Orange Beach is a small city on the southern coast of Alabama, right up against the border of Florida. Although designated as a city, Orange Beach has a population of under 8,500 residents, so it maintains the laid-back atmosphere of a typical seaside town. Settled across a bayou on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s little wonder that Orange Beach is known as a hotspot for water sports. Most of the water’s edge is populated with marinas and fishing piers. The eponymous Orange Beach is a long stretch of soft golden sand stretching along the length of the city.
There’s plenty to see and do in Orange Beach, even if you get tired of boating and fishing. Exploring the natural wonders of Gulf State Park, taking in the unique creative scene, or indulging in local hospitality will help you fill your days. This list of the 20 best things to do in Orange Beach will help you plan your ideal itinerary to get the most out of your visit.
Orange Beach, Alabama
20 Things To Do In Orange Beach, Alabama
1- Learn About The Area At Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
Contained within an old schoolhouse dating back to 1910, this quaint little museum displays exhibits covering Orange Beach’s rich heritage.
The Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum primarily houses artefacts relating to the area’s Native American history and the local fishing industry.
The museum’s varied collection displays unique items like canoes and axes alongside smaller, eclectic objects, including locally found fossils.
The artefacts are primarily donated and loaned to the museum by Orange Beach residents.
The museum is at 25805 John M Snook Dr, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States.
2- Have Fun At The Wharf
The Wharf is a lively entertainment complex packed with fun activities for the whole family and the strip is lined with eclectic shops.
The north end, near the waterfront, is bursting with cafes, restaurants, and bars overlooking the marina.
The complex has a cinema, laser tag arena, a trick photo museum and an arcade among its various attractions.
There’s also a 117-foot Ferris wheel which offers riders a fantastic view across the city and the nearby marina.
The Wharf is at 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. You may also like this floating Tiki bar cruise.
3- Catch A Show At The Wharf Amphitheatre
An open-air amphitheatre is tucked away in the trees east of the Wharf.
Seating up to 10,000 people, the Wharf Amphitheatre is one of the region’s largest music venues.
The Amphitheatre frequently hosts big names from across various genres.
ZZ Top and Keith Urban are some recent acts to perform on this stage.
With plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, heading out to a show at the Wharf Amphitheatre is a great way to spend an evening.
Find the amphitheatre at 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. This Gulf Shores Family Fun Attraction ticket will cover you for activities on The Wharf, Fort Morgan and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
4- Relax At Orange Beach Waterfront Park
For a break from all the sightseeing and adventuring, Orange Beach Waterfront park is a top spot for a breather.
It’s just outside the main city centre so you can avoid some of the hustle and bustle of the more crowded city parks.
In addition to its scenic waterside views, the leafy park is packed with amenities.
Picnic and barbeque areas and a fishing pier ensure that the grownups have plenty of creature comforts.
A children’s play area and plenty of space to run about ensures the kids won’t be bored either.
Head over to 26425 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
5- Explore Barber Marina
Just outside the main city, Barber Marina is quieter than those in town.
As pretty as it is, the marina is not the main attraction here.
So keep your eyes peeled for the various sculptures and installations concealed amongst the surrounding trees.
A giant metal spider is perched on the lawn in front of the boatyard and several knight statues are hidden in the woods surrounding the carpark.
If you follow Barber Parkway, you’ll encounter even more surprises, including a giant sundial.
Go across to 26986 Fish Trap Rd, Elberta, AL 36530. You might also enjoy a sunset sailing cruise.
6- Hunt For The Dinosaurs In The Woods
Following Barber Parkway away from the marina, you’ll eventually spot some prehistoric friends poking their heads out of the trees.
The Dinosaurs In The Woods trail encourages visitors to explore the forest around the area to discover various dinosaur statues tucked away in the foliage.
A t-rex, triceratops, and brontosaurus are just some of the massive models to keep an eye out for.
It’s especially great for encouraging kids to explore the outdoors.
Look around Barber Pkwy, Elberta, AL 36530.
7- Admire Bamahenge
One of the last stops along Barber Parkway is Bamahenge. In a clearing in the woods, you’ll find a fibreglass replica of Stonehenge.
It’s a decent representation of the ancient site, so if you want to get a feel for what Stonehenge is like without travelling to England, this is a good alternative.
A short walk away is another installation inspired by history.
Perched on the edge of a lake is a cluster of roman columns surrounding a statue of a woman.
Wander over to Elberta, AL 36530.
8- Hike The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
The Rosemary Dunes Trail leads along the south end of Gulf State Park.
The trail is covered in smooth asphalt and has plenty of benches and rest spots along the way, making it accessible for everyone, while the trail ends at a small butterfly garden.
The plants in the garden are specially selected to attract local insects and butterflies for you to spot.
There’s also a bike hire shop near where the trail starts, and is the place to rent a bike if you’d rather cycle than walk the route. Or rent a Polaris Slingshot to save walking and take in the sights.
