free things to do in Gulf Shores

11 Best Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Are you planning a Gulf Coast getaway? You don’t have to break the bank to have a great family beach vacation. In fact, we have plenty of great tips for vacation planning on a budget. Read on to learn about some of the best free things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Then, start planning your trip!

Don’t forget to book your Gulf Shores vacation home with Harris Vacation Rentals. We’ve got the best properties on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Once you’ve taken care of where to stay, it’s time to plan your trip. These are our top 12 free things to do in Gulf Shores on your vacation.

1. Relax at the Best Alabama Beaches

Gulf Shores is home to the world’s most beautiful public beaches — it’s no secret. They are just as pristine as Florida’s famed beaches but typically less crowded. And when it comes to the best free things to do on the Gulf Coast, lounging by the shoreline on our white sand beaches should be at the top of your list!

Soak up the sun, play in the Gulf, and sink your toes into the sugar-white sand. Many of the local beach accesses offer free public parking on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Explore Hiking and Birding Trails

Nature enthusiasts will love visiting the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge! This 7,000-acre wildlife sanctuary is open year-round and offers activities for everyone. Get out and explore miles of scenic hiking trails or enjoy fishing from the beach. Some of our other favorite free hiking areas include the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Orange Beach.

3. Visit a Local Museum

Museums

Whether you’re looking for rainy-day activities or you’re traveling with history buffs, you’ll love the amazing museums near Gulf Shores, Alabama. And many offer free admission! Here’s our recommendation for a day of museum hopping.

Gulf Shores Museum

First, visit this fascinating history museum and learn about the earliest inhabitants along the Alabama coast. Formerly a beach house, this enchanting museum features an array of permanent and rotating exhibits and a Butterfly Garden. It’s a great experience for all ages, so bring the whole family!

Foley Model Railroad Museum

If you’re looking for the best free things to do in Foley, AL, you must visit the Foley Model Railroad Museum. Take a step back in time as you explore real locomotives and engaging railroad exhibits.

Holmes Medical Museum

Afterward, stop by the Holmes Medical Museum and take a self-guided tour of Baldwin County’s first hospital. This spooky building features original medical devices and operating rooms dating back to the early 1900s!

Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum

Next, head over to the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum. Discover the area’s Native American and fishing heritage through a variety of displays, artifacts, and other memorabilia.

Naval Air Museum

Finally, make sure to check out the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola. Serving as the world’s largest Naval Aviation Museum, it’s a must-see for any aviation lover! A ticket is required to enter but for a free thrill, come on a day that the Blue Angels are practicing overhead.

4. Attend a Free Festival or Event

No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something exciting happening in Gulf Shores, Alabama. From family-friendly events to concerts, art festivals, and more, the list of things to do here is endless. The best part? Many local events are free! Make sure to check out our website to see what upcoming events are scheduled during your Gulf Shores getaway.

5. Visit Gulf State Park

There are enough free things to do in this area of natural beauty to keep you entertained all day long. Enjoy a picnic, go hiking on the nature trails, try watersports like kayaking if you have your own equipment (rentals are available for a fee), or simply relax in the sun on the beach.

Note: Gulf State Park Pier was closed at the time of writing for repairs to the damage caused by Hurricane Sally. Check the website for updates before you visit.

6. Stroll The Wharf at Orange Beach

If you’re looking for things to do in Orange Beach, Alabama, you must visit The Wharf at Orange Beach. This lively entertainment district is home to our famed Ferris wheel and is filled with wonderful boutiques, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions.

However, you don’t have to spend anything to enjoy spending time here. After sunset, make sure to stay and watch the SPECTRA show. This sound and light spectacular features choreographed music synced with a stunning light show. The shows are free and held multiple times each night!

7. Spot Gators

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a fantastic place to see American alligators but if you’re looking to save your dollars, you can spot them in the wild instead. One of the best places to see these giants is in Gulf State Park on the Cross Park Trail bridge. Gators are known to swim between Little Lake and Middle Lake, so keep your eyes peeled while you’re out there biking and hiking!

8. Visit the Coastal Arts Center

Crafty types will love taking a trip to the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach. As well as the paid glass-blowing and pottery-making classes, there are plenty of year-round free events and activities to enjoy, and entry to the gallery is also free. The program is always changing so keep an eye on the website for upcoming classes.

9. Explore a Historic Fort

Photo Credit: print_girl

Fort Morgan has stood proudly where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico since 1834. The fort has been used during various wars including the Spanish American War and World War I and provides a fascinating glimpse into America’s military past. Visitors must pay to enter, but it’s free to see this impressive landmark from outside.

For a historic double bill, head to Fort Gaines afterward to learn about one of the most important sites of the Battle of Mobile Bay that took place during the Civil War. Again, there is a fee to enter but it’s impressive enough from the outside to make it worth a visit.

10. Spot Dolphins Playing in the Ocean

Dolphin cruises are popular with visitors to Gulf Shores, but did you know that you can spot these playful creatures from the beach for free!?

