Explore Indoor Things to Do on Alabama’s Beaches
During your stay on Alabama’s Beaches, you may be looking for something to do on a rainy day or seeking a refreshing respite from the sun. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer much more than sugar-white sand beaches and clear Gulf waters.
Learn more about some of the best Gulf Shores and Orange Beach indoor activities below to plan your ideal itinerary. From challenging your family to arcade games, discovering the local history, crafting a piece of art, or learning about native wildlife, there are plenty of indoor activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to add to your list of things to do.
Arcades, Indoor Play & Family Fun
Looking for a family-friendly activity that doesn't involve being outdoors? There are still plenty of things to do away from the beach.
Arcades
Visit Fat Daddy's Arcade in Orange Beach for classic arcade games and prize redemption that the whole family can enjoy. For even more indoor fun, Waterville’s arcade features dozens of games, TopGolf Swing Suites, and bowling lanes.
Energy Burning Fun
Families looking for active indoor kids’ activities can jump over to The Factory in Gulf Shores for high-energy trampoline play and dodgeball, or head to Arena the Next Level at The Wharf in Orange Beach for thrilling laser tag and bazooka ball battles.
Escape Rooms
Rally the family together and test your skills at Breakout Games at The Wharf or Waterville’s Escape House. Both local escape rooms will have your crew working alongside each other to search for clues, solve puzzles, and find hidden objects.
More Indoor Activities
Gulf Shores Museum
The Gulf Shores Museum offers free admission to a historic beach home, where friendly guides host engaging exhibits, educational lectures, and documentary films that detail local history.
Orange Beach History Museum
The Orange Beach History Museum details the city’s unique history through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits pertaining to the area’s Native American heritage, vibrant fishing community, and transformation from a small coastal village into a beach destination. Admission is free.
Gulf State Park Nature Center
The Gulf State Park’s Nature Center is a living museum filled with native plants and wildlife found along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Turtles, snakes, and several bird species inside the center act as the park’s animal ambassadors. The Nature Center hosts free educational programs and live animal encounters throughout the week.
Learning Campus
The Learning Campus is another fantastic spot to learn about the area’s unique biodiversity. Situated right next to Woodside Restaurant, this Gulf State Park facility offers unique eco-art classes and hands-on sessions covering a range of topics for all ages.
Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
To explore the local ecosystem, take a day trip to the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, formerly known as the Estuarium. The aquarium features over 100 coastal species, 31 interactive aquariums, touch tanks, exhibits, hands-on activities, and expert marine educators to answer your questions. It stands as the premier aquarium experience for visitors of all ages looking to learn about Mobile Bay and coastal habitats. Visitors can hop aboard the Mobile Bay Ferry in Fort Morgan to conveniently reach Dauphin Island.
Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Gallery & Gift Shop
The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance in Gulf Shores showcases works from over 50 regional artists, alongside several cozy art shops nestled throughout Alabama’s Beaches. It’s free to browse the incredible artwork inside this local art gallery.
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
Another great way to spend the day indoors is to learn a new skill. There are ample opportunities to take art classes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach offers opportunities to view and create art, including glass blowing classes at The Hot Shop and pottery lessons at The Clay Studio. Visitors can also browse original artwork and handcrafted pieces created by regional artists inside the center.
Tee Off
Tee Off at The Wharf is the ideal place to practice your swing while avoiding the sun. Powered by TopGolf, Tee Off offers a variety of simulation games in its high-end Swing Suites. The venue also serves food and drinks, so you can sip and snack while you play.
Spas & Studios
There’s no better way to relax on vacation than with a spa treatment. One of the best indoor things to do for adults is visiting a local spa in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. If you’re looking to keep up with your fitness goals while on vacation, book a class with Functional Fitness or MVMT Pilates & Wellness Studio.
Outer Limits VR Game Room
Experience the thrill of an amusement park ride in the comfort of air conditioning at Outer Limits VR Game Room. The interactive, state-of-the-art virtual games at this unique arcade offer unforgettable, fully immersive experiences.
Plan Your Indoor Day
Rain or shine, you'll always have a good time at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Check the events calendar for indoor events, performances, workshops and other activities happening during your stay. Request a vacation guide to find out what else the area has to offer and plan your Gulf Coast vacation today!
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Find All Indoor Things to Do on Alabama’s Beaches
Discover all the fantastic indoor attractions and activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Check out each one for more details on hours, location, and admission.
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...
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climb the 177 steps to the historic Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for one of the most beautiful views of...
Swift-Coles Historic Home
Swift-Coles Historic Home is a beautiful historic site opened to the public for historic tours as well as a premiere...
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...
High Cotton Bath
Looking for a fun and unique thing to do in Orange Beach? Visit High Cotton Bath Co. at The Wharf...
Adventure Island
Adventure Island features rides and thrills for the entire family. Ride go-karts, bumper boats, and play glow golf. Experience adventure...
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
Beautiful antebellum mansion minutes from downtown Mobile, Alabama. Nestled among centuries-old oaks and beautiful azaleas, the estate was created in...
City of Gulf Shores Public Library
Open Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm - Building capacity is 50 - 4 computers available in the computer lab...
Mobile Carnival Museum
Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of carnival. See firsthand the intricate designs and artistry of majestic crowns...
CMX Pinnacle 14 Theatres
Featuring 14 auditoriums with wall-to-wall screens, Pinnacle 14 offers true stadium seating, Dolby digital surround sound, five RealD 3D theaters...
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...
Orange Beach Public Library
The Orange Beach Public Library offers citizens and visitors the highest quality services and staff in the state. This beautiful...
Fat Daddy's Arcade
Fat Daddy’s Arcade in Orange Beach is one of the area’s top attractions for family-friendly entertainment, featuring more than 80...
Exploreum Science Center
With numerous interactive exhibits, thought-provoking larger-than-life Giant Screen films, and fun, hands-on educational programming, the Exploreum Science Center aspires to...
