When you head to the beach for vacation, you should spend your time relaxing, not worrying about staying under your trip budget. Thankfully, our destination is filled with inexpensive and free things to do, from museums to outdoor adventures. Here are ten free and affordable attractions and activities on Alabama’s beaches.
Free Things to Do
1. 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.
2. Biking is an excellent way to explore the area’s natural beauty, and there’s no better place to do that than Gulf State Park. The park offers over 28 miles of paved trails, perfect for hiking and biking. You’ll discover the local wild and plant life as you traverse through the nine different ecosystems inside the park. You can bring your own bike or rent one for free with the park’s bike-share program. Fifty complimentary bikes are located throughout Gulf State Park for guests to use for up to three hours.
3. If you’re in Orange Beach, visit the Orange Beach Indian & Sea 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.
4. While visiting museums, check out the Gulf Shores Museum, which offers an inside look into the town’s history. It hosts a variety of both permanent and rotating exhibits. Admission is free.
5. 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.
6. The Coastal Arts Center is your one-stop shop for all things art-related. You’ll have the opportunity to browse the fabulous pieces from local artists on display inside the gallery for free. A glass-blowing and pottery studio are also located on the site, and artists often offer free demonstrations for visitors.
Cheap Things to Do
7. 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.
8. Cast your line at the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. Guests can access the pier and a daily pier fishing permit for just $10. You can bring your own gear or rent a rod and reel for four hours for $10. If you don’t want to fish, you can visit the pier for only $3 and sightsee.
9. 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.
10. Historic Fort Morgan is a must-see for all guests visiting the area. This iconic masonry fort played an essential role during the Civil War’s Battle of Mobile Bay. Explore the barracks, tunnels, dry moat, beaches and museum found at the site. Admission to Fort Morgan is $8 for adults, $5 for students and children, and free for veterans and active members of the military.
If you want to save even more while you’re here, be sure to stop at the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Welcome Centers for restaurant and attraction coupons!
