Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions for Your Next Workcation

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The 25-acre zoo includes theme-park family entertainment, up close animal encounters, animal shows and even a giraffe feeding station! If you’re looking for a uniquely charming place to host your next meeting, the zoo has a variety of fun private meeting spaces available for reservation. You can also dine with your group during your outing at Alabama’s first environmentally sustainable “green” restaurant located right there within the zoo!

Coastal Arts Center

Browse the gorgeous fine arts gallery, blow your own glass in The Hot Shop, or make your own creations in The Clay Studio. The Coastal Arts Center offers a beautiful waterfront experience for everyone. Fun fact: it even serves as a beautiful destination meeting or wedding location!

Gulf State Park

There is so much to both see and do within the park’s 6,150 acres. The Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier is the largest pier along the Gulf of Mexico and features 2,448 feet of fishing space. Looking to catch a few rays between meetings? Enjoy three miles of beautiful beach access located at the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion. Other activities at the park include biking, kayaking or even visiting the nature center! 

The Wharf

Enjoy shopping at a unique store or a meal at one of the many restaurants. The Wharf is a place you can go to catch a movie, ride on the Ferris wheel, play at the arcade or even take an on-the-water excursion! This complex also features the 18,000-square-foot Orange Beach Event Center ideal for a variety of meetings and events as well as many options for off-site team-building.

Dolphin Cruises

Itching for an adventure? Get out on the water and experience the wildlife for yourself with some local guides. Cetacean Cruises, Sail Wild Hearts and the Pirate Ship Cruise are a few of the many great options to choose from. 

Beachy Nightlife

Start your evening at Big Beach Brewing Company - the place to be for all beer connoisseurs! All beers on tap are created within the 10-barrel brewhouse and kept just above freezing temperature for your enjoyment while you play games on the front lawn or catch the big football game inside on the big screen. Finish the night off at the Flora-Bama. Between the five stages and ice-cold signature cocktails – like the infamous Bushwacker – your group is guaranteed a good time dancing the night away to live music!

Fun For the Family

Looking for a great attraction that the whole family will love? Be sure to check out Waterville USA! Sitting on 20 acres, this water park and theme park combination is an action-packed experience for all ages. The Track Recreation Center in Gulf Shores also features fun for the whole family with thrill rides like the Skycoaster, a one-of-a-kind multi-leveled wooden go-kart track, miniature golf, bumper boats and so much more! Group packages are available, so you can be sure to get the most fun out of your experience.

Destinations Within a Destination! 

Many restaurants in the area are MORE than just restaurants; they are one-of-a-kind experiences. Between the family-friendly DJ, hourly foam pit, live music and great food, The Hangout is definitely a place you’ll find fun for all ages! LuLu’s is also a family favorite and a must-add to your list. Travelers with food sensitivities find comfort in the plethora of options for gluten-free, shellfish-free, seafood-free, egg-free, soy-free and dairy-free needs. Between the arcade, ropes course and sandpit, waiting for a table at LuLu’s is a blast! And, don't miss GTs on the Bay. Located on Wolf Bay in Orange Beach, its picturesque views with a large outdoor deck and generous play area for the kids paired with family-friendly fare makes for a fun night out for your whole group.

For a full list of the area’s top attractions and even more assistance with planning your next trip, be sure to check out our meeting planner marketing toolkit!