Must-See & Must-Do on Alabama's Beaches
With dozens of family-friendly activities and coastal attractions in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, you're sure to find something memorable for you and the whole family. From thrilling helicopter tours to waterparks to mini golf courses and historic sites, our shoreline offers a variety of fun outdoor adventures for those sunny Alabama days. We even offer unique rainy-day activities for the few rainy days we might encounter, ensuring your vacation plans stay on track.
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National Naval Aviation Museum
Get hands-on with history at the National Naval Aviation Museum, where adventure awaits around every corner! Take control in our...
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
This public research and education facility encompasses over 9,000 acres of protected estuarine habitats around the Weeks Bay area. The...
Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway
Beautiful beaches, authentic downtowns, wildlife preserves, historic sites and fresh-off-the-boat seafood are all yours to enjoy along Alabama’s Coastal Connection...
Foley Walking Tours
Looking for something FUN and FAMILY-FRIENDLY in Foley, AL? From ghost stories and railroad tales to pirate legends and pioneer...
Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit
This museum is located in the Louisville and Nashville railroad depot that was built in Foley in 1909. In the...
Africatown Heritage House
Africatown Heritage House is a community building that houses “Clotilda: The Exhibition,” to share the long-untold story of the nation’s...
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climb the 177 steps to the historic Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for one of the most beautiful views of...
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
Visit this small two room museum dedicated to the builders of Gulf State Park, The Civilian Conservation Corps. Learn the...
The Richards DAR House Museum
The Richards-DAR House Museum is a beautiful Italianate townhouse that was built in 1860 by a local riverboat captain, Charles...
Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. The fort was named after Revolutionary War...
Phoenix Fire Museum
From turn-of-the-century horse-drawn fire trucks and early motorized engines, to vintage uniforms and badges, discover the history of Mobile’s volunteer...
Fort Gaines Historic Site
The well-preserved ramparts of Fort Gaines have guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. Today, the...
National Maritime Museum of the Gulf
The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf is the world’s only museum devoted entirely to Gulf history and traditions. Featuring...
Gulf Shores Museum
This local history museum tells the stories of our coastal town, its people, their lives and their livelihood. You can...
Watch Visual Stories
Discover Attractions Along Alabama's Beaches
Family Fun & Amusements
Waterville USA
Waterville USA
With names like Triple Dog Dare, Jet Stream, and Screamin' Demon, you know some serious water slides are waiting for you at Waterville USA. This 20-acre water and amusement park delivers high-speed thrills, but you can also slow it down on a lazy river, challenge the wave pool, or channel your inner dude on a surfboard simulator. Separate children's areas include Wa Wa World, while landlubbers enjoy a wooden rollercoaster, high-speed go-karts, and an Escape House.
The Track Family Fun Park
The Track Family Fun Park
Steer into excitement at this premier amusement hub, The Track, featuring multi-level go-karting, bumper boat rides, and the heart-stopping Skycoaster, which stimulates the rush of skydiving with a safety harness at speeds up to 70 mph.
The Factory
The Factory
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. This climate controlled sports and entertainment center offers much more for those who came to pray, including trapezes, slides, foam pits, dodgeball, arcade games, and flight simulators.
Mini-Golf
Mini-Golf
Groups and families up for a little friendly competition can tee off on one of many themed mini-golf courses along Alabama's Beaches.
Arcades
Arcades
When it's time to beat the heat, there are plenty of arcades in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with classic and interactive games for off-the-beach fun.
Animal Encounters at the Zoo
Animal Encounters at the Zoo
Many people vacation here to enjoy our white-sand beaches, but also to bear witness to our unique coastal nature and exotic animals. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to over 500 exotic animals, including lions, primates, wolves, and reptiles. You can even get close and personal with animals like giraffes, lemurs, tortoises, and sloths through their popular animal encounters.
Shopping & Dining at The Wharf
Shopping & Dining at The Wharf
You won't know what to do first at The Wharf in Orange Beach, an official entertainment district. For starters, the Wharf is home to one of the largest Ferris wheels in the Southeast. There are also dozens of shops, excursions from the marina, and a free, nighttime laser light show. If you need a break from all that activity, sit back and enjoy live performances in the 10,000-seat Wharf Amphitheater. Wherever you find yourself on the Wharf, there's enjoyment, dining, and entertainment waiting.
Historic Forts and Local Museums
Historic Forts and Local Museums
For history buffs, our destination offers several museums in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Visit the Historic Fort Morgan to explore the grounds of the pre-Civil War masonry, or travel to the nearby USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park to marvel at massive antique ships and aviation history.
Art Galleries & Experiences
Art Galleries & Experiences
Whether you like to admire art or create your own masterpieces, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach boast several experiences for art enthusiasts. The expansive collections at The Coastal Arts Center, The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, and Sea Oat Studio feature various works from local and regional artists. When you're ready to let your creative juices flow, book a hands-on class at The Hot Shop or The Clay Studio.
Free & Budget-Friendly Attractions
Many of the area's incredible coastal experiences don't require a ticket, as there are plenty of free and cheap things to do. From free museums, escape rooms, and movie theaters. These free & budget-friendly attractions will keep the fun going for the whole family. Whether you're planning a full vacation or just a spontaneous day out, there are endless ways to make lasting memories without stretching your budget.
Rainy Day, No Problem!
A rainy day at the beach is still a good one! Bad weather won't stall a vacation on Alabama's Beaches thanks to indoor attractions like arcades, museums, escape rooms, and movie theaters. These rainy-day activities will keep the fun going for the whole family, as they're more than just backups but noteworthy spots to visit.
Explore
Take a look at all of the great sights and experiences available for your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach vacation. Whether you’re visiting as a family, on a couple’s getaway, and taking a trip with friends, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach is your ideal relaxing, restful, or playful beach vacation destination.
When you visit Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, you’ll have the opportunity to visit our white-sand beaches and head out into the waters for a variety of exciting activities. Parasail and get a bird’s-eye view of the area, kayak to calmly explore our waterways, fish for your next great catch, or head out on a cruise to possibly catch a glimpse of our neighboring dolphins.
