Cheap & Free Things To Do

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Located just above Kilwin’s at The Wharf sits Wisdom Harbour Studio and General Store. This unique spot, owned by best-selling author Andy Andrews, features a free museum, gift shop, and podcast studio. Guests are welcome to drop by and admire his curated collection of sports memorabilia, props from hit TV shows like I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show, and other unique antiques and collectibles. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:15 pm, you can even watch live podcast recordings.

If you’re looking to combine fun with a little bit of education, visit the Claud Peteet Mariculture Center. Sitting off the beaten path near the Gulf Shores International Airport, this research facility conducts essential research on local sea life and acts as a production for depleted coastal fisheries. On Wednesdays, guests are welcome to tour the center for free by appointment. 

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.

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.

If you’ve got lots of energy to burn, we’ve got the perfect place for you. The Factory in Gulf Shores boasts a trampoline park, climbing gym, and arcade, ideal for rainy day fun. Bounce away on the 15,000 square feet of trampolines, complete with dodgeball, an obstacle course, and a rope swing. Or put your climbing skills to the test on the adrenaline tower, fun walls, and skyscraper steps. On Wednesdays, it’s only $8 to access the trampoline park or $13 to jump and climb.