Hidden Gems
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Hidden under the Hwy. 59 overpass in Gulf Shores sits The Sloop. This eclectic eatery is a favorite among locals and specializes in Philly cheesesteaks. The restaurant's walls are adorned with sports memorabilia and lots of TVs, so you won’t miss a game while dining here. While everything on the menu is fantastic, the party fries and cheesecake egg rolls are must-haves.

Tabmo's Surf Shack provides surfers and skaters a haven where they can shop, connect, and sip coffee. Inside this locally loved store sits Surf, Skate, Coffee, a cool coffee bar that serves frozen, iced, and hot drinks. After grabbing a cup of their favorite brew, guests can hit the skate bowl or watch as others shred. This secret spot is a blast for surfers, skaters, and coffee enthusiasts alike.

There are lots of fantastic ice cream shops in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, but there aren't many that make their cold creations right in front of you. Cowbell Rolled Ice Cream is a locally owned and operated sweet shop that crafts its cream from scratch each day. Patrons can choose from dozens of flavors, toppings, and combos to create the perfect roll and witness the magic happen.

Located next to The Factory trampoline park, Pub 6 is a charming local bar and restaurant in Gulf Shores with a laid-back vibe and delicious eats. The menu features all the sports bar classics like wings, sandwiches, and tacos, but its tantalizing smash burgers are the star of the show. Order a few apps, grab a cold drink, and catch the latest games on the indoor and outdoor TVs.

Who says the fun has to end once the sun goes down? On Alabama’s Beaches, you can continue exploring our waterways after dark with Sea View Tours located in Orange Beach. Hop into a clear kayak for a sunset tour, or join the family-friendly Crab Grab night tour in a glowing kayak and paddle with a guide to nearby Bird Island. Tours last about an hour, making this a fun addition to an evening on Alabama’s Beaches and a unique way to experience Orange Beach from the water.

Local Tip: Expect to get a little wet, and don’t be surprised if the clear kayak feels different from one you’ve paddled before. Give yourself a few minutes to get comfortable steering it.

It doesn’t get more “hidden gem” than a speakeasy. Located at The Wharf in Orange Beach and accessed via a vault in a jewelry store, 8 Reale invites you inside for libations in a sophisticated atmosphere reminiscent of Prohibition days. Whether you like Old Fashioneds, mules, or martinis, you’ll love sipping on the handcrafted cocktails made with fresh, local ingredients. To enter 8 Reale, you’ll need the daily secret code, which you can find on their social channels.

Local Tip: Espresso martinis get plenty of love here, so keep one in mind if you’re having trouble choosing from the cocktail menu.

Home to restaurants, local stores, spas, and a marina, SanRoc Cay is a fantastic spot to spend a day. Shop ‘til you drop at the boutiques and gift shops, and then relax with a calming massage or facial. If you’re searching for excitement, venture out onto the water on one of the many charter boats that dock at the marina or fly over the waves with a Jet Ski rental. End your day with a delectable dinner at one of the four restaurants and catch the sunset from the courtyard.

Local Tip: Make SanRoc Cay an evening stop instead of only a daytime shopping trip. Have dinner, walk around the marina at sunset, then check the courtyard to see what’s happening.