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 activities for our many sunny days in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 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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Discover Attractions Along Alabama's Beaches
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Downtown OWA
Inspired by Southern small towns, Downtown OWA's pedestrian-only streets are a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment—just outside the Tropic...
The Clay Studio at The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
The Clay Studio is located on the beautiful grounds of the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. Resident ceramics artist...
The Hot Shop at The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
Since 2009, The Hot Shop has been Alabama’s premier hot glass blowing facility. We are an open facility so feel...
Oak Hollow Farm
Over 300 acres of rolling pastures and 100 year old oak trees make this historic property a beautiful destination for...
Gulf State Park Nature Center
Gulf State Park's Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals that are native to the Gulf Coast...
Tanger Outlet Center
Tanger Foley is Baldwin County's upscale, open-air outlet shopping destination, featuring a coveted collection of top brands and local shops.
Orange Beach Welcome Center
Make the most of your visit to the coast with a stop at our welcome centers. Free brochures, local maps...
City of Gulf Shores Public Library
Open Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm - Building capacity is 50 - 4 computers available in the computer lab...
Gulf Shores Welcome Center
Make the most of your visit to the coast with a stop at our welcome centers. Free brochures, local maps...
Mobile Carnival Museum
Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of carnival. See firsthand the intricate designs and artistry of majestic crowns...
Flight Works Alabama
Spearheaded by Airbus and the State of Alabama, Flight Works Alabama is a comprehensive aerospace exhibition and education center, now...
The Wharf in Orange Beach
The Wharf is an official Entertainment District with hundreds of family-friendly events throughout the year, including the nightly SPECTRA Laser...
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
Beautiful antebellum mansion minutes from downtown Mobile, Alabama. Nestled among centuries-old oaks and beautiful azaleas, the estate was created in...
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
Nestled on four acres facing beautiful Wolf Bay we offer a waterfront art experience for everyone as well as a...
Popular Attractions
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 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.
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.
Fun and Games
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.
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.
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.
