10 Fun Things to Do in Orange Beach, Alabama
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If you’re looking for fun things to do in Orange Beach, Alabama, this Gulf Coast gem is such a dreamy mix of soft white sand, easygoing beach bars, family-friendly attractions, and low-key adventures. It has that classic beach-town feel, but with enough to do that you can make the trip as relaxed or activity-packed as you want.
This was actually the last leg of our week-long road trip through Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, and it ended up being the perfect place to slow down. Alabama quickly reminded me that Florida is not the only state with gorgeous white-sand beaches!
Things to Do in Orange Beach
1. Explore Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park was hands-down one of my favorite things to do in Orange Beach! It gives you such a pretty change of scenery from the beach, with more than 28 miles of paved trails and boardwalks through the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system.
We rented bikes from Infinity Bicycles to explore the area, which was perfect for safe, road-free riding.
If you want to plan your route before you go, you can check out the park’s trail information here. There are plenty of options whether you want a casual ride, a long walk, or a little wildlife-spotting along the way.
2. The Wharf
The Wharf is a total playground for all ages. You’ve got shopping, a marina, restaurants, concerts at The Wharf Amphitheater, and plenty of extra fun like the Ferris wheel, mini golf, laser tag, and an escape room.
We stopped by during the Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show, but it’s also worth visiting at night for the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience. The free nightly show brings music and colorful lights to Main Street and makes The Wharf feel even more fun after sunset.
3. Get Out on the Water
This is one thing we unfortunately didn’t have time to do ourselves, but Orange Beach is such a great place to plan a boat day.
For a fun, family-friendly day on the water with a side of dolphin spotting, check out Fun Boat Dolphin Cruises. The two-hour cruise has daytime and sunset options, and kids especially love the hands-on moments with local sea life.
One of my favorite things to do in Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach is offered in Orange Beach too! You can take a 90-minute sunset tiki cruise around Orange Beach.
Or, if you want something a little more classic and peaceful, you can kick back on an Orange Beach Sunset Sailing Cruise.
Be sure to book your tours in advance, especially during the busy season.
4. Relax by the Pool or Beach
I’m usually all about squeezing in every adventure possible, but Orange Beach is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down a little. We loved hanging out by the pool at the Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach, especially since the beach was just steps away.
So while you’re here, give yourself at least a little unplanned time. Grab a drink, claim a chair, walk down to the water, and enjoy the fact that you don’t have to be anywhere for a minute.
5. Grab Coffee From The Southern Grind
Checking out the local coffee scene is always one of my favorite things to do when I’m exploring a new city, and The Southern Grind is such a cute stop in Orange Beach. They have two Orange Beach locations, including one at The Wharf and one at Hotel Indigo, so it’s easy to work into your plans.
This adorable, beachy cafe serves delicious coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and gelato. I couldn’t pick just one drink, so I tried both a French vanilla cappuccino and a white chocolate caramel macchiato. Both were great!
It also doubles as a boutique with coastal-inspired jewelry, home decor, and local art, which makes it the perfect spot to relax, refuel, and browse for a little souvenir.
6. Try a Bushwacker
When in Orange Beach, you have to try a Bushwacker. It’s a Gulf Coast classic for a reason, and Tacky Jacks is one of the most popular places to order one. Think boozy, frozen, chocolatey milkshake energy, often finished with a 151 float.
We went to the Gulf Shores location across from Big Beach Brewing Co., but Orange Beach has its own waterfront Tacky Jacks too, overlooking the Cotton Bayou area near Perdido Pass.
Either way, the vibe is colorful, casual, and exactly what you want from a beach trip.
7. Check Out the Local Beer Scene
If you’re a fan of craft beer, Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores is a must-visit. It’s known as Alabama’s southernmost brewery, and the open-air taproom is perfect for sipping through a flight after a beach day.
The Fruiturama sour was so refreshing, with the perfect balance of fruit and cheesecake flavor. With plenty of outdoor seating and that warm Alabama weather, it’s an easy spot to linger for a while.
8. Play at LuLu’s
LuLu’s is the ultimate family-friendly spot in Gulf Shores, with food, drinks, an arcade, live music, and a three-story ropes course-style climbing area.
I had a blast sipping on a mango piña colada with my toes in the sand before heading to the arcade to beat Remi at basketball.
Since it’s near Big Beach Brewing and Tacky Jacks, you can easily make an afternoon or evening out of hitting a few fun Gulf Shores stops while you’re in the area.
9. Don’t Miss the Beach Bars
I know I’ve already mentioned a few great beachy stops, but trust me, there are a couple more you can’t miss. The Gulf is perfect for a waterfront cocktail and sunset views, while The Hangout in Gulf Shores is all about beachfront dining, live music, and playful, family-friendly energy.
Both spots bring that laid-back Gulf Coast atmosphere where you can sip cocktails, hear music, and soak in the views.
10. Go Paddleboarding
For a fun way to explore the water at your own pace, try this Orange Beach paddleboard rental with delivery and pickup. They’ll bring the inflatable paddleboard to your location, so you can enjoy a peaceful paddle without worrying about transporting gear.
Where to Stay in Orange Beach, Alabama
If you’re looking for a place that checks the easy beach-trip boxes, Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach is such a solid pick. The location is perfect: right on the beach and close to so many of the places you’ll want to visit.
The pool and jacuzzi were our go-to spots, especially around sunset, and the free hot breakfast made mornings so easy before a full day out. Since it’s an IHG hotel, you can also book with points if that works better for your trip.
If you’re craving a splash of luxury, check out Perdido Beach Resort for incredible Gulf views and a more elevated beach stay.
Check out all Orange Beach accommodation options for your dates here!
Are you ready to experience the best things to do in Orange Beach, Alabama?
From biking through Gulf State Park to sipping a Bushwacker with a waterfront view, there are so many fun things to do in Orange Beach. I hope this guide has you looking forward to your trip!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other US blog posts:
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