Sightings are said to be most frequent in the early morning hours when dolphins come close to shore, but eagle-eyed visitors have a good chance of spotting one or two at any time of the day.

11. Go Bird Spotting

alabama coastal birding trail

Gulf Shores is home to a diverse variety of ecosystems and is an incredible place to go bird spotting. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trails cover 280 sites across Alabama where over 430 bird species have been spotted. Expect to see great blue herons, sanderlings, and ruddy turnstones here in Gulf Shores.

Tip: If you can swing the $2 per vehicle entrance fee, the Gulf State Park Nature Center is a living museum and one of the best places to learn about the birds, plants, and creatures that call the Gulf Coast home. Check the activities calendar to see what’s on during your visit.

Enjoy the Beach on a Budget

Now that you know about some of the best free things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, it’s time to start planning your trip! Enjoy your vacation to the fullest when you book a stay with Harris Vacation Rentals.

We offer a wide array of vacation rentals throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Whether you’re searching for a large family home or an intimate beachfront condo, we offer options for a range of preferences and budgets.

Check Our Availability

8 of the Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores on a Rainy Day

So, you’ve been dreaming of sun-kissed beaches and turquoise water, but Mother Nature has other ideas? Don’t let a little (or even a lot) rain ruin your day at the beach! Luckily, there are plenty of fun things to do in Gulf Shores on a rainy day. Here are some of the best activities to enjoy when it’s raining. 

If you’re looking for even more ideas about things to do in Gulf Shores on a rainy day, make sure to check out our Activities page. It’s full of recommendations about the best things to see and do during your family beach vacation. 

Book your activities now!

8 of the Best Things to do In Gulf Shores on a Rainy Day

1. Visit the #1 Escape Room in Orange Beach

An exciting adventure is just what you need to cure the rainy day blues! Challenge your friends and family to a life-sized adventure game at Breakout Orange Beach. You’ll have 60 minutes to solve your puzzle with hidden clues. From thrillers to spy situations, there’s a scenario for everyone. 

Breakout Orange Beach is located at The Wharf. A 10 percent off coupon is available on their website for weekday games. After you’ve beaten the clock and escaped, reward the team with gelato at The Southern Grind Coffee House or enjoy penny martinis at Ginny Lane Bar & Grill. Covered parking and walkways make it easy to navigate The Wharf without getting too wet. 

2. Play Games at the Arcade

If you’re looking for something a bit more fast-paced, head over to Arena: The Next Level. Also located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, this indoor amusement park features laser tag, bazooka ball, and an array of arcade games. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, you’ll have a blast spending the day at Arena: The Next Level. It’s known as one of the top things to do in Orange Beach!

3. Fly High at the Trampoline Park

Toddlers, tweens and teens (and adventurous parents) can bounce around at The Factory in Gulf Shores. The trampoline park is packed with ways to burn energy during a rainy day at the beach. From Foam pits and dodge ball to trampoline basketball, you’ve got several options.

 The Factory in Gulf Shores also offers a separate area for the littles. Parents can observe from an upper deck or join in the action! In addition to the trampoline floor, The Factory offers arcade games, batting cages and a flight simulator. Vending machines are available for drinks, snacks and even ice cream.

4. Take a Glass-Blowing Lesson

Let your inner artist out with a visit to The Hot Shop at the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach. Local artisans will give you a hands-on lesson in glass blowing, and you can take home a souvenir you make yourself! Be sure to call ahead for a reservation, as this is one of the most popular things to do in Gulf Shores on a rainy day. 

The Hot Shop offers bench seating to watch demonstrations. If you prefer to watch rather than participate, the staff welcomes you to do so. Glass blowing is a fascinating art that will capture the attention of the whole family during a rainy day at the beach. In fact, the open air studio is perfect for watching demonstrations and listening to the rain. Once your lesson has ended, stop in the other local art galleries and browse the works of local artists, including pottery, paintings, sculptures and more.

5. Spend a Day at the Museum

History-buffs will love exploring all of the fascinating museums in Gulf Shores. Discover what life was like for the area’s earliest inhabitants at the Gulf Shores Museum, admire incredible Southern architecture at the Swift-Coles Historic House, or see elaborate model train displays at the Foley Railroad Museum. Then, make sure to take your time exploring Fort Morgan Historic Site. It’s open every day of the week. 

6. Go Bowling

Just north of Gulf Shores in nearby Foley is the Gulf Bowl. Rent a lane and spend a rainy day bowling for strikes! The Gulf Bowl offers 23 lanes, as well as an arcade, laser tag, high ropes course and pool tables. There’s so much to do at Gulf Bowl, you could easily spend the entire day. It’s also home to the full-service Captain’s Choice seafood restaurant. A local’s favorite, you’ll find everything from fresh seafood to burgers. Before you go, make sure to visit the Gulf Bowl’s Facebook page for rainy day specials.

7. Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

A trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is one of the best things to do at the beach when it rains! See more than 600 animals and 22 different endangered species as you wander through the exhibits. Get an up-close look at some of the world’s friendliest animals with an “Animal Encounter,” tour the Reptile House, and pet goats, sheep, and deer at the Petting Zoo. Some of the animals you’ll see at the zoo include Black bear, Bengal tigers, black leopards, tropical parrots, camels, monkeys, alligators, and more. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

8. Stay Cozy in Your Vacation Rental

Sometimes the best way to spend a rainy day is enjoying your Orange Beach, Fort Morgan or Gulf Shores rental! Plan ahead and bring a deck of cards and a board game or two and have a family game day. Cozy up on the couch, pop some popcorn and watch a movie. Order from your favorite restaurants using Gulf To Go restaurant delivery service and you never have to leave!

Book Your Stay in a Harris Property

When planning your vacation, consider booking a Harris Property with an indoor swimming pool. Gulf Shores rentals like Coastal Bliss, Lil Bit a Paradise, Ray of Sunshine and Sunset Paradise offer indoor pool facilities and are located at The Beach Club resort in Fort Morgan. There is also a game room to keep the kids busy! Coastal Krusen in Gulf Shores at Crystal Towers also offers an indoor swimming pool. The four-bedroom Dolphin View condo at Mustique boasts an indoor pool, as does Summer Breeze. Condos at Martinique in Fort Morgan also have an indoor swimming pool and spa, including La Brisa.

Don’t let a rainy day at the beach in Gulf Shores get you down. Whether you stay in or opt to explore in the rain, make the most of every minute and make memories to last a lifetime. Browse all of our properties and contact us to book your Gulf Shores getaway today in our rentals. We can’t wait to welcome you!

CONTACT NOW

5 of the Best Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores Alabama

Are you planning a Gulf Coast getaway? You don’t have to break the bank to have a great family beach vacation. In fact, we have plenty of great tips for vacation planning on a budget. Read on to learn about some of the best free things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Then, start planning your trip!

Don’t forget to book your Gulf Shores vacation home with Harris Vacation Rentals. We’ve got the best properties around!

View Vacation Rentals

Here are the best things to do in Gulf Shores in October!

Top 5 Free Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

1. Relax at the Beach

Gulf Shores is home to the world’s most beautiful beaches – it’s no secret. And when it comes to the best free things to do on the Gulf Coast, lounging by the shoreline should be at the top of your list! Soak up the sun, play in the Gulf, and sink your toes into the sugar-white sand. Many of the local beach accesses offer free public parking on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Explore Hiking and Birding Trails

Nature enthusiasts will love visiting the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge! This 7,000-acre wildlife sanctuary is open year-round and offers activities for everyone. Get out and explore miles of scenic hiking trails, see native shorebirds in their natural habitat, or enjoy fishing from the beach. Some of our other favorite free hiking areas include the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail and the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Orange Beach.

3. Visit a Local Museum

Are there any history buffs traveling with you? There are several amazing museums near Gulf Shores, Alabama, and many offer free admission! First, visit the Gulf Shores Museum and learn about the earliest inhabitants along the Alabama coast. Formerly a beach house, this enchanting museum features an array of permanent and rotating exhibits and a Butterfly Garden. It’s a great experience for all ages, so bring the whole family!

If you’re looking for the best free things to do in Foley, AL, you must visit the Foley Model Railroad Museum. Take a step back in time as you explore real locomotives and engaging railroad exhibits. Afterward, stop by the Holmes Medical Museum and take a self-guided tour of Baldwin County’s first hospital. This spooky building features original medical devices and operating rooms dating back to the early 1900s!

Next, head over to The Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum. Discover the area’s Native American and fishing heritage through a variety of displays, artifacts, and other memorabilia. Finally, make sure to check out the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola. Serving as the world’s largest Naval Aviation Museum, it’s a must-see for any aviation-lover!

4. Attend a Free Festival or Event

No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something exciting happening in Gulf Shores, Alabama. From family-friendly events to concerts, art festivals, and more, the list of things to do here is endless. The best part? Many local events are free! Make sure to check out our website to see what upcoming events are scheduled during your Gulf Shores getaway.

5. Stroll The Wharf at Orange Beach

If you’re looking for things to do in Orange Beach, Alabama, you must visit The Wharf at Orange Beach. This lively entertainment district is filled with wonderful boutiques, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions. After sunset, make sure to stay and watch the SPECTRA show. This sound and light spectacular features choreographed music synced with a stunning light show. The shows are free and held multiple times each night!

Have the Best Family Vacation With Harris Vacation Rentals!

Now that you know about some of the best free things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, it’s time to start planning your trip! Enjoy your vacation to the fullest when you book a stay with Harris Vacation Rentals. We offer a wide array of vacation rentals throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Whether you’re searching for a large family home or an intimate beachfront cottage, we offer options for a range of preferences and budgets. So, what are you waiting for? Browse all properties and contact us to start planning your next getaway to paradise. We can’t wait to welcome you!

BOOK NOW!

 

 

 

 

 

WES25 promo code – 25% your stay
Searches valid for any day 30 days or more on during these dates:
Jan-March 8, 2025
Jan – March 7, 2026
Some restrictions apply.

Skip to content