The Wharf Ferris Wheel

Attractions

In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

With dozens of activities and attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you're sure to find something memorable for you and the whole family. With thrilling helicopter rides to relaxing boat charters, big game fishing to bird watching and nature trails, we offer a variety of fun outdoor and family-friendly activities for our many sunny days on Alabama's Beaches. We even offer unique rainy day activities for the few rainy days we might encounter. From mini golf and arcades to historical sites and art centers, our area offers something for everyone. Book a place to stay directly on our site and discover local attractions near your lodging.

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Popular Attractions

The Wharf Orange Beach, AL
Action at The Wharf in Orange Beach

You won’t know what to do first at The Wharf in Orange Beach. For starters, the Wharf is home to one of the largest Ferris wheels in the Southeast. There are also laser tag, bazooka ball, and excursions from the marina. If you need a break from all that activity, sit back and enjoy live performances in the Wharf Amphitheater. Wherever you find yourself on the Wharf, there's enjoyment, dining, and entertainment waiting.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Gulf Shores, AL Marmoset
The Wild Side of Nature

Many people vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to enjoy not only our beaches, but also bear witness to our unique nature and exotic animals. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to over 500 exotic animals including lions, tigers, primates, wolves and reptiles. You can even get close and personal with animals like kangaroos, lemurs, snakes and sloths.

Fun and Games

USS Alabama Battleship Mobile, AL
Local History

For the history expert, there are several Orange Beach Gulf Shores museums.Visit the historic Fort Morgan for historical tours or marvel at the massive antique ship at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park.

Waterville USA Gulf Shores, AL Slide
Slides Rule

With names like Triple Dog Dare, Jet Stream and Screamin’ Demon, you know some serious water slides are waiting, and Waterville USA delivers with high-speed thrills. Slow it down on a lazy river, challenge the wave pool or channel your inner dude on a surfboard. Separate children’s areas include Wa Wa World, while landlubbers enjoy mini golf, a rollercoaster, go-karts and an Escape House.

The Track Gulf Shores, AL
Fun and Games

Steer into excitement at The Track Recreation Center, featuring go-karting, bumper boat rides and the heart-stopping Skycoaster which simulates skydiving (but with a safety harness) and reaches speeds of 70 mph.

For kids and the young at heart, the sheer joy of jumping is multiplied at The Factory, whose indoor trampoline park covers 12,000 square feet. But there’s much more for those who came to play – trapezes, slides, foam pits, dodgeball, arcade games and flight simulators.

Groups and families up for a little friendly competition can tee off on one of many mini-golf courses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 

Gulf State Park Bird Gulf Shores, AL
Migrations at Gulf State Park

Bird-lovers from across the country also flock to the Gulf Coast to enjoy the different Orange Beach and Gulf Shores birds. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail features several bird-spotting locations including the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, which has recently been extended and now winds more than 27 miles through Orange Beach to the pristine sands of Gulf State Park (where you will find the Pier, the perfect place to cast a line for some Gulf Shores fishing). The Branyon area is one of the last intact maritime forests in coastal Alabama and an important stopping point for millions of migrating birds each spring and fall. Keep your binoculars handy for everything from tiny hummingbirds to majestic herons.

 

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