6 Quirky Spots for Sports Travelers to Check Out
on Alabama's Beaches
These fun-loving spots provide experiences you won't want to miss.
As you might expect, there are countless ways to spend your off-field time along the Alabama Gulf Coast. But the not-so-typical places of Alabama's Beaches create even more fun for an especially memorable visit.
Find Fun in All the Quirky Places Between Games
Waterville USA
Waterville USA is far more than a summer waterpark. Sure, the slides, lazy river and wave pool make it the go-to splash spot when temperatures climb — but the fun doesn't drain out with the pool when the weather cools. Year-round, the Adventure Zone keeps the weirdness alive: go-karts weaving through elevated, banked tracks, a mini golf course full of oddball obstacles, bumper boats that turn polite guests into ruthless rivals, as well as an arcade humming with games for every age and bowling bays. It's the rare spot where you can show up in any month and still find a new way to lose (gracefully) to your kids.
Gulf State Park
Don't let the "park" in the name fool you — Gulf State Park packs nine distinct ecosystems into one stretch of coastline, from maritime forest to coastal dune, and it's home to Middle Lake, one of the closest bodies of freshwater to saltwater anywhere in the world — a rare bit of geography most visitors walk (or paddle) right past without realizing it. The beach pavilion provides picnic tables under a shelter, the nature center is a great place for the kids to learn, the swimming pool becomes a cool place to refresh, and Lake Shelby day area offers kayaking and canoeing. For a change of pace while visiting, check out the fishing and education pier, miles of biking on the Backcountry Trail, and the beautiful flowers in the butterfly garden.
LuLu's
Channel your inner child at LuLu's in Gulf Shores, where the décor alone is worth the trip — think a giant swing set for adults, a fire-breathing dragon overlooking the property, and a school bus repurposed into part of the play area. There's a surprise around every corner: a three-story ropes course, a beach arcade, and a large sand area with beach toys are all perfect for the kids to climb, play and run off that pre-meal energy. With beautiful canal views and a delicious diet-restriction-friendly menu, every guest is guaranteed to have a fun-filled day here.
The Gulf
The Gulf is what happens when a stack of repurposed shipping containers grows up to be a waterside restaurant — funky, industrial, and somehow perfectly beachy all at once. A 30-foot LOVE sculpture anchors the lawn as one of the coast's most-photographed spots, while surfboard décor and open-air cabanas set the scene for a taco bar and fresh seafood menu. Choose to dine at a picnic table, on the lawn, or with your toes in the sand. This outdoor dining experience is group-friendly and a wonderful place to refuel and relax near the water.
The Hangout
Get ready to hang out at The Hangout, a popular beachfront restaurant destination with fun for the whole family. With 2.5 acres to explore, this restaurant offers live music, foam parties and endless places to, well, hang out. When it's time to burn off some energy, dance with the servers inside or to the band outside — don't be surprised if a second-line parade or a giant beach ball bounces through the crowd. In the summer, come early for the special Pirates and Princesses Breakfast.
The Wharf
The Wharf is Orange Beach's answer to "what should we do after dinner?" This waterside entertainment district overlooks the marina and packs in more quirk than you'd expect from a shopping strip — a 12-story Ferris wheel that lights up the skyline after dark, a movie theater, an amphitheater that draws national touring acts, and rows of shops and restaurants to wander between. Time it right and you'll catch a fireworks show over the water, a car cruise-in filling the parking deck, or a festival taking over the whole district. Grab a bite, catch a show, and let the evening unfold at its own pace.
From go-karts and Ferris wheels to freshwater lakes just steps from the sea, the quirk along Alabama's Beaches goes well beyond sun and sand. Whether you're chasing a rainy-day plan, a post-dinner adventure, or just something to talk about back home, these seven spots prove there's always another unexpected side to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach worth discovering.
Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events
From youth championships to collegiate tournaments, Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events hosts a wide array of events throughout the year. Our blog shares information about sporting events, restaurant and attraction sponsors, and fitness tips.
