Rainy-Day Activities
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
A beautiful, sunny day with your toes in the sand is just what you dreamed of when planning your vacation to Alabama’s Beaches. And then it happens. You get to the beach just in time to welcome rain. No need to worry! There are plenty of exciting indoor activities and attractions to keep you entertained.
Want even more suggestions? Stop by one of our welcome centers for more ideas on how to add some sunshine to your trip.
Here are rainy-day things to do to keep the fun going while you’re in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Indoor Fun for the Whole Family
1. Bounce the day away at The Factory in Gulf Shores, an indoor trampoline park for kids of all ages.
2. Build your sense of teamwork at XIT Escape Room in Gulf Shores or Breakout Games in Orange Beach. With multiple experiences to choose from, you can escape again and again.
3. Relive your youth at Fat Daddy’s Arcade in Orange Beach. Enjoy traditional games like pinball machines and Pacman and new interactive games. Earn tickets from playing and trade them in for prizes.
4. Enjoy some retro fun at Gulf Bowl in nearby Foley. Bowling isn’t the only reason to visit. You can also play a game of laser tag or check out the indoor ropes course for even more fun.
5. Visit Waterville’s arcade and check out all the cool games, play a round at the Top Golf Swing Suites, knock down pins at the Splash and Strike bowling lanes, or break out of the escape house.
6. Go to the library! The Orange Beach Public Library has fun, creative, and relevant weekly kids and teen programming. You can even get a library card and check out books to read during your visit, as local residency is not required!
7. Test your putt-putt skills at Jurassic Golf in Gulf Shores. This blacklight mini golf course is filled with 18 holes of prehistoric fun.
8. Head to Arena the Next Level at The Wharf in Orange Beach to play an exciting round of laser tag and bazooka ball. After you've dodged lasers and bazooka balls, check out the arcade with dozens of fun games to keep you entertained.
9. Take a day to explore all of the shops and stores in the area and pick up a few souvenirs to take home with you.
10. Grab a bucket of popcorn and see a movie at the AMC Classic Wharf 15 in Orange Beach or CMX Pinnacle 14 Theatre in Gulf Shores. Catch a matinee to save money with an early showing.
11. Put on your bathing suits and get ready for wet and wild fun at Tropic Falls Waterpark. This exciting indoor waterpark is covered by a glass roof, so the rain won’t put a damper on your day.
12. Try out the sensational VR games at Outer Limits Game Room and experience a new kind of gaming.
Indoor Activities for Adults
13. Take an art class at the Foley Art Center. With classes offered throughout the year, discover your inner creative self by attending a class.
14. Let your senses drive your scents at High Cotton Bath Company. Combine unique aromas and essential oils to create custom bath products.
15. Throw pottery or make a blown-glass masterpiece at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. Reservations are required, so call ahead!
16. Take a quick trip to Pensacola and marvel at the daring planes inside the National Naval Aviation Museum.
17. The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance in Gulf Shores is home to incredible pieces from over 50 local and regional artists. You’ll discover amazing work as you browse the gallery.
18. Learn a new art technique at Hawaii Fluid Art and create resin and glass paintings, charcuteries boards, or wine glasses!
19. Order a flight of craft beer at Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores. This local brewery offers a rotating selection of ale, stout, sour, lager, and wheat beers.
20. If you're staying in an accommodation with a kitchen, try making a new coastal recipe!
Indoor Activities for History Buffs & Nature Enthusiasts
21. Tour the Swift-Coles Historic Home in nearby Bon Secour. Built in 1882, this stunning Southern home includes more than 3,000 square feet of porches (to watch the rain). It is open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays.
22. Visit local museums. Head to Orange Beach History Museum to discover coastal Alabama’s Native American and fishing heritage, then learn about local history at the Gulf Shores Museum and check out the captivating Hurricane Hunters exhibit.
23. Head to the City of Foley Depot Museum and Model Train Exhibit and learn about the history of Foley and the importance of its railroad.
24. Step back in time at the Holmes Medical Museum. You’ll see antique medical equipment, learn about this small-town hospital above the general store and even get to see some strange medical “oddities” believed to help patients.
25. Gulf State Park Nature Center is a living museum of native wildlife and plants and is free to visit. You’ll have the chance to get up close to some of the animals who call the park home.
