During your stay at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you might find yourself in need of something to do on a rainy day or as respite from the heat. This destination isn't just sugar sand beaches and clear water. Learn more about some of our favorite Gulf Shores and Orange Beach indoor activities below.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Come experience Bellingrath Gardens and Home, the naturally breathtaking historic manor home and pleasure gardens located in southern Mobile County...
Orange Beach Public Library
The Orange Beach Public Library offers citizens and visitors the highest quality services and staff in the state. This beautiful...
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...
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
Beautiful antebellum mansion minutes from downtown Mobile, Alabama. Nestled among centuries-old oaks and beautiful azaleas, the estate was created in...
XIT Escape Room
XIT Escape Room is the premier live escape game in Gulf Shores. With four different themed escape rooms, you are...
Historic Oakleigh
The Historic Oakleigh House Museum is a circa 1833 country villa built by Virginian James Roper. A raised T-Shaped Greek...
Gulf Coast Arts Alliance
The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization with the purpose of expanding the arts in Gulf Shores and...
Escape House Waterville
Need an escape? We’ve got two game rooms to put your team to the test! Can you survive an approaching...
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...
Gulf Bowl
This family owned and operated attraction has been providing fun since 1959. We are a 35,000 square foot family entertainment...
The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Alabama Aquarium, formerly known as the Estuarium, will give you a hands-on learning experience exploring the habitats of coastal...
Orange Beach History Museum
The building that houses the Orange Beach History Museum was originally built in 1910 as a schoolhouse. It has served...
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...
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.
Learning and Creating
Learn more about the local ecosystem when you take a trip to the Estuarium, with over 100 coastal species to see up close. The facility has 31 aquariums, exhibits, hands-on activities and experts to answer your questions. Another great way to spend the day indoors is to get creative and learn a new skill. There are ample opportunities to take art classes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Try your hand at jewelry making at Blue Girl Beading or have some fun while making a painting to take home with Christie's Paint n Shop. The Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach is known for glass blowing. It offers classes and demonstrations, as well as pieces for sale.
Museums
Do you have history lovers in your group? They might be interested in stopping by the museums in the area. The Gulf Shores Museum has free admission to explore a historical home. Visit during a rainy day, and learn about the history of the city from friendly guides. The museums often host lectures and show movies highlighting events in Gulf Shores history.
Art and Culture
Whether you like looking at art, or you're looking for a piece to purchase and bring back home, you'll enjoy the local artists that call Gulf Shores home. Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is a great place to start, with a gallery that features over 50 local artists. You'll find several other small galleries and art shops throughout the area, each with incredible, unique pieces that showcase the style, culture and flair of the area.
Fun and Games
Looking for a family-friendly activity that doesn't involve being outdoors? There's still fun to be had away from the beach. Visit Fat Daddy's Arcade for arcade games that the whole family can enjoy. Adventure Island is home to over 100 games, a rock wall, and a roller coaster simulator - allowing you to enjoy the thrill of amusement park rides while staying indoors.
Shopping
If you're in the mood for retail therapy, you're in luck. Spend an afternoon out of the elements checking out local shops and well known stores. The Tanger Outlets offer over 120 stores to visit, including favorite brands at discounted prices. For some local gulf flavor, visit the smaller shops around town where you'll find everything from handmade jewelry to cute souvenirs that will remind you of your trip to Alabama.
Rain or shine, you'll always have a good time at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Be sure to look at the calendar of events to see what will be happening around town while you're visiting the area and start making your list of rainy day activities. Request a vacation guide to find out what else the area has to offer and plan a Gulf Coast vacation today!