Start the trek at 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
9- Head Out Along The Cotton Bayou Trail
The Cotton Bayou Trail starts a little closer to the city centre, making it a little bit more convenient to get to.
The route heads from the east side of Gulf State Park across varied landscapes of lakes, marshes and woods rich with wildlife.
Numerous species of reptiles, including rare tortoises and alligators, birds, and insects, call the park home and can be observed along the Cotton Bayou Trail.
Join the route at Cotton Bayou Trail, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
10- Go Wild At Gulf State Park Nature Centre
If you want to learn more about the park and all the various animal species that call it home, swing by the Gulf State Park Nature Centre.
The Nature Centre houses a pretty extensive museum filled with specimens of the local wildlife.
The Gulf Park Nature Centre also runs several programmes for visitors to get involved in.
From guided nature walks to up-close interactions with the centre’s resident critters, the nature centre has a busy calendar of activities to try.
Go to Orange Beach, AL 36561.
11- Enjoy The Thrills Of Adventure Island
Adventure Island is an exciting theme park that provides great fun for the whole family.
Visitors can enjoy rides, games and activities around the centrepiece of an erupting volcano.
From go-karts to bumper cars, crazy golf to tea-cup rides, there’s something to get everyone feeling the fun.
Find the fun at 24559 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
12- Play Around At Fat Daddy’s Arcade
The fun continues next to Adventure Island at Fat Daddy’s Arcade.
Just across the road from the beach, this is perfect to pop into when you get bored of lying around on the sand.
Along with all the games and prize machines, there are plenty of snack bars where you can get all your favourite fairground foods.
Pop into 24565 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States.
13- Lay Back On Orange Beach
If you’re going to a seaside resort town, you’ll probably want to relax on the beach, and with its soft, white sand, Orange Beach won’t disappoint.
There’s plenty of space to spread out, so it rarely feels too cramped, even during busier periods.
Bars, cafes, restaurants, and public restrooms are all nearby, so you can comfortably spend all day at the beach. Active travellers might also like to hire paddle boards for fun on the water.
Head down onto 25900 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
14- Enjoy The Peace of Orange Beach – Florida Point
Florida Point is a great option if you prefer to avoid crowds as much as possible when relaxing on the beach.
Just across the Perdido Pass, Florida Point is removed enough from the main city to be quieter.
You’ll still have all the amenities needed for a chilled-out beach day with smaller crowds encroaching on your space.
Go over to 28105 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
15- Get Creative At The Coastal Arts Centre
Orange Beach has a vibrant arts scene and there’s nowhere better to take it in than the Coastal Arts Centre.
Alongside its gallery, where you can appreciate works by local artists, there are plenty of ways to get creative.
The arts centre runs classes and demonstrations across various artistic skills and mediums.
You can learn to work with art forms, including pottery and glass-blowing and create your unique souvenir.
Find the arts centre at 26389 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
16- Have A Drink At Flora-Bama
Well-known across the country, Flora-Bama is a beach bar and grill right on the border between Alabama and Florida.
The iconic bar hosts daily live music across its various stages.
Hosting acts across various musical genres, it’s worth checking their upcoming gigs for during your stay.
Head to 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507.
17- Make Memories At Cool Shots Selfie Museum
For a cool, unique, personalised souvenir, head to the Cool Shots Selfie Museum.
The museum has various sets and props to help you create fascinating and creative photos.
At the very least, it’ll make for some super fun Instagram posts.
Start the photo shoot at 4700B Main St, Suite N-207, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
18- Sail Away On An Orange Beach Pirate Cruise
Looking for an adventure to thrill kids of all ages? Head out on a pirate cruise and make some unique memories on the high seas.
Along with setting sail on an authentic-looking pirate ship, kids can participate in various activities to experience a pirate’s life for a day.
Singing sea shanties, listening to stories of real-life pirates, and participating in a pirate battle are just some fun things to get involved in.
All aboard at 4575 S Wilson Blvd #1, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
19- Head To Sea With Orange Beach Dolphin Cruises
The water around Orange Beach is home to a thriving population of bottlenose dolphins.
The best way to get an up-close glimpse of them is to head out onto the sea on a Dolphin Cruise.
Although spotting a dolphin is the trip’s ultimate goal, there are plenty of other wonderful species to watch.
Sea turtles, rays, and various fish and waterfowl will likely be making their appearances.
Join the crew at 4575 S Wilson Blvd #1, Orange Beach, AL 36561. Here are a couple of dolphin cruises:
20- Get Your Bearings At Orange Beach Welcome Centre
If you still want to add more activities to your itinerary, swing by the Orange Beach Welcome Centre to get up-to-date information and personalised recommendations.
It’s a great way to learn about any special events coming up.
You can pick up some pamphlets about the various sights and attractions in the area.
Staff are on hand to give some advice on the best things to see and do from a local’s perspective.
Start your trip at 23685 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
For more places to visit in the Southern states, see:
