruise, you’ll also discover the history of real past pirates who occupied nearby Pirate’s Cove.
3. Dine in a Shipping Container
While here, you may notice a stack of shipping containers on the shore in Orange Beach. This is The Gulf, a casually chic restaurant on the beach serving seasonal delights. The restaurant is built out of bright blue shipping containers and offers plenty of outdoor seating with fantastic waterfront views. While you’re there, order a Surf’s Up from the bar. It’s the restaurant’s signature layered rum cocktail that looks like a rainbow and tastes like gold.
4. Paddle and Paint
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. 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.
5. See Giant Dinosaurs & a Lady in the Water
Most people go to Barber Marina 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. There is also a giant woman, nicknamed the Lady in the Water, “skinny dipping” in the bay and several other quirky sculptures throughout the marina’s grounds, such as knights and a huge sundial.
6. Check Out Bamahenge
After you’ve snapped a few photos with the dinosaurs, venture north to Bamahenge while you’re at Barber Marina. Also created by Mark Cline, this art installation is a full-size replica of the iconic Stonehenge monument in England. The stones are recreated with fiberglass and even align with the summer solstice, just like the original.
7. Float on a Tiki Boat
While you’re at the beach, it is important to get out on the water. If you’re looking for something different than your typical boat ride, opt for a floating tiki from Crusin’ Tikis in Orange Beach. You’ll have a professional captain operate your boat, so you can sit back and relax. Alcohol is allowed (bring your own) on the vessel, and a cooler, ice, cups, bottle openers, and bottled water are provided.
8. Dance on the Tables
Growing up, your parents probably never allowed you to stand on top of the table. And dancing on the table? Out of the question! At The Hangout, dancing on the table is not only permitted but highly encouraged! This lively joint offers fabulous food, delicious drinks, and loads of fun. The Hangout also has live music throughout the year, outdoor games, and a foam pit during the warmer months. It’s a good time for the whole family!
9. Get Up-Close with Gators
A short drive will take you to nearby Summerdale, where you’ll find Alligator Alley. This one-of-a-kind place is home to over 450 alligators. A notable resident of Alligator Alley is Captain Crunch, who holds the world record for 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 wildlife that lives here, like turtles, owls, frogs, and osprey.
10. Pedal a Bird Boat
You’ve kayaked and painted, ridden a pirate ship, and floated on a tiki boat. Are there any other cool ways to explore the water? The answer is yes! High Tide Daiquiris and Mimosas in Gulf Shores sits on the water and has giant bird boats to rent. Choose from a duck, swan, or flamingo and pedal your way through the back bay. These quirky boats hold two people, and children must be accompanied by an adult. After your ride, grab a delicious drink from inside. They even serve mocktails for those under 21.
11. Soar High in the Sky
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 electrifying tours. 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.
12. Kayak at Night
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 our back bays in neon, clear kayaks. You'll make your way to Bird Island, where you'll search for ghosts crabs, hermit crabs, and shells in the sand. You'll release all your crabby catches before heading back.
13. Fly Over the Waves
Discover your need for speed with a eFoil lesson with Foil Gulf Coast. These boards allow riders to fly over our gorgeous waters and explore the area like never before. Your instructor will show you the ropes and find the best spot for your ride. These lessons are great for both experienced surfers and those with no foil boarding or surfing experience.
14. Let Your Creative Juices Flow
Become an artist at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach with a glass blowing or pottery class. The Hot Shop is Alabama’s premier hot glass-blowing facility. Here, you’ll learn the ins and outs of this immersive art form and even make your own piece to take home. If you’re looking to get your hands a little dirty, check out The Clay Studio. Here, you can choose to create a piece by hand building or throwing on the pottery wheel. Kids will enjoy doing a pick-n-paint, where they can paint an already-made pottery piece.
15. Go Kite Surfing
Harness the power of Gulf winds to surf across the waves with a lesson from Gulf Shores Kiteboarding. The session will include safety practices, kite set up and take down, and how to maneuver the kite based on wind direction. After you learn all this, you’ll be able to test out your skills on the water. Experienced kite surfers can also rent gear from Gulf Shores Kiteboarding and get tips on the best spots on the island for kiteboarding.
