15 Best Things to Do in Orange Beach, AL

Harris Vacations Staff Writer | May 7, 2024

A place for strolling and taking in the gorgeous sights of the beach and the ocean alongside a number of fun-filled things to see and do, Orange Beach deserves to be on every vacationer’s Gulf Shores itinerary.

If you’re looking for a beach getaway to Alabama’s coastline, Orange Beach is the place to be.

Read on below to learn more about things to do in Orange Beach, AL so you can plan your dream getaway.

1. Spend a Day Exploring The Wharf

The Wharf in Orange Beach

No trip to Orange Beach is complete without stopping at The Wharf. Here, you’ll find a variety of attractions housed in one single locale. The Wharf Ferris Wheels is one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast U.S., and the Gulf of Mexico views from the top are spectacular. The enormous outdoor concert venue known as The Wharf Amphitheater is the best place in the city to see live music, and a bevy of stores and restaurants will satisfy your appetite for both shopping and high-quality cuisine.

2. Have Fun at Orange Beach Waterfront Park

Orange Beach Waterfront Park is the perfect place for sightseeing and walking around in the scenic loveliness of Orange Beach. Nestled against Wolf Bay, this park has picnic areas with grills, paved walking paths, a fishing pier, and a lit park for children.

3. Have Some Family Fun at Adventure Island

This Gulf Coast institution has been open for almost 30 years and is packed full of fun for the whole family. Zip around on the go-karts, go to battle at laser tag, or test your skills on the mini golf course. Bumper boats and a teacup ride are ideal mini thrills for little visitors, and the huge range of arcade games will keep older kids entertained for hours.

4. Learn to Sail

Photo Credit: shutterstock.com/Giovanni Rinaldi

If watersports are your thing, head to the Wind and Water Learning Center to improve your sailing skills. You’ll learn to recover if you capsize, how to rig, and how to notice weather and wind directions. If you already know what you’re doing, boat rentals are available here, too.

5. Learn About Orange Beach’s History

Orange Beach History Museum is located in a century-old schoolhouse and is the best place in Orange Beach to learn about the region’s Native American and fishing history. With stories from local families and collectibles that have been donated over the years, you’ll get an in-depth look at what life was like for Alabama’s past residents.

6. Stroll Along the Perdido Boardwalk

Hop over the state border to Florida to discover the 247-acre Perdido State Park. The beachfront boardwalk makes this area of natural beauty accessible to all visitors while protecting the delicate ecosystems underneath. Once you’ve finished strolling, enjoy a relaxing hangout on the beach to soak up some sun or enjoy an al fresco lunch in the covered picnic area.

7. Learn a Skill at Coastal Arts Center

If you and your family appreciate handmade artisan crafts and artwork, you might want to check out the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. Here you can choose to create your own masterpiece or pick out a pre-made beauty from the gallery, gift shop, clay studio, or hot glass shop. This makes a great rainy-day activity.

8. Take Your Furry Friend to Orange Beach Dog Park

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com/Volodymyr Burdiak

For those of you traveling with four-legged companions, Orange Beach Dog Park is a wonderful place to let them run free with dogs of their own size (as there are separate sections for small and large dogs) under the shade of towering trees. Water and benches are also provided.

9. Cruise the Alabama Coastal Connection Scenic Byway

You can check out the magnificent natural setting of Orange Beach on the Alabama Coastal Connection Scenic Byway. This incredible drive leads to white-sand beaches, quaint downtown areas, historic sites, wildlife preserves, and mouthwatering seafood restaurants along the way.

10. Explore Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

With 26 trails to explore among nine ecosystems, this is an unbeatable spot for lovers of outdoor activities. Historically, these trails were used by the area’s Indigenous peoples and then by explorers and settlers. These days, visitors here can enjoy biking, hiking, jogging, and rock climbing here.

11. Have a Beach Day

Photo Credit: shutterstock.com/Sherry252

Alabama beaches are famous for their long stretches of white sand and calm waters, and many of the best beaches in the USA are in or near Orange Beach.

Gulf Shores is one of our favorite public beaches — this wide expanse of unspoiled sand is an ideal spot for family days out. Cotton Bayou is great if you’d like to try your hand at kayaking and paddleboarding, and there are some great equipment rental options to choose from.

12. Meet Cute Critters at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

This charming family-friendly attraction has been voted the number-one zoo in Alabama and is home to more than 199 species including eight endangered species. Enjoy close encounters with cute creatures including sloths, kangaroos, and lemurs, then head to the picnic area to refuel.

13. Take a Day Trip to Mobile

Just an hour northeast of Orange Beach is the vibrant city of Mobile. There’s so much to do here, making it the perfect day trip for those who want to see a little more of Alabama.

Discover WWII history at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, explore the city’s famous gastronomic scene, or take a delta wildlife kayak tour. There are plenty of free things to do in the city, too, including exploring Mobile Bay and the Mobile Carnival Museum.

14. Feast on Seafood

Photo Credit: shutterstock.com/vsl

No beach vacation is complete without a seafood feast, and Tacky Jack’s is a great option. This casual coastal eatery is open all day and serves scrumptious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to its army of loyal patrons. Seafood is as fresh as it comes — don’t miss the ‘Tacky Shrimp’ prepared with a house-made special spice mixture. For those who don’t eat seafood, there’s a great variety of meat and vegetarian dishes, too.

15. Take to the Water

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing voyage or an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of ways to discover the beauty that lies just off the Gulf Coast. Here are some of our favorite ways to see the sea:

What Will You Do First at Orange Beach?

There’s so much to do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama that you’ll need at least a few days here to see the highlights! Ensure a comfortable stay in the best locations during your getaway when you book a vacation house or condo with Harris Vacation Rentals.

Photo By Kevin Stephenson from Florence, AL, USA – Sunrise – Front, CC BY 2.0


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